New England Patriots vs Houston Texans: Scouting Report
By Hal Bent
When the Patriots run the ball
The Patriots are a lowly 23rd in rushing yards per game (just 91.9 yards per game), but a large part of that mediocre average has been adjusting to Marshall Newhouse and Ted Karras playing major roles on the offensive line. However, just the addition of Isaiah Wynn at left tackle has stabilized the unit, and last week against a strong Cowboys run defense, the Patriots topped 100 yards on the ground for the first time since Week 6.
Running backs Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead face a Texans run defense that was first in the NFL last season. However, they have been so terrible in the last two games they dropped from third in the league against the run (84.1 yards per game) to 17th (108 yards per game). The Ravens and Colts bullied the Texans for 431 yards on the ground combined in the past two games.
The Texans’ best run-stopper is nose tackle D.J. Reader. Reader is a handful and has been a rock inside clogging the interior. Inside linebackers Zach Cunningham and Benardrick McKinney are best against the run and have the straight-line speed to range from sideline to sideline. Where they struggle is when the offensive line reaches the second level and overpowers them on runs between the tackles.
Safeties Justin Reid and Tashaun Gipson both are very strong against the run and are not afraid to stick their noses in and contribute. The Patriots need to connect on some intermediate and deep passing routes early in the game to keep that duo far from the line of scrimmage and open up space for the running backs.