Pats Cast Episode 20: Patriots Fall to the Texans, Drop to 4-6
That's right, I'm using the same photo twice in a row, because Deshaun Watson was the top performer in Sunday's game. (Photo: Mark Brown/Getty Images)
I thought the Patriots would keep a good thing going against the Texans on Sunday. They had won their last two games, the rushing attack had been very successful, and the 2-7 Texans seemed like the right kind of matchup to extend both of those hot streaks.
Alas, I was wrong. New England only picked up 86 yards on the ground, the defense did nothing to stop Deshaun Watson, and the winning streak came crashed to a halt with a 27-20 defeat.
Fittingly, I was at a loss for words initially, but there was nonetheless plenty to talk about from this game.
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Offense
The script flipped for the offense on Sunday. The running game made minimal impact, but the passing attack was strong.
In terms of volume stats (i.e. 365 passing yards), it was Cam Newton's best game as a Patriot since the loss to Seattle. Jakobi Meyers was only targeted three times – he attracted Bradley Roby, far and away Houston's best cornerback – but he managed three catches for 38 yards, N'Keal Harry added five catches for 41 yards, James White chipped in six snags for 61 yards – his best output of the season.
The star, however, was free agent signee Damiere Byrd. After serving as a speed-based decoy for most of the season, he caught six balls for 132 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, stretching the field in ways that no other Patriot has this season.
Damien Harris was once again the top rusher, but he only amassed 43 yards on 11 carries – although he did chip in a touchdown. The rest of their ball carriers mustered the exact same yardage on two extra carries, and 11 of those yards came from Byrd.
Defense
Truthfully, I'd rather not talk about it. Statistically, the defense wasn't great, and it looked even worse to the eye test.
The unit failed to generate any significant pressure on Deshaun Watson, and they came away with no sacks, despite the fact that two of Houston's offensive linemen – including left tackle Laremy Tunsil – didn't play.
They held the running game in check – every team in the league does that – but Watson threw for 344 yards and two touchdowns, plus one on the ground. He also completed 28 of his 37 passes and didn't turn the ball over.
Will Fuller and Brandin Cooks each had at least four catches and 80 receiving yards. Surprisingly, so did tight end Jordan Akins. In fact, Houston's lackluster tight ends combined for nine catches and 134 yards.
Kyle Dugger – against the aforementioned tight ends – had the worst struggles in pass coverage, but no one was entirely successful. Stephon Gilmore had a nondescript return, J.C. Jackson's interception streak ended, and everyone – those two included – gave up a significant play or two.
Once again, Terez Hall was the star of the defense, albeit in a reduced role. Adrian Phillips led the team with seven tackles.
Wrapping It Up
The Patriots defense didn't do this, but I will.
New England needed this win, but it didn't come. If they want to get back within shouting distance of .500, they'll have to do it by beating the up-and-coming Arizona Cardinals, led by Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. That won't be an easy feat – as you can probably tell by my initial thoughts I shared within the podcast – but the Cardinals aren't invincible.
Happy Thanksgiving in advance! I'll share some content for you to feast on later in the week. And who knows, maybe the Patriots will give the gift of a big win on Sunday.