After looking horrible on opening night, the Patriots righted the ship last Sunday against the the Saints. Besides getting back to .500, the Patriots looked good doing it. This is what they need to do this week in order to keep the momentum heading into October.
PROTECT BRADY- Although the Texans haven't been putting quarterbacks on their butts much this year, we all know they are quite capable of it. Besides having to worry about Watt and Clowney, the offensive line also needs to be very concerned with Benardrick McKinney. Last year Benardrick 16 tackles against the Patriots. This season McKinney has earned 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 quarterback hits and 3 tackles for loss. Protecting Brady and keeping plays away from McKinney should be a big focus for the Pats.
EARLY OFFENSE- While the Patriots can make amazing comebacks and sometimes let a lead slip away, starting the scoring early against the Texans will be very beneficial. If you thought the Patriots had an amazing record when they lead at the half, the Texans are a perfect 19-0 when leading at the half under Bill O'Brien. If the Patriots can get the Texans down by a few scores, that should make the Texans' rookie quarterback, Deshaun Watson, easy prey for the defense. In just two games this season, the Texans o-line has given up 13 sacks. If the offense is forced to be one dimensional against the Patriots, there's no telling how ugly the game can get.
TURNOVER BATTLE- Yes, the usual turnover battle win. Once again, the Pats are pretty awesome when they win the turnover the battle, yet the Texans are a perfect 11-0 since 2015 when they get some free possessions.
FINISH PLAYS- Unlike in the opener, both the offense and defense played until the whistle last week. Assuming the guys don't give up on the plays before they're over, Brady will find the open guy and the defense will avoid giving up the big scoring plays.
TURF READY- Although the guys wearing the uniforms don't have any control over the field conditions, I'll be much more confident in the outcome.
TURNOVER BATTLE- Yes, the usual turnover battle win. Once again, the Pats are pretty awesome when they win the turnover the battle, yet the Texans are a perfect 11-0 since 2015 when they get some free possessions.
FINISH PLAYS- Unlike in the opener, both the offense and defense played until the whistle last week. Assuming the guys don't give up on the plays before they're over, Brady will find the open guy and the defense will avoid giving up the big scoring plays.
TURF READY- Although the guys wearing the uniforms don't have any control over the field conditions, I'll be much more confident in the outcome.
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