WEEK 5 · Sun 10/10 · 1:00 PM EDT
Patriots
New England Patriots
AT
Texans
Houston Texans
PATRIOTS: Game Release (PDF) - Roster - Depth Chart - Stats - Watch Games
TEXANS: Roster - Depth Chart - Stats - Injury Report - Roster Flip Card (PDF)
For the third straight year, the New England Patriots will travel to the Houston Texans, as they begin two consecutive games against Texas teams. The Patriots will host Dallas the following week.
The Patriots will play Houston for the seventh straight season despite not being in the same division. That mark is tied for the second-longest streak of games against a non-division opponent for New England. The Patriots faced Indianapolis for 10 straight seasons (2003-12) and Denver for seven straight seasons (2011-17). The only other non-division teams to meet at least seven consecutive seasons since 2002 were Buffalo and Kansas City, who played eight straight seasons from 2008-15.
SCOUTING THE MATCHUPS
By Paul Perillo
Houston's defense will give the Patriots opportunities so it's imperative that the offense converts in the red zone
When the Patriots run - Edge: Patriots
After facing two of the league's stingiest run defenses the last two weeks the Patriots should get a chance to crank things up on the ground Sunday in Houston. The Texans rank 28th in league against the run, allowing 137 yards per game. That total isn't just the product of the Texans early struggles as a team, either, as opponents have averaged 4.5 yards per rush, which ranks 21st in the league as well. Perhaps even more telling is the eight rushing touchdowns the Texans allowed over the first four weeks, so the Patriots should be able to get Damien Harris cranked up in this one. The last two weeks have been tough sledding as a combination of the offensive line struggling and the Saints and Bucs being tough to run on has limited Harris to a total of 10 yards in two games. He should crack that total on the first series as Josh McDaniels may look to get some more balance to the attack. Harris may get some help from Rhamondre Stevenson this week after the rookie was a healthy scratch the last three games following an opening day fumble and missed assignment on a blitz pickup. With James White on IR some felt Stevenson would return against the Bucs, but considering the game plan didn't figure to call for many rushing attempts (the Patriots ran it just eight times) the need for a backup ball carrier wasn't great. Look for Harris to get going early, and also for him to get some red zone work as the Patriots need to improve their ground attack.
When the Patriots pass - Edge: Patriots
The Texans secondary hasn't been much better than the guys up front. Houston plays a soft two-deep zone, leaving plenty of opportunities for the types of short, underneath passes Mac Jones has completed with great efficiency. Terrance Mitchell, Desmond King, Tavierre Thomas and Vernon Hargreaves see time at corner while Lonnie Johnson, Justin Reid and Eric Murray work at safety. While there is some individual talent in this group, collectively it has struggled at times, especially over the past two weeks with little to no support from its offense while quarterback Tyrod Taylor is out. Jones has been willing to take the quick throws that have resulted in modest gains as the Patriots have had some success moving the ball at times. The problem has been pass protection as Jones has been sacked 10 times and hit 34 additional times. Veteran Whitney Mercilus is a solid pass rusher and has 3 sacks on the season to lead the Texans in that department. Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor and Jakobi Meyers all contributed against the Bucs last week, as did tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. The latter two showed up in the red zone with a touchdown apiece, which is a welcome sight for an offense that has struggled in that department. The Texans made life difficult in that area against Buffalo, forcing field goals the first four times the Bills got close before collapsing in the fourth quarter. The offense's ability to convert will be a key in this one.
When the Texans run - Edge: Patriots
On paper the Texans should be able to control the ball a bit with a capable stable of backs at its disposal. Veterans Mark Ingram, David Johnson, Phillip Linsey and Rex Burkhead have the ability to keep opponents on their heels with their running. And the fact that the Patriots haven't been particularly stout this season stopping the run is another factor in Houston's favor. But the Texans ground game has been simply awful. They rank last in the league, averaging 3.2 yards per carry, and 26th with 83 yards per game. The absence of Taylor has played a huge role in those numbers, and Taylor won't play Sunday as he remains on IR with a pulled hamstring. That leaves rookie Davis Mills at the helm, and his presence allows opponents to stack the box and stop the run. So, even though the Patriots rank 19th against the run, allowing 122 yards per game, New England should be able to contain this limited attack. Davin Godchaux, Lawrence Guy and Christian Barmore improved in that area as the game progressed Sunday night, and look for that group to continue to progress against a Houston team that hasn't been able to muster much production on the ground so far this season.
