Defense needs save from Brady yet again

FOXBORO — At the moment, and maybe for much longer if something doesn’t change, the Patriots’ best defensive player is Tom Brady.

Tom Brady absolves more of Matt Patricia’s sins than a parish priest. He couldn’t do it against the Chiefs — some are too grievous even for the Patron Saint of Lost Defenses — but most days, like yesterday, Brady can cleanse a defense’s soul and an opposing defense’s clock.

Yesterday, the Patriots defense played well enough to lose to a rookie quarterback who has a vast storehouse of athletic ability but no idea yet that a second read exists. Deshaun Watson threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns, and had his Texans clinging to a five-point lead with 2:24 remaining on the clock, but that clock ticked too long for former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.

As Houston’s coach, O’Brien came in believing even with a rookie quarterback, and without his best tight end and starting left tackle, his offense could move the ball on what presently passes for defense from the Patriots.

He was right. A kid with little idea how to attack an NFL defense lacerated the Patriots for six plays of 20 yards or more and three completions of more than 30 yards, which has pretty much been the weekly ratio since the season began. If you’re looking for a progress report, there was this: At least they didn’t give up two plays of more than 70 yards as they did in that Opening Night pasting.

The Pats allowed more than 100 yards rushing again, more than 300 yards passing again and more than 30 points again, making a scoring defense that entered the game allowing 30 a game worse. They gave up 33, yet still won 36-33 because while they may not be able to defend