The Patriots got off to a slow start in Houston, allowing a deadly combination of sustained drives and explosive scoring plays that put them into an early deficit, then New England compounded their own problems by turning the ball over multiple times. The result? A Houston lead that the Patriots had to chip away at throughout the game.
But New England would do just that, scoring on four-straight second-half possessions in the fourth quarter, including a game-winning field goal at the end of the fourth quarter that gave the Patriots' their second win of the season, 25-22.
With the comeback win, the Patriots climb to 2-3 on the season, earning the kind of close hard-fought victory that has eluded them in recent weeks.
Here's are the key takeaways from a much-needed win for the Pats in Houston.
Mac-curate start, inconsistent middle, clutch end
Despite the defensive miscues and turnovers, Mac Jones had another solid start for the Patriots offense and should've produced points on all three of the Patriots' first drives. But instead of 21 points, the offense put up just nine to start the game, with Jakobi Meyers' drop on the last drive before the half costing New England a potential big play.
It was a decent start for the rookie quarterback, who again showed good accuracy on his initial passes. However, Jones' accuracy and decision-making would wane in the middle of the game, culminating on the first drive of the second half as his first pass would be picked off and Houston would quickly take advantage of the turnover on the scoreboard.
Despite having to settle for field goals on two straight drives after the interception, Jones would find his red zone stride, hitting Hunter Henry in the end zone for a touchdown on third down that tied the game in the fourth quarter.
Jones would cap off the game with a game-winning drive that included some help from a roughing the passer penalty, but also a clutch 3rd-and-6 conversion. For the game, Jones finished 23-of-30 for 231 yards with a touchdown and an interception in picking up the second win of his career.
Slow start on defense, key stops at end
Allowing an 18-play, 79-yard touchdown scoring drive to open the game, one that ate up over 10 minutes of clock, was not the start that the Patriots defense was hoping for. J.C. Jackson's pass interference penalty on the first third down of the drive loomed large, as Houston's balanced attack had early success. Unfortunately, it was just a sign of things to come as the Patriots' defense couldn't come up with critical plays early on.
It looked like the Patriots defense would bounce back on the second drive, immediately getting to third down but Davis Mills' pass was misjudged by both Jackson and Devin McCourty, and Chris Moore high-pointed the catch and broke loose for a 67-yard touchdown. After allowing a methodical drive on Houston's first possession, the Pats were burned by a big play on the second.
The Texans would also convert three fourth-down plays in the first half, as they allowed the Patriots just three possessions in the opening frame, including two fourth-down conversions on the final drive that ended with a field goal. Getting a red zone hold was a positive end of the dreadful first half for the Pats D, but they allowed 237 yards in the first half and didn't do much outside of holding Houston to field goal before the break.
The problems would continue in the second half, coming off of a Mac Jones interception, the Texans took just two plays to hit the end zone again, using a flea-flicker for their second big-play score of the contest. It was a big situation, coming off a quick change, where the offense needed some help but the defense couldn't come through.
The defense would turn around late in the second half, forcing back-to-back punts and then getting a missed field goal from the Texans that opened the comeback door.
Sloppy Play Continues
After a missed extra point by Nick Folk on the first touchdown, Damien Harris would lose a fumble in the red zone for the second time this season, costing New England points. The ball security issues by the Patriots' running backs this season have been major, game-changing problems.
Mac Jones' interception on the first possession of the second half continued the Patriots' problems, as the team would turn the ball over right out of halftime for the second time in three weeks. After an ugly start by the defense to begin the game, the offense followed suit in the second. This whole season thus far has felt like a game of whack-a-mole with the bad plays.
The consistent self-defeating mistakes through five games have been a big problem for New England.
Patriots get to 2-3
It wasn't pretty and many of the same problems that have haunted the Patriots all season long continued to be a problem, but they kept fighting and found a way to pull out their second win of the season. Mac Jones continued his rapid acclimation to NFL life, going through many ups and downs in the contest that were in many ways representative of how his season has gone through five games.
2-3 isn't anything to celebrate, but with the way 2021 has gone for the Pats, we'll take it. There is still plenty to clean up, but this could be the kind of win that gets the team on track.
