Run-oriented New England to face Texans’ Nfl-worst rushing defense.
Newton and company opposing NFL’S worst defense against the run
After failing to stop the run all season, the Houston Texans will face another test on Sunday against the New England Patriots, a team that runs the ball more than any team in the NFL.
The Patriots (4-5) lead the NFL this season with 301 rushing attempts and rank third by averaging 161.1 yards rushing a game. Houston’s run defense has been the biggest problem this season, as the team ranks last in the league in allowing 167.4 yards rushing a game.
Now the Texans (2-7) will have to face a New England team that not only has Damien Harris, who rushed for a careerhigh 121 yards last week, but also quarterback Cam Newton, who ranks third in the NFL with nine rushing touchdowns.
Houston defensive end J.J. Watt was asked about the challenge of facing New England’s unique rushing attack.
“We’ve got to stop all running games, period,” Watt said. “That’s something we haven’t done well all year. You have to play your gap, shed your blocks, make tackles. Everybody’s got to do their job.”
Watt believes the key to success on Sunday will be limiting Newton.
“You’ve got to be aware of his capabilities in every single play,” Watt said. “He can do just about anything out there.”
The Patriots are trying to build on the momentum of winning two in a row after losing their previous four games.
While the Texans are focused on slowing down New England’s running game, the Patriots will look to limit Deshaun Watson and Houston’s passing game. Watson threw for a season-low 163 yards in a loss to Cleveland last week in tough weather conditions, but has nine touchdown passes with no interceptions in his past four games.
New England coach Bill Belichick knows Sunday’s game will be a challenge for his team despite Houston’s struggles this season.
“We all know this is a very good and talented football team,” Belichick said. “Their record doesn’t really mean anything to me. What means something is the way they play, the way that they’re coached and the talent that they have on the field. They’re very good at everything.”