The New England Patriots take on the Houston Texans in a regular season game at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, September 22, 2016.
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett runs onto the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, left, greets New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels before an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski, left, and Martellus Bennett, right, warm up before an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs with the ball after making a catch prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia embraces offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches warm-ups before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, speaks to Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork before an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) and wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) lead the team onto the field for an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman charges onto the field for an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stands on the field before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots players take a knee in the end zone before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots players await a kickoff during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) passes against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett, facing camera, calls signals in the huddle against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) breaks the grasp of Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) tackles New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) runs away from Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman runs after catching a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
The Houston Texans face off against the New England Patriots at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) slips past Houston Texans safety Andre Hal (29) on his way to a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) dives into the end zone for a touchdown past Houston Texans linebacker Max Bullough (53) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) hands to the football to head coach Bill Belichick after rushing for his first career touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks at an errant pass as Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) watches his successful field goal against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots fans cheer about a sign referring to quarterbacks Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo, neither of who were dressed for the game against the Houston Texans, during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) gains yards past Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) walks between plays during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Houston Texans defensive back Charles James (31) fumbles as he is tackled by New England Patriots player Brandon Bolden, top, during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs away from Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots' Brandon Bolden (38) celebrates a fumble recovery against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, left, celebrates his touchdown with James White, middle, and Brandon Bolden, right, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, left, celebrates his touchdown with teammate Brandon Bolden (38) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) dives over Houston Texans linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight ends Martellus Bennett (88) and Rob Gronkowski (87) speak during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, right, greets lineman Ted Karras (75) on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
A New England Patriots fan holds a sign referring to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs from Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates his touchdown with the End Zone Militia during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs into the end zone ahead of Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) talks to a teammate on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, left, congratulates quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) after a touchdown by LeGarrette Blount (29) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
A general view of play is seen during an NFL football game between the Houston Texans against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 27-0. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett speak at midfield after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin, top, tackles Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
General view of fireworks during the playing of the national anthem before a NFL game between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates The Patriots 27-0 win over the Houston Texans with members of the End Zone Militia after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (left) and New England Patriots cornerback Cyrus Jones exchange jerseys after a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, left, and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speak at midfield after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett, left, and Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel speak at midfield after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick reacts during a NFL game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
Fans cheer New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive lineman Anthony Johnson (96) and linebacker Jamie Collins (91) celebrate stopping a drive by the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19)carries the ball on a 27-yard reception against the Houston Texans during a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during a NFL game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates with quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) after scoring on a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the Houston Texans during a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long, right, celebrates their 27-0 win over the Houston Texans with mascot Pat Patriot after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) gestures during a NFL game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick waits to speak to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick arrives to speak to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard (93) and defensive lineman Trey Flowers (98) during a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is defended by Houston Texans safety Quintin Demps (27)during a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty speaks to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman waves to fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater speaks to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman celebrates with members of the End Zone Militia as he leaves the field after the Patriots' 27-0 win over the Houston Texans in an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Esta noche de jueves, el equipo de New England logró lo que para muchos era imposible, ganar con su QB #3 a los poderosos Texans.
Una victoria que calló bocas y revolvió los estómagos de sus detractores que no podían creer la cómoda victoria por 27 – 0 que lograron los dirigidos por Belichick frente al equipo de Houston.
Un 27-0 que debería escribirse con 'números en mayúsculas' ya que el dominio del equipo fue contundente en cada fase del juego.
Sino veamos una de las estadísticas más increíbles:
Los Texans recién cruzaron la yarda 50 del campo a 1:35 de acabar el tercer cuarto de juego. Y solo lo cruzaron un par de veces en toda la noche.
Una estadística que refleja el dominio de los Pats en las 3 fases del juego.
Fue un partido ganado en base a un plan de juego inteligente, que explotó las virtudes y que escondió las limitaciones del QB Jacoby Brissett. Combinado con plan de juego ejecutado a la perfección por parte de todo el equipo.
"Fue un gran triunfo en equipo, un gran trabajo en equipo, salimos y peleamos duro, fue un esfuerzo de equipo", dijo Brissett.
Ofensivamente el QB #3 del equipo realizó un trabajo metódico por momentos y explosivos en otros. Con pases cortos y veloces con los escurridizos Julian Edelman y Danny Amendola que se combinaban con pases largos y escapadas del bolso de protección de Brissett. El QB demostró su gran agilidad y temple al correr 27 yardas para obtener el primer TD de la noche.
