WHEN THEY PASS
WHEN THE PATRIOTS PASS
Tom Brady is the best quarterback in NFL history. It doesn’t seem to matter who he’s throwing to. Chris Hogan is his top returning target at wideout. Cornerbacks Johnathon Joseph, Kevin Johnson and Aaron Colvin can’t let him get behind them because Hogan is a sneaky deep threat. Brady has two new targets in Cordarrelle Patterson, their leading receiver in preseason, and Phillip Dorsett. Both are former first-round picks. Brady’s favorite target is tight end Rob Gronkowski. He’s almost impossible to match up one-on-one because of his size, speed and catching ability. Brady is the best in the league of using his running backs as receivers. He’ll find James White and Rex Burkhead as safety valves or down the field. Zach Cunningham, the Texans’ best linebacker in coverage, should be running all over the field. It’ll be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel employs safety Tyrann Mathieu.
WHEN THE TEXANS PASS
Deshaun Watson threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns at Gillette Stadium last season. It was his second start. His top-three receivers — DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller and Bruce Ellington — are back. The matchup between Hopkins and cornerback Stephon Gilmore should be interesting to watch. Gilmore should need help. So should cornerback Eric Rowe because he’ll have to contend with Fuller’s speed. Expect Rowe to provide a big cushion at the line of scrimmage. He’ll need help over the top. With Hopkins and Fuller requiring so much attention, the middle of the field should be open for tight end Ryan Griffin, who had a splendid game against the Patriots last season with five catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Rookie Jordan Akins showed good receiving skills in preseason and could be a formidable weapon if Bill O’Brien wants to use him. Also, keep an eye on running back Lamar Miller in the passing game, especially in the red zone.