When the Texans pass - Edge: Patriots
Mills showed some promise in his first start, a Thursday night loss to Carolina in Week 3, before collapsing with a four-pick outing in Buffalo on Sunday. Prior to the Bills game Mills showed a lot of the same qualities we've seen in Jones, getting rid of the ball quickly and showing some accuracy and poise after replacing Taylor in Week 2 in Cleveland and against the Panthers. He figures to return to that level back home without the weather concerns he dealt with in Buffalo. He'll look to keep Brandin Cooks involved as the former Patriots is far and away the Texans top target with 28 catches for 369 yards and a touchdown thus far. No one else has more than eight receptions as Chris Conley, Danny Amendola and Anthony Miller haven't been consistent threats. The Patriots secondary turned in its strongest effort of the season against the high-powered Bucs as J.C. Jackson in particular did a nice job covering Mike Evans. Jalen Mills and Jonathan Jones also competed well while safeties Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips and Kyle Dugger provided help over the top. The rookie Mills will face some looks from Bill Belichick that he likely hasn't seen, and the Patriots defense should be able to contain what has been a very limited passing attack.
Special Teams - Edge: Texans
There haven't been many positive moments for the Patriots special teams this season and some of those problems persisted on Sunday. Two more penalties in the kicking game, one of which prevented a possible turnover, as well as a muffed punt return that could have been disastrous were added to the list. Nick Folk hasn't been part of the problem even though his streak of 36 straight made field goals came to an end when he hit the left upright from 56 yards out. But the Patriots have been sloppy and Houston has a dangerous return man in Andre Roberts to contend with. Belichick has often chosen to kick away from Roberts in the past, so it will be interesting to see how they approach things on Sunday. Houston's Joey Slye had made 4 of 5 field goals and 7 of 8 PATs this season in place of the injured Ka'imi Fairbairn, who returned on Sunday in Buffalo. Cameron Johnston averages over 47 yards a punt and has just one touchback in 21 kicks. Jake Bailey showed some improvement after an uncharacteristically slow start, pinning the Bucs inside their 20 twice in four punts on Sunday. The Patriots need to get better in the kicking game
TALE OF THE TAPE
| 2021 Regular Season | New England | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 1-3 | 1-3 |
| Divisional Standings | 2nd (T) | 2nd (T) |
| Total Yards Gained | 1,247 | 1,053 |
| Total Offense (Rank) | 311.8 (26) | 263.3 (30) |
| Rush Offense | 68.5 (31) | 83.0 (26) |
| Pass Offense | 243.3 (17T) | 180.3 (29) |
| Points Per Game | 17.8 (27) | 16.8 (28T) |
| Total Yards Allowed | 1,227 | 1,607 |
| Total Defense (Rank) | 306.8 (5) | 401.8 (28) |
| Rush Defense | 121.8 (19) | 137.0 (28) |
| Pass Defense | 185.0 (4) | 264.8 (22) |
| Points Allowed/Game | 17.5 (6) | 29.0 (28) |
| Possession Avg. | 29:28 | 26:30 |
| Sacks Allowed/Yards Lost | 10/84 | 9/52 |
| Sacks Made/Yards | 10/69 | 7/46 |
| Total Touchdowns Scored | 6 | 8 |
| Penalties Against/Yards | 26/245 | 31/279 |
| Punts/Avg. | 17/46.4 | 21/47.3 |
| Turnover Differential | -2 (24T) | -1 (18T) |
SERIES HISTORY
The Patriots will face Houston for the seventh straight year in the regular season and for the third straight year in Houston. The Patriots have lost the last two seasons in Houston, including a 27-20 loss on Nov. 22, 2020. The Patriots are 4-2 against the Texans over the six previous regular season games.
In 2016, the Patriots and Texans played two times with New England taking a 27-0 victory on Sept. 22 and a 34-16 win in the Divisional Playoffs. Both of those games were played at Gillette Stadium.
Overall, the Patriots have met Houston 13 times and hold an 10-3 advantage since Houston entered the NFL in 2002, including 8-3 in the regular season and 2-0 in the postseason.
The Patriots are 3-3 overall against the Texans when playing in Houston.
Before the Texans joined the league, the Patriots and the Houston Oilers were foes dating back to the days of the American Football League, playing twice a year from 1960-69 and 33 times overall before the Oilers moved to Tennessee following the 1996 season.
Patriots.com's Mike Dussault shares his players to watch ahead of the Patriots Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Mac Jones, QB: Young Mac showed well for himself against the Super Bowl Champs, throwing two touchdowns to one interception as the quarterback continues to progress. Jones is completing 70 percent of his passes through four games but the Texans defense, led by defensive coordinator Lovie Smith, ranks in the top-10 in DVOA despite Houston's 1-3 record. They'll present another new and unique challenge for Jones.
Jakobi Meyers, WR: Meyers continues to stand out for the Patriots, leading the team with 27 catches and completing two more big passes against the Buccaneers as his arm has been a useful tool for Josh McDaniels. The third-year receiver has been the most consistent player on offense, as he has 85 catches in his last 15 games and has developed into a reliable offensive threat.
Damien Harris, RB: There's been a lot on Harris' plate this season, as injuries and ball security issues have thinned running back availability. Through four games, Harris has 172 yards on 49 carries for a 3.5 yards-per-attempt against some tough run defenses. Both Tampa and New Orleans are in the top-five, but Houston has one of the worst run defenses in the league, ranking 28th in rushing yards allowed and 31st in DVOA. Getting Harris going against the Texans should be a big key this week.
