Rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson had himself a game against New England, dodging defenders and making veteran moves, but the storming Patriots took the victory thanks to a Tom Brady drive which led to a Brandin Cooks connection in the front left corner of the endzone, giving the Patriots a 36-33 edge. Watson had 0:23 left in the fourth to make some magic, but threw a Hail Mary interception to officially end the game.
The former Clemson Tiger, although the outcome was not what he wanted, made impressive moves and the development of the former college star has been impressive. Nailing 22 completions out of 33 attempts and collecting 301 yards in the air, something defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is not a big fan of, airing two scores and throwing two interceptions was not a terrible day for the 6’3 dual threat quarterback. The elusiveness of Watson was prevalent multiple times today, as he collected 41 yards on the ground. Running back Lamar Miller was the top performer on the ground for either team, as he took 14 carries for 56 yards. Rookie running back D’Onta Foreman had plenty of opportunities to shine, as the 235 pound Texas alum snagged 65 yards receiving and 21 on the ground on 8 carries. Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins led the Texans with 76 receiving yards on 7 catches.
For the comeback kids, New England spiced up the game late and came out victorious. The ageless wonder Tom Brady delivered yet again with a completion percentage of 71% (25/35), 378 yards in the air and threaded 5 touchdowns. The ground game was not successful at all, only punishing out 59 yards as a team total and did most of the work in the aerial attack. A couple Patriots had multiple touchdowns, with reliable Chris Hogan getting hot early and eventually finishing with 4 catches for 68 yards and two scores. As the game progressed, the emergence of Brandin Cooks suddenly appeared since the double teams on him led to Hogan catches, but it reversed late. Cooks finished with 5 catches for 131 yards and two scores. Tight end Rob Gronkowski was the remaining Patriot with a receiving touchdown, ending the day with 8 catches for 89 yards. Gronkowski also became the fastest tight end to reach 70 touchdown receptions, doing this feat in only 91 games (Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates were 100+ respectively).
From a defensive perspective, the constant Houston penalties had been driven them to the ground, collecting 10 penalties for 6 yards while New England was called for five. The pressure on Brady was evident, causing the 18 year vet to fumble three times, one ended up being a recovery for six by defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Houston as a team, collected 5 sacks on Brady while New England only caught the elusive Watson twice. Clowney was a major part of that defense today, not just JJ Watt. Six tackles to go with 2 sacks and 3 QB hits, Clowney was very disruptive along with the recovery fumble for the touchdown.
Next game for NE: Sunday 10/1 vs Carolina (2-1)
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