Just as everyone expected the Patriots defence would shut down the Texans allowing zero points and Brissett would go 11-of-19 for 103 yards and rush for a touchdown. If you ever thought this would happen you are crazy. It was simple the Patriots came ready to play in primetime and the Texans were not ready for a Sunday afternoon game nonetheless a primetime game in Foxboro.
It was great to see Gronkowski out and on the sideline and the field for some plays but the ball never found him. Bennett found the ball more than Gronk as he had two catches for a total of 10 yards.
But it was Blount who really stepped up and put the game in his own hands and helped the Patriots score as he rushed for two of the three touchdowns. Blount touched the ball 24 times and ran for 105 yards.
The only one to come close to Blount’s stats was Brissett himself. Rookie QB Brissett started his first game tonight but you could not tell as he looked comfortable from the start and seemed to not let nerves get the best of him. Brissett had 8 carries for 48 yards and his very own rushing touchdown. Brissett gave his first touchdown ball to Belichick for his own collection.
The Huston offence never could gain any ground as it basically took to the second half for them to cross the 50 yards line into Patriots territory. Osweiler finished the day going 24-of-41 for 196 yards and an interception. Lamar Miller didn’t even have a good day and he led Huston in rushing. Miller had 21 carries for just 80 yards.
But it was Huston special team that that would be their thorn in the side as the Patriots forced two fumbles on kick returns. One coming from Charles James II, and the second coming from Tyler Ervin. The Patriots recovered both fumbles and turned one of them into a touchdown.
One thing that really stood out to me and was my biggest takeaway from this game was New England’s punting. Ryan Allen was perfect tonight punting a total of seven balls.
Allen’s placements of these punts were perfect and a big reason why the Texans could not generate any points all their positions started deep in their own zone. Here is my breakdown of Allen’s punts.
Punt one was a fair catch at the Huston 11 yard line. Punt two was a fair catch at the Huston 10. Punt 3 was also a fair catch at the Huston 10. Punt 4 was downed at the Huston 20 yard line. Punt 5 was a fair catch at the Huston 14 yard line. Punt 6 was a clutch punt with a great roll that was downed at the Huston 5 yard line. And finally, punt 7 was a fair catch at the Huston 4 yard line.
Don’t underestimate the importance of punting this was a really big reason why the Patriots defence looked so good tonight. A lot of the drives were started deep in the Huston zone. And when your defence is playing as good as the Patriots were that’s all you can ask for.
A great all around win for the Patriots as they enter a mini-bye, their next game will be a week from Sunday when the Buffalo Bills come to town.
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