Texans at Patriots: 1st Half Report

The Houston Texans haven’t had the greatest first half on the offensive side of the ball against the New England Patriots, but are still within striking range of the lead, trailing at halftime by 15 points.

The Houston Texans entered their Week 1 game at the New England Patriots and six-point underdogs according to Vegas, and at halftime of the season-opener at Gillette Stadium, the Texans trail the host Patriots by a 21-6 score.

For the Texans, Deshaun Watson — returning after tearing his ACL last season — was 5-of-13 for 61 yards passing with no touchdowns and one interception in the first two quarters of the season. Watson has also rushed for 17 yards on three carries, including one run of 13 yards.  Watson also has a lost fumble in the first half.

Lamar Miller leads all rushers in the first half with the Texans running back having 12 carries for 66 yards, including one run of 31 yards. Alfred Blue has chipped in with one carry for nine yards. In the passing game, reserve running back Tyler Ervin has one reception for 12 yards.

DeAndre Hopkins has just two receptions in the first half for 19 yards with receptions of 10 and nine yards.

The Patriots have played well, especially taking advantage in their final drive in the first half with Rob Gronkowski making a very close reception to keep what turned into a touchdown drive for New England alive. The Patriots added what was a third score of the first half with a 4-yard reception by Phillip Dorsett in the end zone for the touchdown with 14 seconds left in the second quarter.

New England’s first two touchdowns came off a 21-yard touchdown reception by Gronkowski and James White with a 12-yard reception for six points. Tom Brady is 18-of-26 for 154 yards passing with three touchdowns and one interception. Houston’s Tyrann Mathieu has the interception off Brady.

Houston’s six points have come off a 42-yard and 36-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn. It will be very interesting to see what adjustments the Texans make to stop Brady and the Patriots, while also seeing if the offense can gain momentum in the second half.