Texans at Patriots Predictions
By Josh McSwain
As we anticipate the divisional playoff game tonight, the Toro Times staff makes their predictions:
Josh McSwain, Editor
After the first meeting, expectations are not very high in this one. I don’t think the Texans will get shut out, but it won’t be close. Brock Osweiler will make a couple mistakes against a Bill Belichick defense that takes away what you do best.
So that means Lamar Miller likely has another tough day. Moreover, Osweiler will have to make plays to beat the Pats. Now if DeAndre Hopkins can make a few plays and Will Fuller gets deep once or twice then the Texans may have a shot. However, with the right side of the offensive line struggling so much I think the Pats will send extra pressure that way to prevent the deep passes.
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The Patriots had the top scoring defense in the league as they allowed just 250 points in the regular season. So I think the Texans will struggle to move the ball, so those possessions that they do move the ball they must get touchdowns, not field goals.
Now, Tom Brady obviously doesn’t have the threat of mobility that Brissett did in the first meeting. But if the Texans cannot get pressure on Brady then it will be a long night. Even without Rob Gronkowski, the well oiled machine that is the Patriots passing game should keep rolling.
LeGarrette Blount had a big night in week three, and I expect he will have another good performance. The Texans defense has been better against the run recently, but this has arguably been Blount’s best year and the offensive line is playing much better this year than they did last year.
The Texans will keep it close for about a half, but then in the second the Patriots pull away.
Patriots 31, Texans 13