New England Patriots vs Houston Texans: Game Three Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN (GAME PREDICTION)
The game should look a lot like it did last week with New Orleans and in game one against Kansas City: close early as the two teams feel each other out. The Patriots should have a considerable advantage against the Houston offense which has one proven playmaker and a depleted offensive line.
On the other side of the ball, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels needs to find ways to get Brandin Cooks isolated in match-ups he can win when the Texans flood the middle of the field to try and take away Gronkowski and Danny Amendola. If New England can force the Texans to devote resources outside the numbers, they should be able to pull away and sustain drives.
The Texans’ defense is very good, but the secondary is nowhere as good as the one that gave Brady fits last year. Due to attrition and injury, Brady should be able to pick apart the Texans and find Chris Hogan and Cooks enough to force Houston back on their heels.
After a close first half, look for the Patriots to pull away in the second half and win easily. Making Houston one-dimensional in the second half playing from behind is a recipe for disaster with a rookie quarterback, even one as talented and with the pedigree of Deshaun Watson. It should be a good week for the Patriots’ defense to get back on track.