New England Patriots: 5 observations from lackluster night in Houston

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 1: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots sits on the bench near the end of the game during a loss to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Patriots 28-22. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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New England Patriots Kyle Van Noy. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

1. Defense still solid

The narrative after allowing four passing touchdowns to the Houston Texans will be how the New England Patriots defense is overrated and was exposed by Deshaun Watson.

Yes, the defense gave up 28 points, but they did limit the Texans running game and Watson had just 234 yards passing, some of that was a nice 35-yard touchdown strike to Will Fuller IV.

Overall, they got some pressure on the young Texans quarterback and if not for a missed sack by John Simon that prolonged a drive that resulted in a touchdown, the Patriots would’ve had a chance to recapture momentum after falling down 7-3.

While the Texans did expose Patriots linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy in coverage, the defense overall wasn’t the reason why the New England Patriots lost this game.

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Once again, it was the ineptitude of the offense in completing drives and turning the ball over giving the opposing offense a short field. With some of the players playing the game sick, the defense gets a pass in this one. They will bounce back strong against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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