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The more things change the more they stay the same for Frank Reich and the Indianapolis Colts.

Despite changes this offseason centered around new QB Matt Ryan the Colts have now gone 9 years since their last week one victory. The latest? A 20-20 tie against the Houston Texans.

But hey, if you’re a glass half full kind of Colts fan, the 9 year season opening losing streak has technically come to an end. Just no wins to show in that span still.

Let’s not get things twisted by looking at the box score. It’s great that the Colts rallied back, but this was at one point a 20-3 advantage for Houston.

Most teams in the national football league take that lead and never look back. Fortunately for the Colts, they were up against a team that will likely be in the bottom of the standings at years end.

Still, it took the Colts transforming from an offensive performance that looked almost as inept as Notre Dame against Marshall to a somewhat competent offense that began the season as favorites to win the AFC South.

Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. carried the otherwise forgetful day for the Colts offense. Taylor finished the afternoon with 31 carries for 161 yards and a rushing touchdown. Pittman Jr. corralled 9 of his 13 targets for 121 yards and a score. JT and MPJ were the primary reason for the Colts second half surge.

As for new quarterback Matt Ryan, his Colts debut was decent after a disappointing first half.  The veteran went 32 of 50 for 352 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Pittman Jr.’s 15 yard touchdown catch from Ryan with 1:54 to play in regulation capped off the Colts comeback and made most fans in Indy think the team might pull off a massive rally.

A missed 43 yard field goal by Indy’s Rodrigo Blakenship with 2:00 to play in overtime, however, kept the idea of a tie alive.

Then, following a Texans punt and a clear commitment to 0-0-1 by Colts play calling with :20 seconds to go, the first tie of the season became a reality.

The tie made it nine straight season opening losses for the Colts which is the longest active streak in the NFL and the second longest in the history of the league.

Indianapolis will look to shake off the draw, and get in the win column for the first time this season, when they travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars next Sunday at 1pm.

Be sure and stay tuned into The Fan for Colts Coverage all season long.