Patriots - Texans Key Match Ups, Who Has the Razor's Edge?

Patriots RBs vs Texans Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Houston
The Patriots running game really took off on Sunday against Miami. LeGarrette Blount had 29 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown. Most impressive was the final drive where Miami knew they were going to run and they were successful, burning over five minutes of the clock and forcing the Dolphins to use all of their timeouts.

There are potential gaps in the Texans defense to run against. Because of their aggressiveness in getting after the QB, there are opportunities to run there. But with a starting rookie QB, the scenario changes, and Houston will put a premium on stopping the run and forcing the ball in Jacoby Brissett’s hands.

One has to wonder at Blount’s effectiveness this week. After carrying the ball 29 times on Sunday, can he duplicate that type of effort in a very short week? We may see more of Brandon Bolden and James White in the running game this week.

Look for the Patriots to run away from JJ Watt and attack the other side of the formation. Patience in the running game will be even more important this week as they’ll try to ease the pressure on Brissett. Of course, the middle will be ably plugged by big Vince Wilfork who did it for so many years for the Patriots. ILB Benardrick McKinney was lauded by Bill Belichick this week as one of the better inside backers in the league.

Patriots WRs vs Texans Secondary – Razor’s Edge Houston
The Patriots passing game was looking positively lethal on Sunday and even without Rob Gronkowski before Garoppolo went down with an injury. They were much more conservative with Brissette in there throwing only nine passes. How much they open things up with him remain to be seen but he hasn’t had as much work this summer as Garoppolo and Brady. And with only really two walk-thru sessions before the game.

Houston’s defense has been their strength and it starts with Watt in the center of the line. He played in Week 1 and said he was rusty but his performance on Sunday says he’s quickly rounding into condition. Jadeveon Clowney is healthy this season and showing his potential. Whitney Mercilus is another excellent pass rusher from the edge in the Texans 3-4.

This is an intriguing matchup, with Garoppolo at the helm, I thought the Patriots quickness underneath gave them a decided edge. The Texans linebackers are great in coverage and Gronkowski if he plays (still a big IF), and Martellus Bennett would have given them plenty of opportunities. Will Brissett have the experience and poise to run the offense like that? I don’t think he’s ready yet and they’ll be forced to be much more conservative, as they were in the 2^nd half on Sunday.

Next up the Houston offense:

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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