New England Patriots: 3 keys to defeating the Houston Texans

By Sam Minton | Sep 7, 2018

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots shakes hands with Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans after the Patriots defeat the Texans 36-33 at Gillette Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

2. Stopping the Texans D-line

If the Patriots want to have any success on offense they need to keep Tom Brady upright. That is pretty hard when you have J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney lining up opposite of you and are looking to take your head off.

This will be a big test for Marcus Cannon and Trent Brown on the corners. Just like Adrian Clayborn, Brown is looking to make a good impression in his first game in New England. One bad miss at the line and he will be getting yelled at by Tom Brady.

The line also needs to be effective so the Patriots can get the run game going. With the lack of quality receivers, I am expecting the run game to play a larger role in the Patriots offense. Hopefully first-round pick Sony Michel will be running up and down the field.

If the Texans defense runs rampant on the New England Patriots offensive line it could be a long day for Pats fans.

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