"Cada vez que puedes ganar a un gran equipo, con una semana corta de preparación, realizando un juego complementario, es divertido", comentó Julian Edelman
Brissett terminó su participación completando 11 de 19 pases y 103 yardas. También fue el segundo corredor más efectivo con 8 acarreos, 48 yardas y 1 TD.
"Jacoby estuvo increíble, fue bueno verlo dando un paso adelante de esa manera, esa es la mentalidad del equipo, hacer lo que tienes que hacer, a pesar de una semana corta de trabajo", dijo el DE Chris Long
Vale mencionar el gran trabajo de la línea ofensiva que le brindó a Brissett el tiempo necesario para que este desarrollara sus jugadas. El novato QB fue raramente presionado por los temidos pass rushers del equipo de Houston, grupo comandado por el formidable J.J. Watt (de tibia actuación). Los Texans solo lograron una captura esta noche (B. McKinney)
"Todos nuestros QBs tienen talentos especiales, es divertido bloquear para ellos, todos son diferentes. Nuestro trabajo es bloquear sin importar quién es el QB", dijo el centro David Andrews.
La línea ofensiva, junto al fullback James Develin y al versátil Martellus Bennett, también se las arreglaron para crear agujeros a sus corredores. Bennett cumplió 3 papeles: bloqueador, receptor (2 recepciones, 10 yardas) y corredor (1 acarreo, 6 yardas).
Gronkowski, quien hizo su debut de temporada, tuvo una mínima y discreta participación (no recepciones esta noche). Un primer reencuentro con el campo de football del TE del cual Belichick no quiso abusar.
El juego de carrera de los Pats, tímido en la primera mitad, recobró su fuerza en el momento preciso, cuando había que mantener y extender la ventaja, y mover las agujas del reloj. LeGarrette Blount, al igual que en el partido anterior, apareció con determinación en los momentos requeridos. El RB terminó su faena completando 24 corridas para 105 yardas y 2 TDs.
La defensa de los Pats hizo lo suyo. Primero contralando el juego terrestre incisivo pero poco productivo de la primera mitad de los visitantes. Con una línea defensiva sólida y con un gran trabajo del LB Jamie Collins quien se convirtió en el hombre defensivo de la noche. Collins sumó 12 tackles y 1 intercepción.
El RB estrella de Houston, Lamar Miller, salvo una escapada de 15 yardas, no fue un factor determinante (24 acarreos para 84 yardas).
El explosivo juego aéreo de los Texans tampoco tuvo una gran noche. Su QB Brock Osweiler sintió la presión de los rusher de los Pats, particularmente del DE Jabaal Sheard (2 capturas para 21 yardas perdidas) y completó 24 de 41 pases para 196 yardas, 2 sacks, 1 INT.
La secundaria de New England recuperó su gran nivel al controlar acertadamente el juego aéreo de los Texans.
Malcolm Butler prácticamente borró del campo al WR Will Fuller (3 recepciones de 7 balones para 31 yardas). Lo mismo hizo el CB Logan Ryan con DeAndre Hopkins (4 de 8 para 56 yardas). Estos CBs estaban secundados por los safeties Devin McCourty y Duron Harmon durante prácticamente todo el partido.
"Sabíamos que teníamos un gran reto. Ellos convierten muchos balones profundos y tienen 2 receptores realmente buenos. El plan de juego era simple, no les cedas las grandes jugadas", dijo McCourty en su conferencia.
Por último, los equipos especiales estuvieron magistrales forzando 2 fumbles en los despejes mientras que el K Stephen Gostkowski anotó sus 2 goles de campo (24 y 25 yardas).
Conclusión:
Un partido donde se vio la mano de los entrenadores Belichick, McDaniels y Patricia. Una obra de arte de plan de juego que explotó las virtudes de un QB que no tuvo la suficiente preparación para saltar al ruedo de improviso. Las circunstancias de Brady ausente por 4 semanas y una preparación a conciencia de Garoppolo (ambos se apoderaron de todos los reps con los titulares) restaron muchas oportunidades a Brissett para desarrollarse adecuadamente.
Sin embargo, Belichick y compañía supieron explotar las virtudes del novato QB y ponerlo en situaciones óptimas para sacar adelante un dificilísimo encuentro. Una genialidad de plan de juego, una genial ejecución.
Ahora este partido ya es historia y nuestra concentración se centra en los Bills. Pero antes, disfrutemos por unas horas este triunfo, de este magistral triunfo que no hace más que enorgullecer a sus seguidores y entristecer (por no decir algo más fuerte) a sus detractores.
