HOUSTON – The last time New England's regular starters saw game action as a collective unit was six months ago, on this very field, when the Patriots celebrated their most recent Super Bowl triumph. Fittingly, in their first road game since then, they trotted most of those players back out onto the field at NRG Stadium.
Nearly all of their regular starters on both sides of the ball – including QB Tom Brady and a surprising appearance by tight end Rob Gronkowski – saw action during the first couple of series – a common cameo length for the second preseason game.
"It felt good to be out there, get my feet wet," Gronkowski told reporters afterward. "It was great. I love to play football. We expect to play every game, no matter when it is, even if it is preseason. That's how we go into these games mentally."
The outcome of Saturday's tilt with the Texans may have been much less historic or consequential than their last visit here, but the latest game at NRG held a more immediate significance for New England's preparations for 2017.
In brief first-quarter activity, New England's restocked offense looked strong, moving the ball effectively with Brady frequently feeding newcomer Rex Burkhead with handoffs and passes out of the backfield, including a nifty catch-and-run touchdown in the second quarter.
"It was a route out of the backfield," Burkhead explained at his locker, "kind of an option, go in or out. I just made a move on the defender, and Tom threw a great ball right when I turned. It was right there. I got it and tried to get to the end zone as fast as possible."
With a reputation as more of a receiving-type back, Burkhead had more than a half-dozen opportunities to showcase his ball-carrying skills against Houston, but managed less than three yards per carry, on average.
"Whatever roles the coaches want to put us in, we're more than happy to do it," Burkhead maintained. "We have a ton of great guys and everybody produces, everybody competes. That's what's great about our backfield: we compete, we root for one another. Whenever we make a great play, we're right there cheering each other on."
Tight end James O'Shaughnessy, another off-season acquisition, showed in his preseason debut why the Patriots were interested in him. He looked fluid running pass routes and making receptions during the second and third quarters, when he was predominantly on the field. With Gronk and Dwayne Allen the consensus top two at tight end on this roster, O'Shaughnessy appears to have the inside track on the third job, assuming New England elects to keep that many tight ends.
The New England Patriots take on the Houston Texans in a preseason game at NRG Stadium on Saturday, August 19, 2017.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) arrives to the stadium prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 in Houston. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
A Houston Texans fan arrives before an NFL football preseason game against the New England Patriots, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
NRG Stadium is seen before an NFL football preseason game between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New England Patriots fans arrive before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Sideline communications at NRG Stadium before an NFL football preseason game between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) warm up before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) warm up before an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center, talks with officials before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back D.J. Foster (27) before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots tight end Sam Cotton (85) before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) before an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play during the first half of an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans quarterback Tom Savage (3) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive end Lawrence Guy, left, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady stands on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) celebrates after he made a catch to score a touchdown past New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the first half of an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the first half of an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) dives for yardage against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) is hit by Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) after making a catch during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is hit by Houston Texans defensive end Ufomba Kamalu (94) as he releases the ball during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is hit by Houston Texans defensive end Ufomba Kamalu (94) as he releases the ball during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) is hit by Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) after making a catch during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) celebrates with teammate Tom Brady (12) after he scored a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans tight end RaShaun Allen (88) during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) celebrates with teammates after he scored a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back James White (28), and running back Brandon Bolden (38) celebrate with teammate Rex Burkhead (34) after Burkhead's touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots cornerback Justin Coleman (22) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Chris Thompson (14) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) turns the corner during the second half of an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots wide receiver Austin Carr (84) reaches for an overthrown pass as Houston Texans defensive back Eddie Pleasant (35) and linebacker Dylan Cole (51) defend him on the play during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is slow to stand after he was hit by Houston Texans outside linebacker Tony Washington, left, during the second half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. Garoppolo fumbled on the play. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots running back D.J. Foster (27) runs against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, greets Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, right, following an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, greets Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, right, following an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, greets Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien, right, following an NFL football preseason game against the Houston Texans Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, center, greets Houston Texans quarterback Brandon Weeden (5) following an NFL football preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Defensively, the most pressing concern coming into Saturday's game was undoubtedly at defensive end. New England reportedly lost top draft choice Derek Rivers to a left knee injury earlier in the week during joint practice with the Texans, thinning further an already-weakened unit afflicted by free agent departures, the retirement of Rob Ninkovich, and injuries to a number of other players at the position.
Deatrich Wise, Rivers' fellow draft choice, had been enjoying a productive start to the preseason, but suffered a concussion versus Jacksonville and didn't accompany the team to Houston. During the practice week with the Texans, veteran Geneo Grissom developed some sort of ailment and had to leave prematurely. He didn't dress for the game, either. Surprisingly, those who remained managed to put consistent pressure on Texans starting QB Tom Savage.
Rookies Caleb Kidder and Harvey Langi earned an opportunity on the Patriots' second defensive series, from the right and left defensive end positions, respectively. Both men nearly combined on a sack of Texans starter Tom Savage on the same play, but their momentum caused them both to run past the QB as he slipped out of the pocket.
Later in the drive, Langi earned a hands-to-the-face penalty that extended Houston's eventual scoring drive, but the two youngsters proved somewhat effective at getting into the backfield.
While Langi continued to see action throughout the first half and into the second, Kidder gave way – quite curiously – to veteran Kony Ealy. Preseason games, particularly the second halves of them, are generally when unproven players like Kidder would normally receive game experience. What this says about the coaching staff's confidence in Ealy, for whom they traded this past offseason, remains to be seen, but it was notably that someone as experienced as Ealy was getting so-called "opportunity reps" in this game.
Normal starting defensive tackle Alan Branch also made second-half appearances, but his situation was altogether different than Ealy's. Having just come off PUP this past week, Branch likely was being given much-needed conditioning snaps to get back up to speed more quickly.
Meanwhile, on special teams, Cyrus Jones may have had his best performance to date. Despite being tackled on a punt return around the Patriots' 5-yard line, Jones handled the ball well and returned two other punts in electrifying fashion – a glimpse of what the coaches thought he could do when they drafted him in the second round a year ago.
Overall, this second game saw more Patriots take part than a week ago, and while it was sloppy at times with a half-dozen penalties incurred by New England, the reigning champs made more good plays than bad. At this stage, that in itself can be considered a victory, regardless of the final score.
