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New England Patriots, Houston Texans still planning on having joint practices

By Nick Ziegler

Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) and defensive back Nate Ebner (43) tackle Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater (18) and defensive back Nate Ebner (43) tackle Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots will be playing the Houston Texans early in the season. Will that change their plans for a joint practice this summer?

One of the things that the New England Patriots like to do during training camp is to have joint practices. Generally, against an opponent in the preseason, two teams will practice against each other leading into the preseason game.

This season, the Patriots will be having joint practices with the Houston Texans leading up to their preseason game. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, the Patriots and Texans won’t be changing their plans because of the early game in the regular season.

"Even though the Patriots and Houston Texans will play Sept. 24, in Week 3 of the regular season, that won’t stop them from holding joint practices leading into their preseason game Aug. 19. Those plans are still on, which means it is a similar setup to 2013 when the Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers held joint practices in Week 2 of the preseason before meeting in the third week of the regular season."

Even though the Patriots will be playing the Texans just a few weeks later in the regular season, they aren’t worried about it. Belichick likes to have these practices, and he isn’t worried about it.

"“I don’t think right now that’s what we’re worried about”. Belichick said to Reiss. “We’re trying to improve our team. We’ll worry about five, six weeks from now whenever that gets here.”"

Last season, the Patriots really had the number of the Texans. With Jacoby Brissett in the regular season, the Patriots were able to shut the Texans out at home.

Next: Breaking down the quarterback position in 2017

In the playoffs, Tom Brady and company were able to defeat the Texans once again in the postseason. Coming into 2017, the Texans will likely have rookie Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback. Watson will surely be tested early in the preseason and regular season by the Patriots defense.

Due to the two teams playing so quickly after their joint practices, don’t expect either team to show off the entire playbook.

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