Star power leads Houston to victory

HOUSTON » Deshaun Watson dragged two defenders into the end zone for a touchdown early on Sunday and J. J. Watt swatted down pass after pass from Cam Newton.

Houston’s two biggest stars both showed up huge to help the Texans beat the New England Patriots 27- 20 for their first win of the season against a team other than divisionrival Jacksonville.

Watson threw for 344 yards and two scores, but the highlight of the game came on a play he made with his feet.

New England led 10- 7 after a field goal in the second quarter when Watson scrambled 4 yards for a touchdown, dragging a linebacker and defensive back into the end zone with him to give the Texans a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

“I was just trying to make something happen,” Watson said. “It just gave the offense energy and the whole team energy when they saw that and it continued through the rest of the game.”

Tight end Jordan Akins was wowed by Watson winning the matchup against two bigger defenders.

“That was a big- boy play ... that was amazing,” Akins said. “D4, he’s stronger than what he looks. I’ll tell you that.”

Watson’s two touchdown passes and scoring run all came in the first half as the Texans ( 3- 7) built a 21- 10 halftime lead.

Early in his career, Watt earned the nickname “J. J. Swatt” for his uncanny ability to knock down passes at the line. Texans fans hadn’t seen much of J. J. Swatt in recent years, but he was back in full force on Sunday when he defended a career- high four passes.

“He’s J. J. Watt, what do you expect ... he’s an All- Pro, perennial All- Pro,” Newton said. “He’s a Defensive Player of the Year, one of the best players in this generation.”