The New England Patriots take on the Houston Texans in Week 5 at NRG Stadium on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
Houston Texans wide receiver Chris Conley (18) gets up after being tackled in the red zone against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (81) looks at the scoreboard during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) lines up against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots defensive end Chase Winovich (50) smiles as he walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots defensive end Chase Winovich (50) autographs a poster after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (25) high fives fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (25) sniffs smelling salts on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans outside linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (51) lines up against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots kicker Nick Folk's field goal attempt fly's safely over Houston Texans defenders during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (80) runs with a kick against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans tight end Pharaoh Brown (85) lines up against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans running back Mark Ingram (2) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans running back Mark Ingram (2) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) attempts to throw the ball under pressure from New England Patriots defensive end Chase Winovich (50) and defensive end Lawrence Guy (93) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots safety Adrian Phillips (21) stops running after a Houston Texans pass fell incomplete during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans wide receiver Chris Conley (18) runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans wide receiver Chris Conley (18) runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
The Houston Texans Cheerleaders perform during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Fans watch as the Houston Texans take the field against the New England Patriots before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks up during the National Anthem before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Fans stand up for the National Anthem before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Roberts (19) returns the kickoff against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Roberts (19) returns the kickoff against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
New England Patriots punter Jake Bailey (7)kicks off to the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) hands off the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans tight end Jordan Akins (88) runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston Texans running back Phillip Lindsay (30) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
WR Kendrick Bourne (84) cuts up the field.
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston..
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden, top, leaps over Houston Texans cornerback Desmond King II during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty, bottom, tackles Houston Texans tight end Pharaoh Brown (85) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
J.C. Jackson (27) lines up against Texans WR Brandin Cooks (13).
New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (81) is tackled by Houston Texans cornerback Desmond King II (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) rushes for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
Houston Texans' Christian Kirksey, left, grabs the shirt of New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne while trying to tackle him during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
New England Patriots running back Damien Harris, left, celebrates his touchdown run with quarterback Mac Jones (10) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) celebrates his touchdown run with quarterback Mac Jones (10) and teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
RB Damien Harris (37) breaks through the line of scrimmage.
Kyle Dugger (23) celebrates after a play.
Matt Judon (9)
New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) catches a pass for a gain as Houston Texans linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (51) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
WR Kendrick Bourne (84) avoiding Texans defenders.
Houston Texans' Andre Roberts (19) is tackled by New England Patriots' Chase Winovich during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
Mac Jones (10) at the line of scrimmage.
Damien Harris (37) powers through for a first-half TD.
WR Kendrick Bourne (84)
WR Jakobi Meyers (16) hauls in a pass from Mac Jones.
Jonnu Smith (81) celebrates a first down.
OL James Ferentz (65)
WR Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates a first down.
Mac Jones (10) hands it off to RB Damien Harris (37)
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Matt Judon during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Houston.
Gunner Olszewski (80) attempts to break a Texans tackle.
Hunter Henry (85) hauls in a catch.
Nick Folk (6) attempts a kick.
DL Lawrence Guy (93)
Matt Judon (9)
Matt Judon (9) takes down Texans QB Davis Mills
Matt Judon (9) celebrates a sack with Josh Uche (55)
Matt Judon (9) celebrates a sack
Matt Judon (9) sacks Texans QB Davis Mills
Kyle Dugger (23)
The Patriots Offensive Line
N'Keal Harry (1)
Adrian Phillips (21)
Matt Judon (9) celebrates a sack.
Matt Judon (9) sacks Davis Mills (10)
Gunner Olszewki (80) returns a kick.
J.C. Jackson (27) celebrates a pass break up
Hunter Henry (85) catches a TD to potentially tie the game.
Hunter Henry (85) and Mac Jones (10) celebrate their touchdown.
Hunter Henry (85) spikes the ball after his touchdown
J.C. Jackson (27) celebrates a dropped pass
Hunter Henry (85) catches a pass from Mac Jones (10)
