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New England Patriots 4 Downs Preview: Week 13 @ Houston Texans

By Michael Perry

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)
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) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 24: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots celebrates intercepting a pass during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 24: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots celebrates intercepting a pass during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

3rd Down: Another tough test for the defense

Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins, Kenny Stills, Will Fuller, and Carlos Hyde are the top skill players on the Houston Texans. Watson can dominate a defense in the pocket with his arm or on the run with his legs as well. Hopkins is arguably the best receiver in the game, and Stills along with Fuller are also good role players in the Texans offense. Hyde is a threat on the ground for opposing defenses. This is yet another tough test for the New England Patriots defense.

As previously mentioned, the defense in New England is a top-10 defense in the NFL. Stephon Gilmore is having a career for the Patriots and will most likely cover Hopkins, going with Bill Belichick’s motto of taking away the offense’s top player.

The other players in the secondary, including Jonathan Jones and JC Jackson, have been playing just as well behind Gilmore. Devin McCourty has also been a staple at safety along with Patrick Chung. They all will have their hands full with the wide receivers of the Texans.

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