I took a look back at the Patriots last-second win over the Texans in week three of 2017. It was good to get reacquainted with Houston and a reminder that this will be a very tough game for the Patriots. Here was my film review at the time for the defense and offense.
The Texans have all the pieces, and if Deshaun Watson can make the kind of throws he was making in the second half last year, we could be in for another track meet with over 60 points scored.
Jadaveon Clowney and JJ Watt are major problems and their disruptiveness was apparent on every Patriots possession. The Patriots were still managing Nate Solder last time and were without Marcus Cannon. Hopefully, the upgrade to a fully healthy Trent Brown and Marcus Cannon will make a difference and help Tom Brady establish a better rhythm early.
The Pats’ focus on power running with Mike Gillislee will likely mean a lot of Jeremy Hill and possibly Rex Burkhead (if healthy) with James Develin paving the way.
Jacob Hollister had a catch and got lit up. He should get a chance at some payback this weekend.
This game was a great look at what would haunt the Patriots all season long and what annoyed me most about the 2017 squad. Poor middle-of-field coverage and a reliance on make-or-break deep balls. It was also a reminder of how much they relied on Danny Amendola in critical spots and how someone else is going to have to come through with those catches now.
On defense, they were without Dont’a Hightower and the Texans had a lot of success targeting the linebackers in coverage. Kyle Van Noy had one of his worst games as a Patriot. Elandon Roberts was stout on first-down runs, but struggled in space.
The young front, also featuring an ineffective Alan Branch, struggled to contain Foster in the pocket. Early in the game some of the only plays the Texans got were because Watson leaked out and picked up yardage with his legs. Adam Butler was still getting a look at defensive end, giving us a reasonable expectation that Dont’a Hightower, Danny Shelton, Adrian Clayborn, and an experienced Dietrich Wise will be major upgrades up front.
What is worrisome is how Watson began to get more comfortable in the pocket as the game went along. He was finding the holes in the Patriots’ coverage, which was also a reflection on how poorly the secondary started last year. Watson threw for 301 yards and rushed for 41, and the Pats often looked as helpless as they did in the Super Bowl.
There’s no doubt this will be a game where mistakes and special teams will be the difference. September games are often sloppy and weird. Nobody’s really tackled yet. The heat plays a role too. The Patriots will have to play a clean game because the Texans have the checklist of necessary items to knock off the dynasty in their home opener just like the Chiefs did last year.
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Lazar posted all of the non sack hits Brady took in this game last year. All incredible throws including a wild pitch to Gronk and the Cooks winning TD. All sorts of fired up now. I think we’ll see a lot of power looks with Sweet Feet White & Burkhead having a day. Hoping Dorsett settles in and he could cause problems. See a little Branch in his movements. Hope he can match the coverage recognition and hands.