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The Patriots are entering the gauntlet of their schedule — or are they?

By Zachary Downing

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots leads his team onto the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots leads his team onto the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: DeShaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans carries the ball during the second quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: DeShaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans carries the ball during the second quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are like the Ravens’ fraternal twin.

Deshaun Watson is a young, dangerous quarterback who can beat you on the ground and through the air, and their offense can pull off terrifying campaigns of 50+ points. Where Baltimore has a good power rusher in Mark Ingram II, Houston brings to the table two speedy former Browns players in Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson.

The reason the Texans are only 4-3, though, is their underperforming defense – which has let a couple close wins slow the momentum of the team.

Specifically, there was the case of the Week 1 matchup against New Orleans, when the Saints needed to get around eight yards to reach winning field goal range. Instead, the Texans defense set up in a “prevent” formation, which had their safeties and cornerbacks prepared to stop a touchdown. The Saints easily got the short yardage they needed and kicked the field goal for the win.

If the Texans defense puts on a good game at home on Sunday Night Football against the Pats, it’ll be a close fight. There can’t be any weak links, though… and with Houston you’ll often find one.

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