The New England Patriots will try to keep their momentum going on Sunday afternoon when they travel to NRG Stadium for an AFC showdown against the Houston Texans.
The Patriots probably won’t make it to the postseason in 2020 but they kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a win over the Baltimore Ravens last week. At 4-5, New England finds itself on the outside looking in at a crowded AFC playoff picture but a favorable schedule down the stretch could still see the Pats finish with a modest 8-8 record. Meanwhile, Houston is trying to salvage some pride following a 2-7 start.
Can the Patriots stay hot on the road against the Texans in Week 11?
Patriots run all over Ravens for second straight win
New England pulled off an unlikely upset last week, taking down the Baltimore Ravens 23-17 behind a throwback game from the Patriots’ offense. Cam Newton completed 13-of-17 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown while adding another touchdown on the ground in the win. The Patriots rushed for 173 yards, led by Damien Harris, who had a season-high 121 yards and Rex Burkhead caught two touchdowns to help the Patriots earn their second straight win.
Last week, the Patriots flexed their collective muscles on offense, outgaining the league’s No. 1 rushing offense 173-115 on the ground. New England comes into Week 11 averaging a healthy 161.1 rushing yards per game, which trails only the Ravens for the league lead. This week, New England can get back to the .500-mark with a win and they should be able to do so against the league’s worst run defense.
Cam Newton and Jakobi Meyers were automatic in the clutch against the Jets. 8 seconds left and the Patriots needed a big chunk play for a field goal and they made it happen 🔥
Love the chemistry between Newton and Meyers. pic.twitter.com/hqiRL0xE4h
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) November 12, 2020
On the other side of the ball, the Patriots are trending up after last week’s win. New England comes in allowing just 23.4 points per game (10th in the NFL) and 363.3 yards of total offense per contest. While the Patriots’ defense isn’t as good as it has been in years past, they remain stingy against the pass, surrendering just 234.1 yards per game through the air through nine weeks.
Texans still don’t have an answer at RB
Playing without running back David Johnson, the Texans were held in check in a 10-7 loss versus the Cleveland Browns last week in very windy conditions. Deshaun Watson completed 20-of-30 passes for only 163 yards and a touchdown while Pharaoh Brown caught the team’s only touchdown on the day. With Houston’s offense struggling to move the football, the Texans’ run defense and lack of running game came under the microscope. The Texans were gashed for 231 rushing yards and 5.6 yards per carry, as both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt went over the 100-mark in the loss. Meanwhile, Duke Johnson gained a modest 54 yards on 14 carries to lead Houston in rushing.
Even with David Johnson healthy, it’s become strikingly clear that the Texans don’t have an answer at running back. For four straight games, Houston’s leading rusher has had less than 60 yards on the ground. That’s put a ton of pressure on Watson to perform and he has for the most part. The Texans’ starter is the only quarterback in the NFL without a passing game grade under 60 this season. Watson’s numbers (2,539 yards, 18 TD, 5 INT) suggest he’s playing at an elite level but it hasn’t translated into wins on the football field. Part of the reason for that has been Houston’s inability to run the football.
Deshaun Watson asked about what facing Cam Newton means to him: “Cam’s a big brother to me … he’s always been there for me since I was in high school … he’s a guy that I based my game — especially at a young age — around … he’s just always been my favorite quarterback.” pic.twitter.com/OBVPrvyBEf
— Asinine Punk (@riversmccown) November 18, 2020
The defense hasn’t lived up to expectations in 2020 either. Houston has given up 28.0 points and 422.8 yards of total offense per game while ranking as the league’s worst run defense. Opposing teams have trampled the Texans’ front-seven to the tune of 167.4 rushing yards per game. Houston also struggled to get to the quarterback last week, sacking Baker Mayfield just once in the 10-7 loss.
