Texans lose Stefon Diggs, avoid comeback in win over Colts

Rivalry games are a must watch.

Even until the last second.

In one last hurray to pull off the disappointment, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was sacked by Danielle Hunter to help the Houston Texans to a 23-20 victory at NRG Stadium.

The Texans (6-2) now improved to 3-0 in the division with a win over the Colts. Houston can also finish October with a 4-1 record if it beats the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football.

CJ Stroud wasn’t at his best, but he managed to make up for lost time in week seven. After throwing for 86 yards against the Green Bay Packers, Stroud completed 25 of 37 pass attempts for 285 yards and a touchdown.

Joe Mixon remained a consistent presence on the ground, posting his fourth 100-yard rushing performance (102) in five games on 25 carries. He also tied the game at 10-10 with a 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Richardson, who completed 10 of 32 passing, found a spark and ended the first quarter with a 69-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs. He only finished one more time after that, for 70 yards.

After the two-minute warning, Richardson missed a pass intended for Downs and was intercepted by Jalen Pitre. This led to Tank Dell’s 7-yard touchdown reception, increasing Houston’s lead by seven.

Houston never lost the lead, but didn’t pull away either. Richardson threw a 25-yard pass to Downs to set up a 1-yard touchdown run from Jonathan Taylor.

On second goal, Mixon fumbled at the 18-yard line. The ball was returned by Colts cornerback Dayo Odeyingbo for a 78-yard return touchdown, but upon further review, Odeyingbo was ejected due to contact. Indianapolis struck three plays later.

Richardson found Trey Sermon for 14 yards before rushing to the line for the kick with one second left. The Texans’ passer missed on its first try, but recovered when Danielle Hunter covered the running lane and ripped the ball away, which was later recovered by Will Anderson Jr.

Taylor, who was known for his ability to beat Houston on the ground, was held to 105 yards. Hunter finished with a team-best two sacks.

Stefon Diggs finished with a team-leading five catches for 81 yards. Diggs left late in the third quarter with a non-contact knee injury and did not return.

Kickoff at MetLife Stadium on Thursday is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.