Patriots at Texans score: Deshaun Watson flawless as Houston outlasts late rally

The Houston Texans have moved to 3-7 on the season after defeating the New England Patriots (4-6) 27-20 at NRG Stadium. From the jump, this game appeared to have the makings of a high-flying affair between both of these offenses as they were each able to find the end zone in the first quarter. However, the Patriots offense largely went silent in the first half after a 10-play, 84-yard touchdown drive to begin the game for Josh McDaniels’ unit. They managed just three more points in the opening half and watched as Deshaun Watson flashed his brilliance and tacked on 14 points in the second quarter to take the lead. From there, Cam Newton and company were playing from behind and couldn’t quite overtake Houston. Now, any sort of late playoff push appears to be dashed. 

Watson finished his day with 344 yards through the air and two touchdowns despite losing Kenny Stills and Randall Cobb early in this contest. He relied on his tight ends in the passing game along with Brandin Cooks, who led the team with 85 yards receiving, and Will Fuller V, who finished with 80 yards on six catches. Watson also contributed to the offense with his legs, totaling 36 yards while scoring on a four-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. 

As for the Patriots offense, Newton did look comfortable passing the ball in the second half but the unit was largely disjointed throughout. He finished with 365 yards passing and one touchdown while committing zero turnovers. Despite Houston boasting the worst run defense in the league heading into Week 11, Romeo Crennel’s club kept the Patriots ground game largely in check, only totaling 86 yards on 3.6 yards per carry and a touchdown. 

From here, the Patriots will head back to Foxborough and await a matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Meanwhile, the Texans will look to carry the momentum from this week to Detroit when they’ll face the Lions in Week 12 on Thanksgiving.