The sick Patriots are in Houston to take on a pretty good football team. That team is still coached by two Belichick disciples: Head Coach Bill O'Brien and Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel. Additionally, the Texans are coming off of a "mini-bye" as they last played the Colts in Houston on a Thursday night.
Those are three pretty solid reason to give the Texans the edge today. I'm not giving the Texans the edge today.
As has been documented and verified weekly, the Patriots' strength this season in their defense. This defense is going to keep rolling through opponents and will get into the scoring like they had been earlier this season. The fact that the defense is going to put points on the board and give Brady a short field to work with is going to be the reason that the offense will not get much credit for the victory. That's okay, Brady doesn't need the accolades, he just needs to have the confidence of the other men in the locker room. He still has their confidence.
Defense- So, how is the defense going to stop the Texans? First off, they aren't going to get dumb penalties giving the Texans free first downs. Second, when they pursue Deshaun Watson they are not going to get caught in the backfield. Third, they aren't going to give him the deep passes that he is so successful with. As they done have to many quarterbacks, they are going to confuse him early and often. Playing with a weak ankle against the Patriots' ferocious defense will not be an easy task. Because I always have a gut feeling on a wild play occuring, be ready to see the Patriots defense earn a safety.
As has been documented and verified weekly, the Patriots' strength this season in their defense. This defense is going to keep rolling through opponents and will get into the scoring like they had been earlier this season. The fact that the defense is going to put points on the board and give Brady a short field to work with is going to be the reason that the offense will not get much credit for the victory. That's okay, Brady doesn't need the accolades, he just needs to have the confidence of the other men in the locker room. He still has their confidence.
Defense- So, how is the defense going to stop the Texans? First off, they aren't going to get dumb penalties giving the Texans free first downs. Second, when they pursue Deshaun Watson they are not going to get caught in the backfield. Third, they aren't going to give him the deep passes that he is so successful with. As they done have to many quarterbacks, they are going to confuse him early and often. Playing with a weak ankle against the Patriots' ferocious defense will not be an easy task. Because I always have a gut feeling on a wild play occuring, be ready to see the Patriots defense earn a safety.
Offense- The Patriots offense is going to have a solid game today. Brady will quietly get his typical 260+ yards passing and 2 touchdowns. Sony Michel will use his college buddy's blocking from the left tackle position to bust through for his first 100 yard game of the season. Brady will spread the ball around and connect with 7 different players. Edelman and Sanu will get the most targets while Myers and Harry will gain more trust by making some plays. The real question is whether or not James White is part of this week's game plan. While Houston is guilty of giving up an abundant of receiving yards to running backs this season, which running back is part of today's game plan is anyone's guess.
Special Teams- Another week, another kicker. With all of the issues and injuries surrounding the Patriots' kicking team this season, you would think Belichick would let us see punter Jake Bailey make at least one attempt this year. Since he signed another leg after Nick Folk's Thanksgiving morning appendectomy, I think we may be out of luck. Because at this point in the season of replacement kickers all having similar stats, I think it's important that you know that Kai Forbath's nickname is Cobra Kai. Hopefully, the Patriots will strike first, strike hard and have no mercy. Assuming Bailey sees the field in his current position, I predict he will once again leave our opponents with some crappy field position.
Special Teams- Another week, another kicker. With all of the issues and injuries surrounding the Patriots' kicking team this season, you would think Belichick would let us see punter Jake Bailey make at least one attempt this year. Since he signed another leg after Nick Folk's Thanksgiving morning appendectomy, I think we may be out of luck. Because at this point in the season of replacement kickers all having similar stats, I think it's important that you know that Kai Forbath's nickname is Cobra Kai. Hopefully, the Patriots will strike first, strike hard and have no mercy. Assuming Bailey sees the field in his current position, I predict he will once again leave our opponents with some crappy field position.
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