J.C. Jackson, CB: Brandin Cooks stands alone as the Texans most lethal passing game threat with 20 more catches than anyone else on the roster. That means he'll likely draw Jackson in coverage throughout the game, with Jackson coming off a strong performance matching up with Mike Evans. Taking Cooks away, especially deep, will be a huge key for the defense. Jackson will look to continue his hot streak of making plays on the ball.
Matt Judon, LB: Judon has been outstanding since arriving via free agency, leading the Patriots defense in sacks (4.5) and QB hits (8). The Patriots will need another big game from the red-sleeved dude and he should be chasing down rookie quarterback Davis Mills early and often.
Davis Mills, QB: The rookie third-rounder was thrust into the fire when starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor went down with a hamstring injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. Through three appearances and two starts, Mills has thrown two touchdowns and five interceptions while taking eight sacks. The veteran Patriots defense will look to confound the youngster in his third career start.
Brandin Cooks, WR: Cooks stands alone as far as receiving production with 28 catches for 369 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots are well-familiar with what he can do to a defense, with deep speed to spare and a knack for drawing pass interference penalties. They'll need to keep an eye on Cooks.
Mark Ingram, RB: The Patriots have seen Ingram quite a few times over the years and the 31-year-old is now Houston's lead back, though off to a slow start along with the rest of their offensive backfield that includes Phillip Lindsay and David Johnson. Ingram had 85 yards in the opener but has just 12 carries for 45 yards in Mills' two starts. Still, he's a tough back that will test the Patriots defensive front.
Christian Kirskey, LB: Houston's leading tackler is a key player in the middle of Lovie Smith's defense. As the middle linebacker in the Tampa 2 defensive scheme he also had pass coverage responsibilities, especially in the deep seam. The Patriots' tight ends will pose a good challenge for the rangy Kirksey, as New England will look to target him in a variety of ways.
Whitney Mercilus, DE: The Houston veteran leads the Texans with three sacks as he has been their most disruptive pass rusher through four games, also picking up four tackles-for-loss and three quarterback hits. With questions lingering on the edges of the Patriots' offensive line, making sure that Mercilus doesn't blow up their gameplan will be a key point of emphasis.
CONNECTIONS
FORMER PATRIOTS
- WR Danny Amendola (2013-17)
- DB Terrence Brooks (2019-20)
- RB Rex Burkhead (2017-20)
- G Marcus Cannon (2011-19)
- GM Nick Caserio (2001-20)
- WR Brandin Cooks (2017)
- Sr. Advisor Romeo Crennel (DC/DL 2001-2004) (DLC 1993-96)
- VP of Football Ops Jack Easterby – Team Development and Character Coach (2013-18)
- OL Hjalte Froholdt (2019-20)
- LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (2016 draft pick)
- CB Cre'Von LeBlanc (2016 rookie free agent)
- DB A.J. Moore (2018 rookie free agent)
- DE Derek Rivers (2017-20)
- STC Frank Ross (2011-17)
- Offensive Consultant Carl Smith (1997-99)
FORMER TEXANS
- QB Brian Hoyer (2015)
- OL James Ferentz (2014-15)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR...
- The Patriots have gone 90 straight games (regular and postseason) scoring in the first half, an NFL record. The Patriots also own the second-longest streak at 82 games with a first-half score (2006-11). The last time the Patriots failed to score in the first half was a 16-0 loss at home against Buffalo on Oct. 2, 2016.
- Jakobi Meyers has totaled at least eight receptions in his last two games, with nine receptions vs. New Orleans, followed by eight receptions vs. Tampa Bay.
- Matt Judon has recorded a sack in three straight games. If Judon records a sack against the Texans, he will become the first Patriots player with a sack in four straight games since Jamie Collins and Chase Winovich, who both had sacks in four straight games in 2019.
- The last Patriots player with at least eight receptions in three straight games was Julian Edelman in 2016.
- Mac Jones has passed for 1,012 yards during the first four games and is on pace for 4,301 passing yards. He has more passing yards than the other two rookie quarterbacks with four starts.
- Matthew Slater will play in his 194th regular season game this week. He needs to play in seven more games to become the fifth Patriots player with 200 career regular season games.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TELEVISION: This week's game will be broadcast by CBS and can be seen locally on WBZ-TV Channel 4. Andrew Catalon will handle play-by-play duties with James Lofton as the color analyst. Amanda Balionis will work from the sidelines. The game will be produced by Steve McKee and directed by Andy Goldberg.
LOCAL RADIO: 98.5 The Sports Hub is the flagship station for the Patriots Radio Network. A complete listing of the network's 35 stations can be found here. Play-by-play broadcaster Bob Socci will call the action along with former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who will provide color analysis. The games are produced by Marc Cappello.
For information on how to stream the game please visit our Ways to Watch guide.
