Little was at stake Sunday afternoon for the Indianapolis Colts. Their playoff destination already determined, the Colts could neither improve nor worsen their playoff standing. Indianapolis, however, went full bore at the Houston Texans, and with head coach Chuck Pagano on the sideline, won 28-16 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts now turn their attention to the playoffs; they will travel to Baltimore next week to play the Ravens.
Offense: B
Andrew Luck, for the fourth straight week, was not sharp. He did, however, throw a magnificent 70-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie T.Y. Hilton, effectively putting the game away. Importantly, though, the offensive line held up against J.J. Watt and Co. for the most part -- something that couldn't be said when these teams met in Week 15. Running back Vick Ballard had a bruising 78 yards on 27 carries, solidifying his spot as the feature back as the playoffs approach. Previous game's grade: C
Defense: B-
Though the defense was again torched by Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, it was able to coax a few turnovers, as well. Cornerback Vontae Davis had a pair of interceptions, and the Colts front was able to sack Houston quarterback Matt Schaub four times. Johnson ended with 12 catches for 141 yards, though, and Arian Foster rushed for 96 yards on just 16 carries. Baltimore's Ray Rice is licking his chops. Previous game's grade: B-
Special Teams: A-
Right when the Texans took their first lead of the game, Deji Karim took the ensuing kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown. It's never expected that a return team put points on the board, so when it happens it's a bonus. The special teams elsewhere were mistake-free. Previous game's grade: B
Coaching: A
Why not? Chuck Pagano's first game back set an emotional scene, and his team followed suit. Though the Colts again struggled with Foster and Johnson, Pagano's presence on the sideline encouraged some big plays on defense. At least that's what fits the story best. Still, the team as a whole had looked somewhat lackadaisical in previous weeks, so Pagano's return could be the jolt the Colts needed. Previous game's grade: B
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSColts.