Thoughts & Reactions: New England Patriots Wallop Texans 27-0
New England Patriots improved to 3-0 with a 27-0 victory over the Houston Texans Thursday night at Gillett Stadium.
Bill Belichick could only smile. With a complete team effort on offense, defense and special teams, the New England Patriots improved to 3-0 with shutout victory over former offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and the Houston Texans.
Third string quarterback Jacoby Brissett did it more with his feet on Thursday night. The rookie completed 11 of 19 passes for 103 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, but his ability to run the ball won the game for the Patriots. Brisett scored on a 27-yard run in the first quarter to give the Patriots a 10-0 lead. It was really all the Patriots would need as the defense really stepped up and held Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler at bay.
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The defense was led by a very energized Jamie Collins. The talented linebacker intercepted Osweiler and was very active around the ball. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard also stepped up putting pressure on the Houston quarterback recording a couple of sacks. The total team effort on defense was a complete upgrade from the effort last Sunday against the Miami Dolphins in which the team allowed a 31-3 lead almost slip away.
My Thoughts
There really is no surprise the Patriots won on Thursday night. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Belichick have become masters at devising just the right game plan. Inserting the read option with Brissett under center added fun to the game. Just the threat of him possibly taking off and running the ball caused the Texans to make adjustments. It also added a new wrinkle to the Patriots offense. Don’t be surprised to see Brissett in for a play or two even when Tom Brady returns.
On the defensive side of the ball, defensive end Jabaal Sheard reminded fans of why Chandler Jones was expendable. Sheard, along with Trey Flowers and Chris Long put pressure on Osweiler all night long. That kind of penetration along the defensive line is what could make the Patriots defense a top 5 defense.
Rob Gronkowski made his debut Thursday night which was nice to see. It was obvious, however, that he is still not 100 percent and the team is easing him slowly back into the flow of the game. Gronkowski was targeted once in the end zone, but played more of a role in the run game.
Speaking of the run game, LeGarrette Blount recorded his second consecutive 100-yard game. With a couple of touchdown runs, Blount stepped up and took pressure off of Brissett. In observing his runs, it appears Blount has most of his success running behind left tackle Nate Solder. As opposing teams prepare to take that away, it should open up more open space up the middle, an area he seems to have trouble finding holes.
Player reactions
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett on touchdown run via Patriots.com: “I was just running until I got stopped. So it worked out how we planned it was going to work out. Just had to make one guy miss at the end zone.”
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long on the quarterback trio and team’s defensive effort via USA Today Sports: “We have confidence in Jacoby. We have confidence in Jimmy. And we have confidence in that other guy that’s coming back pretty soon. So it’s up to us as a defense to execute. We know how good our offense can be so we just want to hold up our end of the bargain.”
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett on being on the field with Rob Gronkowski via WEEI: “It’s very run; me and Gronk have a great relationship. You know, we have a lot of fun together off the field and on the field, so it was good to have my partner in crime out there [Thursday].”
Next: Rob Gronkowski a Game-Time Decision Vs Texans
The Patriots will have extended time to prepare for the Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills. Will Jimmy Garoppolo be ready for the AFC East showdown? Expect the quarterback drama to continue throughout the upcoming week. At least it’s good quarterback drama in New England.