The Texans came in with the more vaunted defense of the two teams, and an offense without many questions.
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The Patriots improved to 3-0 during Tom Brady’s four-game Deflategate absence. That means he’s unlikely to play, but one line of thinking was that perhaps he could still dress and serve as an emergency option.
As for Jimmy Garoppolo, who helped the Patriots to a 2-0 record in the first two weeks, there are conflicting reports about whether he will be in uniform for the team. Other inactives for New England are linebacker Dont’a Hightower (knee), running back D.J. Foster, guard Jonathan Cooper (foot), cornerback Eric Rowe (ankle), offensive lineman LaAdrian Waddle and tight end A.J. Derby. That’s as much a credit to the coaching staff as it is the players. With Tom Brady suspended, the Pats are 2-0 with backup Jimmy Garoppolo in the role.
NH1 News will have continuing coverage at tonight’s game, including press conference and locker room interviews after the game on NH1.com. The 21st overall pick in this year’s draft needs one more 100-yard receiving game to become the first player to start his career with three straight such games. These receivers will need to gain some separation to make it easier on QB Brock Osweiler and this offense to put some points on the board.
“We’re going to have to play a good solid football game in all three phases”, said Belichick. Last week, Osweiler struggled with ball protection and threw a pair of interceptions.
They coughed up two kick returns that led to short fields for Brissett whose TD run was on one of those extra possessions via a Houston turnover.
Brissett only got to the Dolphins 16, but Stephen Gostkowski was able to make a 34-yard field goal to make it 24-0, Patriots. Brandon Bolden forced one fumble in the first quarter while Nate Ebner forced another in the third.
VERY SPECIAL TEAMS: Belichick has always been a stickler about special teams. The Texans’ active defense is one of the best in the National Football League at getting to the quarterback and should be licking their chops at facing a Patriots offensive line that has had its struggles up front.
Facts: New England is a home underdog for the third time in the past 10-plus seasons, with both previous instances occurring in 2014 when the Patriots won the Super Bowl.
New England head coach Bill Belichick left open the possibility of Garoppolo playing all week, but he was officially listed as doubtful, and anyone who witnessed his injury or saw the replay could infer that he wasn’t going to play.
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– Written by Bryan Fischer, an award-winning college football columnist and member of the Athlon Contributor Network.
