New England Patriots vs Houston Texans: Scouting Report
By Hal Bent
When the Texans pass the ball
The Texans are seventh in total offense (381.6 yards per game) and 10th in points (24.1 points per game). They are 12th in passing yards (244.7 per game) and quarterback Deshaun Watson has completed 69% of his pass attempts with 20 touchdowns, just seven interceptions, and a 103.4 quarterback rating.
The Patriots are second in passing defense allowing just 1,738 yards in 11 games. They have allowed just four passing touchdowns and intercepted 20 passes (both best in the NFL). The secondary has been the key for New England, particularly cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Jonathan Jones as well as safety Devin McCourty. All three are having All-Pro seasons so far for the New England defense.
Gilmore has 34 tackles, four interceptions, and 13 passes defensed. Jones has 37 tackles, six passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. McCourty leads the way with five interceptions, seven passes defensed, a forced fumble, and 36 tackles.
Gilmore will be tasked with shadowing DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans’ leading receiver with 81 catches on 112 targets for 839 yards and six touchdowns. Gilmore is coming off a total white-washing of Dallas’ Amari Cooper last week and has been the best cornerback in football.
In 2018, Hopkins had a few receptions with Gilmore in coverage in the 27-20 Patriots win on the opening weekend, but for the most part Hopkins was held in check by Gilmore. This is easily the top matchup to watch on Sunday night as both players are the best in the league at their respective positions.
It will be up to head coach and play-caller Bill O’Brien to scheme ways for Watson to get the ball to Hopkins. If Gilmore can handle Hopkins one-on-one, it favors the New England defense. J.C. Jackson and Devin McCourty or Duron Harmon can handle Will Fuller and Kenny Stills (both are one-dimensional downfield threats), and the fragile and undersized slot receiver Keke Coutee will likely be smothered by Jones.
Expect Watson to follow the Eagles’ Super Bowl 52 game plan and focus on tight ends Darren Fells and Jordan Akins on short and intermediate routes. He will also try to get Duke Johnson isolated on Dont’a Hightower or Kyle Van Noy out of the backfield. Fells, Akins, and Johnson getting most of the touches should be a win for the Patriots’ defense if they can limit the yards after catch and force check-downs by Watson.