INDIANAPOLIS — In the Indianapolis Colts' 37-34 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, there was some bad — being down by 18 in the third quarter — but there was also plenty of good as well — erasing the deficit, forcing overtime and briefly taking the lead.
Despite the loss, Pro Football Focus found some positive things for the Colts, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, as quarterback Andrew Luck and a couple of his linemen up front received top-10 grades for their position on the week.
Andrew Luck
Quarterback No. 4 (90.1), 91 snaps (100 percent)
You could call this the most statistically productive game of Luck's career. He set new career personal bests in pass completions (40), attempts (62) as well as passing yards (464). He also chipped in four passing touchdowns.
The completions mark tied a franchise record while his attempts broke the record. His passing yards were also just nine short of breaking Peyton Manning's 472 set back in 2004.
Luck had the Colts offense humming throughout the fourth quarter and into overtime, so much so that head coach Frank Reich had no reservations about going for it on 4th and 4 while backed up into their own territory.
Luck's 90.1 grade is his highest earned from PFF so far in 2018.
Le'Raven Clark
Offensive Tackle No. 6 (76.8), 91 snaps (100 percent)
You never want to be without your starting left tackle, which is the situation the Colts have found themselves in while missing Anthony Castonzo through the first four games of the season.
However, Clark has held his own through three games, Sunday being his best one so far in 2018.
When you're on the field for 91 snaps, your day won't be without its blemishes — Clark was credited with allowing two hurries and pressures as well as being called for a holding penalty — but that's not a bad day's work when you're regularly matched up against Jadeveon Clowney.
In the second half as the Colts mounted their comeback, the offensive line did a good job of giving Luck time to get rid of the ball, and Clark was a big part of that.
Matt Slauson
Offensive Guard No. 8 (70.2), 91 snaps (100 percent)
Slauson has been exactly what the doctor ordered for the Colts, as the 10-year veteran has taken care of his assignments and left no worry in the minds of those relying on him and the rest of the offensive line.
On Sunday, Slauson was dinged for just one pressure and one quarterback hit allowed on 74 pass blocks. He was also helpful in helping block Texans defensive end J.J. Watt when needed.
The Colts' were unable to get the run game going, largely due to playing from behind, but Slauson did a fine job of keeping pressure out of Luck's face from the right side.
