National Football League

Week 3: Texans - Patriots Game Analysis

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:37 p.m. ET

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LeGarrette Blount (29) New England Patriots – Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots improved to 3-0 after dominating the Houston Texans at home.

With rookie QB Jacoby Brissett behind center, the Patriots leaned on their defense to step up and did they ever, shutting the Texans out. 27-0.

Here’s some quick thoughts on the game:

Positives

Next: Positives (Cont...)

Jacoby Brissett (7) New England Patriots – Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

More Positives

Next: Positives (Cont...)

Malcolm Butler (21) New England Patriots – Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

More Positives

Next: Negatives

Cyrus Jones (24) New England Patriots – Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Negatives

Next: Plays of the Game & Things to Improve On

Brandon Bolden (38) and Jonathan Freeny (55) New England Patriots – Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Plays of the Game

Special Teams Fumble Recoveries

There will be people that believe that these plays weren’t as big the Brissett TD run or Collins’ INT, but these plays helped put the Patriots in good field position and put points on the board. Bolden and Ebner may not see the field as much, but their snaps on special teams are more meaningful than most know.

Things to Improve On

Red Zone Offense

The Patriots were in the redzone three times, but only converted once. Three points are better than no points, however, their execution in the redzone will need to be better and likely will when TE Rob Gronkowski is more of a factor in the on-coming weeks.

Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots. Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Final Notes

Bill Belichick will be looked at as the primary genius here (and he is), but credit must go to OC Josh McDaniels and DC Matt Patricia through the first three weeks of the season. Their gameplans have been executed well and have the Patriots 3-0 on the start of the season.

What’s more fascinating is how the Patriots will be getting some of their best players back through the coming weeks whether it’s from injury (Gronkowski, Hightower, Cooper) or suspension (Brady, Ninokovich).

What’s even more fascinating is J.J. Watt continues to disappear when he plays the Patriots and has yet to be apart of a win against them. Is health really a factor as to why he didn’t perform well, or is he just overrated? Depends on who you ask.

Upcoming Schedule

If there is one thing that everyone has learned, it’s always been hard to bet against a Belichick-coached team.

Next Week

Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills (0-2) travel to Foxboro where Ryan looks to have his first win since the 2010 playoffs. Rex Ryan is already on the hot seat after a bad start to the season. Should the Bills lose to the Patriots, without their #1 QB, Rex, along with his brother, may be looking for a job elsewhere.