New England Patriots vs Houston Texans: Scouting Report

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FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots (L) shakes hands with head coach Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans after the New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans 27-0 at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Game Prediction

The New England Patriots have struggled on offense–particularly in the passing game. However, there is hope as the unit has shown signs of life at times in the past two weeks. This may be a good week to get the running game going and open up the passing attack against a suspect Houston secondary.

On defense, containing quarterback Deshaun Watson in the pocket should be the priority. The pass rush must focus on containment and let the interior pressure and linebackers attack him through the A-gap on obvious passing downs. Containing the run game on early downs is a must to put Houston in uncomfortable third down situations.

Expect the Patriots to go into Houston and be able to move the ball on offense, and then force Houston off the field by making Watson stay in the pocket and go through his progressions when the Pats are on defense.

New England 27 – Houston 13

Next. 3 keys to Patriots beating the Texans on SNF. dark

-Hal Bent has been a Contributor for FanSided at MusketFire since 2012 and covers and analyzes the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @halbent01

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