Instead, the New England Patriots cruised to a 27-0 victory by capitalizing on three turnovers thanks to an efficient effort from a rookie quarterback making his first National Football League start.
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Brissett started in place of Jimmy Garoppolo, who was inactive because of an injured right shoulder.
Houston’s defence has not allowed a touchdown in their last six quarters and after missing the entire preseason due to back surgery, human wrecking ball JJ Watt looks to be playing himself into form. Give Brissett credit, too, for his role in reading the defense at the line and facilitating a LeGarrette Blount-led ground attack that racked up 185 yards on 39 hauls. After two hard-fought plays, Houston had New England at third-and-goal from the two only to commit another pass interference penalty.
Brissett made his National Football League debut in relief of Garoppolo and completed 6 of 9 passes for 92 yards against Miami on Sunday in a 31-24 victory. The Patriots will do everything they can to pressure QB Brock Osweiler in order to slow down their offense and force some turnovers.
Lamar Miller ran for 80 yards on 21 carries in the loss. The third-round draft pick from NC State replaced Garoppolo in Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins and has worked as the starter in the days leading up to Thursday’s game.
CATCHING ON: Houston rookie wide receiver WILL FULLER has recorded at least 100 receiving yards in each of his first two games.
The Patriots’ only touchdown was scored by rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who ran the ball 27-yards into the end zone. The Patriots pulled away with a 20-0 lead with 5:46 left in the third quarter.
“We really asked a lot out of the team this week – they responded”, Patriots Coach Bill Belichick said. It was the first time since Drew Bledsoe in 1993 that New England had started a rookie quarterback. The Texans were held to just 284 yards of total offense. Duron Harmon recovered for the Patriots, but James ruled down on the field.
Brissett’s touchdown run was the longest run by a Patriots quarterback since 1978 and the longest touchdown run by a New England quarterback since 1976.
Tonight we are all Houston Texans fans.
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Gronkowski is listed as active for the first time this season on Thursday night, after he sat out the first two weeks of the regular season with a hamstring injury he sustained during training camp.
