Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader (3) kicks a field goal during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — The Colts got their first win of the season on Sunday, defeating the Texans, 19-17. The win snapped a five game losing streak to the division rivals.
It was not the prettiest of games for the Colts, as Daniel Jones turned the ball over three times and the team scored just one touchdown. But, they found a way to get the win.
WISH-TV and WRTV Colts Insider Kevin Bowen thinks the style in which the Colts got the win was the most impressive part.
“I would say winning ugly,” Bowen said. “I know that sounds kind of weird, but low-scoring game, the Colts have struggled to win those games under Shane Steichen, but that’s part of NFL life. If it’s a 17-week grind, you’re not going to have your best effort. I would say yesterday was not the Colts’ best effort. But if you can try to improve while winning, that’s the best recipe. So I think winning ugly was so vital for this team.”
Bowen has covered the Colts for 16 years and is a radio host for 107.5 The Fan, hosting “The Fan Morning Show.”
Jones was able to lead the game-winning drive when the game was on the line, but it was not his best outing. Bowen noted that the turnover trend to start the season is concerning.
“That’s now five turnovers in three games,” Bowen said. “That’s an alarming number and I would say yesterday specifically, I thought a lot of it was rooted just in decision making. Particularly both those second half turnovers, the interception and the fumble. I thought those were moments in the game where if you can just not make a bad play worse, that Spencer Shrader’s right leg is going to lead you to victory. So I think that’s just something a little worrisome for me here in the month of September.”
The Colts now turn their attention to a matchup against the Washington Commanders in London. Bowen said he is not overly impressed with the Commanders, but they are coming off a win against the Seahawks. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET.