How the Houston press is viewing this game:
John McClain previews Texans vs. Patriots
A fairly basic slideshow:
- For Houston: Watson can't turn the ball over, pressure Brady, contain on special teams.
- Patriots need to protect Brady, NE running backs need to beat man coverage, Pats D needs to win the line of scrimmage and maintain discipline against Watson.
- Houston D needs to stay in gaps and not overrun plays vs Patriot RBs.
- Even though Houston has a 31-game streak of not allowing a 300-yard passing game, Pats get the edge in passing game vs Texans defense. Houston has nobody that can cover Gronk in man coverage, and Hogan is a problem for their D.
- Pats have given up 133 yards per game rushing, so BoB will try to run. problem is the Houston OL is not good. Advantage to the Patriots.
- Due to their problems on the OL, look for Houston to mix in bootlegs and rollouts for Watson with quick 3-step drops.
- McClain's prediction: Patriots 27, Texans 13