This game would be more of a scrimmage, allowing the Patriots to pad their stats and get back on track after a loss to the Broncos last week.
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With the playoff race heating up, the Eagles take care of business in front of the home crowd as they gain momentum for a late-season run.
Austin, 31, was signed during the summer to provide the Eagles’ wide receiver corps some depth and veteran presence.
Imagine what Tom Brady might do. When Brady did have time to throw, he didn’t seem to be in sync with his receivers. He also tossed two interceptions. They say, “Just play the game”.
New England was dominated on special teams, giving up a blocked punt and a punt return for touchdowns. Brady connected with Scott Chandler for a 14-yard touchdown while Rashaan Melvin recovered the enduring onside kick.
After a slow start, former Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer has created some stability for the Texans as they try to push past the Colts into first place with four games remaining.
The Patriots dominated opponents in special teams through the first ten weeks, but against the Eagles, New England had too many mental and psychical errors to overcome.
That’s when the Patriots receivers dropped three passes in a row to turn the ball over on downs.
Sproles, a pest as usual, ran 15 times for 66 yards and caught four passes for 34 more before the fumble. They’ve lost both games. The first came in the 2014 season opener at Miami, but that one wasn’t returned for a touchdown.
There’s a fine line between aggressive and arrogant, New England crossed it Sunday.
Did the Patriots cover?
You can’t blame reporters for trying to penetrate Belichick’s mindset on the call, but post-loss grumpy-ass Bill wasn’t biting.
Houston had a bit of quarterback controversy brewing early in the season, but Brian Hoyer has now seized the number one job, and he has played fairly well in Bill O’Brien‘s offense. Ebner attempted two onside kicks, and neither was successful. It took eight plays for the Eagles to go 59 yards for the first of five unanswered touchdowns.
In Brady’s defense, injuries have hit New England’s offense especially hard.
When the Patriots were forced to punt on their next possession, Sproles broke free for an 83-yard touchdown. Brian Hoyer also spent time in New England, as did defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, linebackers coach Mike Vrabel, and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.
New England scored two touchdowns in the final five minutes to get within one score but could not convert on a final possession. That’s very tough to bet against, especially if New England can get a few guys back for this contest. Now, they’re nearly in position to control their playoff hopes.
The Patriots are now faced with the challenge of playing three of their last four games of the regular season on the road.
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The New England Patriots and Houston Texans play Sunday night in a key AFC matchup at NRG Stadium. He had never thrown a pick against the Eagles in his career, and this marked the first time since the Super Bowl he had thrown more than one in a game.
