Texans vs. Patriots: Who has the advantage at every position?
Which team has the best defensive line?
Though the New England Patriots run defense is superb and places in the Top 8 for yards allowed, this tenacious group can also get after the quarterback with relentless pressure. Rookie Chase Winovich has ironically chased down quarterbacks for an impressive 4.5 sacks, and even on rotational duty, defensive tackle Adam Butler has served 5.5 of his own.
One of the more underrated players on this team is former Houston Texan John Simon, who usually doesn’t post eye-popping numbers (three sacks, one forced fumble), but helps to cement a borderline elite defensive line.
On the other hand, the Texans have one star and numerous spare parts on the line after the gut-punch that was J.J. Watt‘s pectoral injury. D.J. Reader has established himself as a brick wall (35 tackles, 2.5 sacks) but must jump into a heightened role as the new leader of this unit.
Rookie Charles Omenihu has surprised with his ability to force pressure (two sacks, two forced fumbles) right out of the gate. The run defense has been slipping in recent weeks, so I’m going to give this one to New England in a landslide.