Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt suffered a broken hand in practice this week, but expects to play through it this Sunday. It will not affect his status for Sunday’s crucial showdown with the Patriots, according to multiple reports, however. Brady has thrown for three or more touchdowns in six of first 11 games this year.
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“This was painful when it happened, but it’s football”, said Watt. How ever you want to break it down and look at it I think it;s safe to say that JJ Watt may be the best defensive player that we’ve seen since the likes of Reggie White and Lawrence Taylor.
Watt broke his left hand in practice Wednesday, but said he’ll play Sunday. “You just gotta go play football and make sure everyone’s sticking to what we do around here and just keep going. That’s what I plan to do”. As the Patriots head coach Belichick has had the pleasure (or displeasure) of facing Watt multiple times in the AFC, so he’s also very aware of his capabilities on the field.
There’s no indication Watt is in any danger of missing the game against the Patriots Sunday night, but it continues a collection of recent practice days off for the NFL’s sack leader (13.5).
Asked if opposing players come after injuries when they know he has them, Watt said: “Let “em try”.
Watt doesn’t expect the injury to impact the way he plays. “Sometimes we lose track of business… when you play this game you kind of block out the business aspect until it is time for business to step in and that was a prime case of this right here, it was just business, it was not anything personal”. Other than Gronkowski, Hightower, and Chung, that list includes receiver Danny Amendola (knee), tight end Scott Chandler (knee), cornerback Justin Coleman (hand), guard Josh Kline (shoulder), safety Devin McCourty (shoulder), and special teams ace Matthew Slater (stinger). “Come at it. I’ll take advantage of whatever you try to do”.
The Patriots and Texans meet for the sixth time in the regular season (seventh overall), with the Patriots 4-1 against the Texans with a record of 2-1 in Houston. He’s not quite on pace to get 20 sacks again this year, but his current total of 13½ sacks is good enough to lead the league.
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STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES – Tom Brady is only quarterback to start for New England against Texans since they joined league in 2002. It’s my job to go out there and get to the quarterback.
