WHEN THEY RUN
WHEN THE PATRIOTS RUN
They were 10th in rushing last season (118.1 yards). They lost two tackles in free agency and traded with San Francisco for left tackle Trent Brown. Marcus Cannon is back at right tackle and will have to contain J.J. Watt. Their interior line is terrific and will make it tough on nose tackle D.J. Reader. The Patriots added two new backs in veteran Jeremy Hill and rookie Sony Michel, who was injured and didn’t get a carry in preseason. They play behind James White and Rex Burkhead. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels tries to keep defenses off balance with the run so they can’t solely focus on Tom Brady’s passing. Hill is a former 1,000-yard rusher with Cincinnati. White is a quick hitter who can bounce outside and get around the corner. Don’t be surprised if they try to take advantage of the Texans’ aggressiveness by running new receiver Cordarrelle Patterson on a reverse. Outside linebackers Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney have to find that fine line between discipline and aggression.
WHEN THE TEXANS RUN
In last season’s 36-33 loss at New England, the Texans ran for 125 yards. They’d settle for that again. The running game wasn’t very good in preseason, but now they know who the starters and backups are, and it should be more effective. Lamar Miller and Deshaun Watson, who combined for 22 carries and 97 yards against the Patriots, are back behind a line that has four new starters. With D’Onta Foreman unavailable, Alfred Blue should get a few carries when Miller needs a breather. The Patriots have a strong front seven, but they can’t jam the box because of Watson’s mobility. They know he can hurt them running outside as well as up the middle when he’s unable to locate a receiver and finds a seam. Unless the Texans fall hopelessly behind, Miller could get 15 to 20 carries because Bill O’Brien wants to establish the run to set up play-action for Watson. He ran eight times as a rookie last season, so the Patriots are aware of what he’s capable of doing by design or when the protection breaks down.