For the second time in three weeks to open the 2016 season the Patriots played with a quarterback making his first NFL start. And for the second time in that same span the first-timer led a well-rounded team victory.
With Jimmy Garoppolo inactive with a shoulder injury, this time around it was third-round rookie Jacoby Brissett with the successful debut, an efficient, dominating, out-witting of the Texans in a 27-0 shutout win.
With just one game to go on Tom Brady's four-game Deflategate suspension the Patriots improved to 3-0 and sit comfortably atop the AFC East.
Expected to be one of the best teams in football this fall, the Patriots are proving to be just that without Brady or even his backup. As a team, they've gotten the job done.
Bill Belichick talked all week about needing a complementary performance in all three phases of the game and that's what he got early on Thursday night.
After an initial three-and-out, Brissett got things going on his second series as a starter. After a fortuitous third-down conversion via a penalty, the rookie ran on an option play for 13 yards. On an ensuing third-down the third stringer connected with fellow rookie Malcolm Mitchell for a nice 27-yard catch-and-run down to the 15. The drive stalled but New England came away with the 3-0 lead on Stephen Gostkowski's 24-yard kick.
Special teams then added to their contributions on the ensuing kickoff as Brandon Bolden forced a Charles James fumble that was recovered by Duron Harmon at the Texans 22, though it took a Belichick challenge to overturn a down-by-contact ruling on the field.
Following a false start, Brissett used his feet with a designed run on a naked boot to the right side with Mitchell running off the only Houston defender on that side of the formation. Bill O'Brien would say later that the Patriots "caught us in something" on what turned into a 27-yard Brissett touchdown run to take the 10-0 advantage lead late in the first quarter that would hold up into halftime.
In a strange situation, the same scenario played out in the third quarter as the first. Brissett led a nice drive to field goal for a 13-0 lead. The ensuing kickoff had Nate Ebner force a Tyler Ervin fumble that was recovered by Jordan Richards at the Texans 21. Not long after, following a couple Houston pass interference calls in the end zone on Martellus Bennett, LeGarrette Blount punched in a 1-yard score to extend the lead to 20-0 with just more than five minutes to play in the third.
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)
While the offense and special teams units were working together to pile up the points, the New England defense was stifling the Texans, who didn't get into Patriots territory until late in the third quarter. Houston only had 284 yards of total yards, never really challenging the scoreboard.
In many ways it was another signature win for a doubted Belichick-coached team. Brissett was certainly a part of the story.
"I think it was a great team win," Brissett said, adding that he didn't really have nerves heading into his first start. "The score doesn't reflect how tough this game was.
"Hats off to our defense, special teams and offense."
Belichick was clearly pleased with the performance, and how his team got to that success through its preparation efforts.
"This is a really satisfying win," Belichick said, praising the work his assistant coaches and players put forth on a short week. "Just really proud of the way that these guys competed. I thought we tried to do what we wanted to do for 60 minutes. Just so proud of the way our guys competed. They really worked hard at it and happy for the success that they had tonight."
The coach was certainly happy with the performance he got out of his rookie quarterback.
"I think he handled himself great," Belichick said of Brissett. "Last week, this week, all week, every day. He's done nothing but come in here and work as hard as he possibly can. He's just a hard-working kid that's really dedicated to doing what's right for the team."
While there were plenty of players with rising stock in Thursday night's win and very few who didn't take a step forward in the impressive victory, here's a look at some of the personnel highs and lows from the shutout:
Buy
*Jabaal Sheard – *The veteran defensive end has been quiet to open the year coming off a summer knee injury. But a move to the left side and a matchup with Derek Newton, a guy he had success against last year, gave Sheard a Week 3 boost. He sacked Brock Osweiler for an 11-yard loss on Houston's second third-down of their opening series, forcing a punt. He added a 10-yard sack in the fourth quarter. He seems to enjoy battles against Newton and was one of a number of defensive players who stepped up in victory.
*Jacoby Brissett – *The rookie starting quarterback wasn't perfect, but he sure was impressive. He made very good decisions with the football both as a passer and running option plays. His 27-yard touchdown was a thing of beauty. Overall Brissett completed 11 of 19 passes for 103 yards. He was sacked once, and did not throw either a touchdown or an interception, finishing with a 72.9 rating. Brissett ran very well, under control and yet making plays without taking hits, finishing with 48 yards on eight attempts. The young passer showed impressive poise.
Jamie Collins – With Dont'a Hightower missing his second straight game to a knee injury, Collins continued to call the defensive plays and then make them. The linebacker notched a pretty interception, his second pick in five days. He was also all over the field, including a great tackle for no-gain on a swing pass to Jonathan Grimes on third down in the fourth quarter. Collins finished with 14 tackles, including seven solos, twice his next-closest teammate in each category. The name Luke Kuechly gets thrown around when talking contract comparables for Collins, well this was a Kuechly-like performance against Houston.
Special teams – The third phase was a big part of the win. Gostkowski was perfect on his field goals and his kickoffs. Ryan Allen had his best game of the year, punting seven times for a 47.6 average, both gross and net. He had six of those down inside the 20, including five inside the 10. Field position was a huge factor in the game and the punter/kicker/coverage combo nailed it for New England.
Sell
LeGarrette Blount/O-line early – Belichick made it quite clear last week that a lot of the success running the ball in the second half by Blount against the Dolphins came thanks to the line. So, when the ground game struggles like it did against the Texans, especially early on, both the back and his blockers get the blame. Clearly this is nit-picking, but the running game couldn't get much going early. Blount had seven carries for 12 yards in the first half. He broke things open in the second half again this week, including a 41-yard touchdown run on the way to a 104-yard night. But if there are areas to be improved, the early-game running game would be on the list.
*Cyrus Jones – *The rookie returner seemingly settled down during the preseason after some major issues with muffed punts in training camp practice. Thursday night he was a bit of a heart attack again. Though a penalty on the Texans, he caught a punt in traffic early in the first quarter. Then he put one on the ground later that was actually ruled down by contact. The hold-your-breath moments continued into the third quarter when he lost the ball after a short return, only to reach out and pull it in to avoid the turnover. Still, Jones brought stress to the return game all night long, which isn't what the coaches are looking for.
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