BLUEPRINT TO BEATING THE PATRIOTS
Don’t fall behind early
1Every time the Texans have lost in Foxborough, they’ve fallen behind early, and they’ve been taken out of their game plan by having to play catchup. That’s a recipe for disaster against a defense that allowed the fewest points in the league. The Texans want to run Lamar Miller to try to control the ball and keep it out of Tom Brady’s hands. To accomplish that goal, they also will have to use the short passing game and to mix it up on first down.
No turnovers, no mistakes
2In the Texans’ 27-0 loss at New England in September, Charles James and Tyler Ervin fumbled kicks that gave the Patriots great field position to set up easy touchdowns. They have to avoid turnovers. Brock Osweiler must have a third consecutive game without an interception. His receivers can’t drop passes. The Texans can’t commit penalties, especially in the red zone. Physical mistakes are understandable, but brain-dead penalties like lining up offside aren’t.
Play the game of field position
3Tom Brady isn’t the victim of many threeand-outs. When Ryan Allen has to punt, it’s usually close to midfield. His job is to back up the opponent as far as possible. He finished with a 41.4-yard net. But Allen isn’t Shane Lechler, who has been outstanding. Lechler has played field position better than at any time in his 17-year career. He had a careerlow three touchbacks and put 30 inside the 20. His directional punting has to force Brady to start deep in his territory.
Avoid giving up the big plays
4The league’s No. 1 defense has to force Tom Brady to work the ball down the field and not allow big plays. The idea is if the Patriots are going to score touchdowns – and they will – make them march 80-plus yards with 12- to 15-play drives that use the clock. Make Brady throw underneath the coverage. The defensive backs can’t bite on double moves. They can’t get caught looking into the backfield. The key is to tackle well, which the Texans do.