New England Patriots: 3 bold predictions for Week 1 vs. Texans
By Sam Minton
Deshaun Watson will be held to under 250 total yards
The reason this prediction is so bold is because the New England Patriots defense hasn’t been great as of late. The last time we saw them Nick Foles was making New England’s defense look like garbage. No one could make a tackle and no one could stop the Eagles offense.
This season I think things will be different. The Patriots should have a much better pass rush. Adrian Clayborn will add some pressure off the edge, and with Dont’a Hightower at 100 percent, he can be a spy on Watson.
The main thing for the Patriots is keeping Watson in front of them. If Watson gets to the 2nd level he may be taking it all the way to the end zone.
Another important factor for this prediction to come true is the secondary. DeAndre Hopkins is a top receiver in the NFL. He is a deep threat who can take the top off a defense.
This will be a big test for Stephon Gilmore. He no longer has Malcolm Butler to take care of him. Gilmore has to be a shutdown corner. If he can’t stop Hopkins, the Patriots are screwed.