****** Texans at Patriots 12/10 game thread ******

[Deus Irae]

I didn't see a game thread, so I thought I'd get one started. It's looking like a rainy night, with winds up to 15 mph, so it should favor the Patriots as long as the wind's not affecting the throws. Here's a fun fact to take with you into the game, courtesy of Peter King:

Patriots' scoring output in their last six games: 242 points. Seahawks' scoring output in first 12 games of season: 242 points.

Adrian Peterson, Peyton Manning, Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck in intense award races - Peter King - SI.com

 

[QB12]

Bolden?

Reiss says the Pats have an open roster spot and can use it on Bolden if the want. Do the Pats have him 'on ice' for tonite's game?

 

[skspikex2]

Brandon Spikes tweet:

My boss cool as a mofo !! I'm deff gonna turn up for him 2nite !!




He's pumped up!

 

[Mack Herron]

I think Bolden is activated for STs as much as carries. Will be interesting to see inactives for which walking wounded OLs (Mankins, Connolly, Vollmer, McDonald) as well as Shiancoe, Jones, Francis.

 

[Rob0729]

Forgot to mention this elsewhere, but Reiss said last night that speaking to Pats players, they said that they believe the Texans can be run on and teams just don't try getting into shootouts with them. I think we might see more running than people expect.

 

[shmessy]

Gillette looks rather moist:

Welcome to Gillette Stadium - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[shmessy]

Brandon Spikes tweet:

My boss cool as a mofo !! I'm deff gonna turn up for him 2nite !!




He's pumped up!

You forgot the picture!

https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2956914167/dc691ca1cd3e373573e770a266caea92.jpeg

(j/k - that picture was before last year's SB)

 

[reflexblue]

Gillette looks rather moist:

Welcome to Gillette Stadium - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

Warm and moist

 

[mayoclinic]

Forgot to mention this elsewhere, but Reiss said last night that speaking to Pats players, they said that they believe the Texans can be run on and teams just don't try getting into shootouts with them. I think we might see more running than people expect.

54 rushes for 251 yards, 35:49 TOP vs. Denver. It limited Peyton Manning and his play action quite a bit.

Pats can establish the run against Houston. Then slice them apart with the precision passing game. Then pound them some more with the run.

 

[mayoclinic]

Warm and moist

There's an opportunity there, but I won't take it.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Brandon Bolden ready for battle per Reiss

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Almost nothing would surprise me tonight. Anything from the Pats blowing out the Texans to the Pats getting blown out.

The only thing I can't see happening is a pure defensive struggle (i.e., both teams scoring below 14).

The most important thing, though, for the long run: STAYING HEALTHY.

 

[D-Money]

The houston texans have been battled tested all season long.Even a lead in this game wouldnt make me comfortable because they have come from behind.They have won all types of ways.The patriots need to play 60 minutes of football without letting down.

 

[D-Money]

The pats getting blown out at home would shock me.

 

[Uncle Rico]

There's an opportunity there, but I won't take it.

There is definitely excitement ... in the air.

 

[102 Pat]

It feels like these last two and a half hours are going to take forever. Let's create a Gruden drinking game! I'll start it off, take a drink when:

-Gruden says how much he loves (insert player name here)

 

[Deus Irae]

It feels like these last two and a half hours are going to take forever. Let's create a Gruden drinking game! I'll start it off, take a drink when:

-Gruden says how much he loves (insert player name here)

Good call. If you'd gone with "This guy" as the drinking key, you'd might have had millions dead from alcohol poisoning by the end of the first quarter.

 

[mayoclinic]

The pats getting blown out at home would shock me.

How many games have the Pats been blown out at all in the TB/BB era, much less at home? I can't count very many:

1. 2003: 31-0 to the Bills
2. 2005: 41-17 to the Chargers, in Foxboro
3. 2005: 40-21 to Indy, in Foxboro
4. 2006: 21-0 to Miami
5. 2009: 38-17 to New Orleans
6. 2009: 33-14 to Baltimore in Foxboro (playoffs)
7. 2010: 34-14 to Cleveland

Only 3 of those were in Foxboro - the 2005 losses to San Diego and Indy, and the 2009 playoff loss to the Ravens.

There were 3 blowouts in 2008 (38-13 to Miami, 30-10 to San Diego, and 33-10 to Pittsburgh), but all were with Matt Cassel at QB.