New England Patriots: 3 keys to defeating the Houston Texans

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FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

The New England Patriots are looking to start their season off with a win against the Houston Texans. Patriots fans shouldn’t be expecting a blowout.

The New England Patriots kick off their season with a tough matchup against the Houston Texans. These two teams faced off in week 3 of the 2017 season and it was a barnburner. The Patriots ended up winning, but fans were biting their nails.

This Houston team will probably be much more competitive. We have seen the damage that DeShaun Watson can do and J.J. Watt is back at 100 percent.

If the Patriots want to win they will need a complete effort on both sides of the ball. We will definitely get a gauge for what this New England Patriots team is capable of after week 1.

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So here are the 3 keys to defeating the Houston Texans in week 1.

1. Containing Deshaun Watson

The New England Patriots have sometimes struggled with mobile quarterbacks. Russell Wilson and Cam Newton have torn apart the Patriots defense at times.

If the Patriots want to win on Sunday they have to contain Deshaun Watson. They will need a solid pass rush to get Watson off his game and the d-line can’t let Watson break contain.

If Watson has room to run he can go all the way to the end zone. He has amazing speed and can make any defender miss.

The Patriots have been working on keeping contain in practice in preparation for Watson. Keion Crossen has been playing quarterback and has been running all over the field testing the defense’s ability to keep the quarterback in front of them.

This will be a big game for Adrian Clayborn. It is his first game as a Patriot and he will have to maintain his edge while still trying to rack up some sacks. A quality effort would mean a lot for Clayborn as he starts his career in New England.

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