Preparing for Fierce Edge Rush in Texans Game for the Indianapolis Colts

As the Indianapolis Colts prepare to face the Houston Texans, one of the most pressing challenges on their checklist is neutralizing the Texans’ fierce edge rush—a unit that has emerged as one of the NFL’s most disruptive forces in the second half of the season. The Texans’ edge rushers, led by veteran Yannick Ngakoue and rising star Jonathan Greenard, have combined for 18 sacks and 26 quarterback hits since Week 10, using a mix of speed, power, and technical precision to overwhelm opposing offensive lines. For the Colts, whose offense relies on quarterback Gardner Minshew’s ability to make quick decisions and extend plays with his legs, containing this edge rush isn’t just a defensive task—it’s a prerequisite for offensive success. Preparing for Fierce Edge Rush in Texans Game for the Indianapolis Colts explores the Colts’ strategy to counter the Texans’ pass rush, the specific adjustments they’re making, and why this battle in the trenches could decide the outcome of the AFC South matchup.

At the heart of the Colts’ preparation is a deep dive into the Texans’ edge rush tendencies—specifically, how Ngakoue and Greenard attack different offensive line setups. Film study from the Colts’ coaching staff has revealed that Ngakoue favors a speed-to-power move against right tackles, using his initial burst to get past the line before leaning into blockers to create separation. Greenard, meanwhile, excels at the “spin move” and often lines up on the left side to target younger or less experienced tackles. To counter these threats, the Colts have spent extra time in practice working on “slide protections,” where the offensive line shifts as a unit to double-team the rushing edge rusher. “We can’t let Ngakoue or Greenard beat us one-on-one,” said Colts offensive line coach Chris Strausser. “Slide protections let us bring an extra blocker to the edge, forcing them to either disengage or take a longer path to the quarterback.” The Colts have also focused on improving their “pocket awareness,” with Minshew practicing stepping up in the pocket to avoid edge rushers instead of scrambling to the sidelines—a move that often leaves him vulnerable to pursuit. Preparing for Fierce Edge Rush in Texans Game for the Indianapolis Colts emphasizes that this film-driven preparation isn’t just about stopping individual players; it’s about disrupting the Texans’ entire pass-rush rhythm.

Another key part of the Colts’ preparation involves leveraging their tight ends and running backs as additional pass protectors—a strategy designed to give Minshew more time to throw. Tight end Kylen Granson, who has spent most of the season focused on receiving, has added extra pass-blocking drills to his practice routine, working on identifying which edge rusher to pick up and how to use his 6-foot-3 frame to create a barrier. Running back Zack Moss, who may start if Jonathan Taylor is sidelined, has been practicing “chip blocks”—quick hits on edge rushers before releasing into the flat to catch short passes. “Using tight ends and running backs in pass protection isn’t ideal, because it takes away receiving options,” said Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “But against a pass rush like the Texans’, it’s necessary. We’re training Kylen and Zack to be smart about when to block and when to release, so we don’t limit our offense too much.” The Colts have also adjusted their playcalling in practice, incorporating more quick passes—like slants and screen plays—that let Minshew get rid of the ball in under 2 seconds, before the Texans’ edge rushers can reach the pocket. This combination of extra blockers and fast-paced plays is designed to keep the Texans’ pass rush off balance, forcing them to adjust their strategy mid-game. Preparing for Fierce Edge Rush in Texans Game for the Indianapolis Colts highlights that these adjustments show the Colts’ willingness to adapt their offense to neutralize a specific threat, putting team success above individual player roles.

The Indianapolis Colts have also made personnel adjustments to strengthen their offensive line, a move directly tied to their preparation for the Texans’ edge rush. The team elevated offensive tackle Will Holden from the practice squad to the active roster earlier this week, giving them an extra backup who can step in if a starter struggles with pass protection. Holden, who has 12 career starts in the NFL, has spent the week practicing with the first-team offense, learning the Colts’ blocking schemes and working on specific drills to counter Ngakoue’s speed. “Will brings experience and versatility,” Strausser said. “He can play both left and right tackle, which is crucial if we need to make a change during the game. Having him on the active roster gives us peace of mind.” The Indianapolis Colts have also moved starting right tackle Braden Smith to left tackle for some practice reps, a shift that lets Smith—one of the team’s strongest blockers—go up against Greenard, who typically lines up on the left edge. This cross-training ensures that no matter which side the Texans’ edge rushers attack, the Colts have a seasoned blocker ready to counter them. Preparing for Fierce Edge Rush in Texans Game for the Indianapolis Colts shows that the Indianapolis Colts’ personnel moves aren’t just about adding depth; they’re about putting the best possible blockers in position to stop the Texans’ most dangerous players.

Another layer of the Indianapolis Colts’ preparation involves mental training—specifically, helping their offensive linemen stay calm under pressure. The Colts’ sports psychologists have worked with the line to develop “pre-snap routines” that help them focus on their assignments instead of the threat of the Texans’ edge rushers. For example, left tackle Bernhard Raimann now goes through a 5-second routine before each play: he adjusts his stance, checks the alignment of the defensive line, and reminds himself of the specific block he needs to make. “The Texans’ edge rushers are going to make plays—we just can’t let that rattle us,” Raimann said. “This routine helps me stay in the moment and not overthink things.” The Indianapolis Colts have also simulated high-pressure scenarios in practice, like having the offense run plays with only 10 seconds on the play clock or after a turnover—situations where the Texans are likely to dial up their pass rush. These simulations help the offensive line get used to the chaos of game day, ensuring they don’t make mistakes when the pressure is on. Preparing for Fierce Edge Rush in Texans Game for the Indianapolis Colts underscores that the Indianapolis Colts understand that stopping a fierce edge rush isn’t just about physical skill; it’s about mental toughness, and their preparation reflects that focus.

As game day approaches, the Indianapolis Colts are putting the final touches on their preparation, with a focus on flexibility. The coaching staff has prepared multiple game plans—one for if Taylor plays, one for if he doesn’t—and has emphasized to the team that they may need to adjust on the fly based on how the Texans’ edge rush performs. Minshew has practiced reading the defensive line before each play, looking for clues about which edge rusher will blitz, and the offensive line has worked on communicating quickly to shift protections. “The key to beating a good edge rush is being able to adapt,” Steichen said. “We can’t go into the game with a single plan and stick to it—we need to be ready to change based on what the Texans throw at us.” The Indianapolis Colts have also watched film of how other teams have successfully slowed the Texans’ edge rush, taking notes on what worked (like double-teaming Ngakoue) and what didn’t (like leaving tackles in one-on-one matchups). This combination of preparation and flexibility gives the Colts a fighting chance against one of the NFL’s best pass rushes. Preparing for Fierce Edge Rush in Texans Game for the Indianapolis Colts concludes that the battle between the Colts’ offensive line and the Texans’ edge rush will be one of the most compelling storylines of the game. For the Indianapolis Colts, success in this matchup won’t just mean protecting Minshew—it will mean taking control of the game’s tempo and putting themselves in position to win the AFC South.