The Patriots visit the Houston Texans for a showdown of two 1-3 teams. For the Patriots a win here would push things into a more positive direction moving forward. For the Texans this might not even be a game they’re trying to win as they eye a high pick in next year’s draft.
Coming off an encouraging performance against the Buccaneers last Sunday night, the Patriots look to build on that and win this game handedly against seemingly a much lesser opponent. According to TeamRankings, the Texans are ranked 22nd in pass yards allowed per game, as well as 28th in rushing yards allowed per game. Following a negative (literally) performance by the Patriots rushing attack last week, this might be the right game to catch a rhythm running the ball. This isn’t an opponent that should give the Patriots developing offense any trouble at all.
Defensively, the Patriots are gameplanning for Texans back-up quarterback Davis Mills, who filled in for an injured Tyrod Taylor early in the season. With the defensive backs playing as well as they have so far in the season, there’s little concern that the Texans are going to beat the Patriots through the air. On the ground, the Texans have an intriguing group made up of Phillip Lindsay and Mark Ingrahm heading the attack. The Patriots have struggled against the run in important spots this season, and this is the one skill group the Texans have that could pose a threat.
While the Patriots have built some momentum on offense recently, a number of injuries and COVID related issues decimated the offensive line this week. Trent Brown and Shaq Mason were out of practice this week with injuries, while Michael Onwenu and Isaiah Wynn were both out due to COVID related issues. While the game status of Wynn and Onwenu is unsure, the consensus is that the Patriots will be down four starters, with only their starting center David Andrews able to play. The line has already struggled this season protecting Mac Jones and creating holes for the running game and moving to the back-ups isnt a way to find success moving forward.
Watch for the Patriots to keep an eye on their offensive line, designing offense to supplement weak protection and conjuring up ways to work around the different personnel they run out on Sunday.
For more NFL coverage, click here.
