No Brady.
No Garoppolo.
No problem.
Playing with rookie third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the Patriots rolled to an easy 27-0 victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football at Gillette Stadium.
Here are some random thoughts from New England's third victory of the season.
Rolling the dice – With Jimmy Garoppolo out of uniform due to his right shoulder injury, Bill Belichick opted for an unconventional route in replacing him. Rookie Jacoby Brissett got the start but rather than sign a veteran off the street, Belichick chose to have Julian Edelman serve as the backup. Edelman was a college quarterback at Kent State but was immediately switched to wide receiver as a rookie and has attempted just one pass for the Patriots during his eight-year career. Of course that was a memorable touchdown pass to Danny Amendola against Baltimore in the 2014 divisional playoff win at Gillette Stadium, and Belichick did reveal that he's thrown plenty of passes on the practice field over the years.
Belichick at his best – There was a belief heading into the game that having Brissett at the helm might be something Belichick relished. Despite being forced to use his third-string quarterback, Belichick got the opportunity to get creative with his young, mobile passer and took advantage. Early on Brissett executed a zone-read, option look with Brandon Bolden as the pitch man. Brissett correctly read the defense and kept the ball for a 13-yard pickup. Later, after a Texans fumble set the Patriots up with great field position, Brissett took off on a designed run off a naked bootleg that was executed to perfection. Brissett got around right end with Malcolm Mitchell doing a great job of running off his coverage while the rookie did the rest, cutting inside safety Andre Hal inside the 5 before diving into the end zone for a 27-yard touchdown. Belichick also had Martellus Bennett and Julian Edelman serve as ball carriers and lined up Edelman behind Brissett as well. Another example of Belichick consistently being a step ahead of his competition.
Shades of Peyton Manning – The Patriots have consistently used a defensive scheme against Manning that has at times frustrated the future Hall of Famer. New England used three safeties with Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon deep to keep things in front of them. The looks used to invite Manning to keep it on the ground, and the Texans Brock Osweiler did plenty of that in the first half. The Texans ran the ball 17 times in the first half alone including three times on third down, two of which were unsuccessful. With the Patriots determined to eliminate the big plays that dogged them at times during the first two weeks, Osweiler checked to several runs and had very limited success as New England pitched a shutout in the opening 30 minutes.
First things first – Belichick always preaches that it's always the team's intention to get off to a fast start but that has really been evident thus far in 2016. During the first quarter thus far this season the Patriots are outscoring their opponents by the score of 34-0, including 10-0 Thursday night. The early points have allowed New England to dictate the way all three games have been played and prevented their inexperienced quarterbacks from having to play from behind.
Special performance – The Patriots enjoyed an edge in all three phases but perhaps none was bigger than in the kicking game. The special teams were not up to speed last week against Miami but they more than made amends just four nights later against the Texans. Ryan Allen had a strong game, forcing Houston to fair catch four punts at the 4, 10, 10, 11, 14 and Jonathan Jones downed another at the 5. The kickoff coverage was even better, forcing a pair of game-changing fumbles to set up touchdowns. After the Patriots took a 3-0 lead, Charles James was hit by Bolden on the ensuing kick and Harmon recovered at the Texans 22. That led to a Brissett touchdown run. In the second half the Patriots kicked another field goal to make it 13-0, and once again the coverage forced a turnover. This time Tyler Irvin was hit by Nate Ebner and Jordan Richards recovered at the Houston 21 to lead to another touchdown to put the game away.
Encore effort – Late last season the Patriots traveled to Houston and picked up a key victory against a playoff team. Jabaal Sheard was dominant picking up two sacks in the prime time affair, in which New England came home with a 27-6 win. Sheard got the better of Houston's Derek Newton in that game and he did so once again under the prime time lights. Sheard finished with a pair of sacks and three tackles on the night while consistently applying pressure to Osweiler.
Taking their shots – Even with Brissett at the controls I felt it was imperative that Belichick allow him to take some chances and throw the ball downfield, especially early on. On third down on the Patriots first possession, Brissett tried to hook up with Chris Hogan on a deep ball down the left sideline. Hogan was covered well on the play and the pass fell incomplete, but I felt it opened things up for the offense. In the second half Brissett tried to hit Hogan on another deep fade and once again overthrew him, this time with Hogan in the clear.
Lone blip – The Patriots were nearly flawless in all areas but one spot that was troublesome was punt returns. Rookie Cyrus Jones got some opportunities to return punts and struggled with ball security and decision making. That was the case at times during training camp and the preseason and that was on display against the Texans. First he chose to run up to try to field a short Shane Lechler punt and worked his way into traffic before colliding with teammate Justin Coleman and James. Although James was flagged for interference on the play, it was an unnecessary risk. Later Jones lost the ball while on the ground on a play that was originally ruled a fumble before being overturned by replay. On his next return he did fumble the ball but fortunately was able to recover it under a pile and the Patriots maintained possession. So, the three times Belichick put him back deep he failed to hold onto the ball on all three. Not surprisingly, Danny Amendola was back deep for Lechler's other three punts.
Gronk is back … sort of – After sitting out the first two games with a hamstring pull, Rob Gronkowski returned to the lineup against Houston. But by no means was Gronkowski back to his normal self. He failed to register a catch and was targeted just once, in the end zone on a play in which he and Brissett seemed to be out of synch. Gronkowski did not play a full-time role, playing about a third of the snaps in the first half before seeing even less action after intermission. It's a plan the Patriots used back in 2014 when he eased his way into action after coming off an injury.
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)
Questionable clock management – Late in the first half the Patriots were leading 10-0 and had the ball at their own 14 with 1:17 to go. James White rushed for 7 yards on first down and Texans coach Bill O'Brien called timeout. It seemed a Patriots first down was likely yet he still chose to stop the clock. Edelman followed that with an 8-yard run and managed to get out of bounds after moving the chains. White then picked up 5 yards and the Texans called another timeout with 1:00 to go. It seemed like O'Brien was giving Belichick a chance to change his mind and attempt to add some points late in the half with the ball at the 34. Even if Belichick didn't want to take any chances with his young quarterback – he ultimately chose to have Brissett kneel twice – it didn't prevent O'Brien from playing with fire.
Extra points – The Patriots notched their ninth shutout of the Belichick era. The last one came in 2012 when they blanked Miami 28-0. … The Patriots have won 22 straight non-division games against AFC opponents at Gillette Stadium. They also won for the 83rd consecutive time when holding a lead at the half at home. … LeGarrette Blount notched back-to-back 100-yard rushing games, marking the first time the Patriots have accomplished that feat since 2012 when Stevan Ridley turned the trick in wins over Buffalo and Denver. Blount also did it while with Tampa Bay twice, in 2010 and 2011. … Belichick tied Curly Lambeauwith his 226th regular-season win, which ties him for fourth all time. … The coach also improved to 6-0 when using a quarterback making his first career start. The group includes Brissett, Garoppolo, Brady, Matt Cassel, Eric Zeierand Todd Philcox. … In addition to his interception, Jamie Collins recorded a career-high 14 tackles. … Bennett's second-quarter end around was the first rushing attempt of his career. It resulted in a 6-yard pickup.
