Patriots vs. Texans: Three Week 14 Stars of the Game

Star Number Two: CB Logan Ryan

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots’ defense is among the best defensive units in the entire NFL. They showed up in a big way on Sunday night, and the play of the secondary was once again a huge reason why.

With his succesful work on an island throughout the season, Malcolm Butler has been getting most of the attention at the corner back position for the Patriots this season. That’s for good reason too, because Butler has been incredible. However, it was his running mate, Logan Ryan who stole the show against the Texans.

Since Arian Foster went down with a season-ending injury, when it comes to the Texans’ offense, your primary concern is always WR DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans’ star receiver has grown into his own this season, truly becoming one of the best players at the position in the entire NFL. Hopkins has such a well-rounded skill-set that is difficult to defend, and he has torn up opposing defenses with regularity this season.

Well, Logan Ryan did not only hold his own, he dominated Hopkins for most of the night. Sure, Ryan received plenty of help from the Patriots’ safeties, but he followed Hopkins all over the field through most of the game, and Hopkins could never really get going.

Ryan and the Patriots held Hopkins to only three receptions on six targets. Brian Hoyer was trying to get him the ball, but Ryan always seemed to be in great position. Hopkins did end up with 52 receiving yards on the night, but 40 of those came on one play in the fourth quarter with the Patriots having the game in control. It was the only play of the night where Hopkins got the better of Ryan.

The Patriots’ defense dominated the Texans on Sunday night, and with Ryan being the primary reason they were able to take away Houston’s best player, he deserves a ton of credit for the performance. The Patriots may have found a great duo at the corner back position.

Next: Dominating Force Up Front