Texans vs. Patriots: Who has the advantage at every position?
The best secondary belongs to who?
This category is probably the biggest blowout of them all, as the New England Patriots pass defense is the primary reason for the team being 10-1 entering Week 13. Devin McCourty is arguably the best safety in the NFL and leads the league with five interceptions.
McCourty’s impact makes waves throughout the defensive backfield and gives opposing quarterbacks even more to worry about while playing alongside his brother Jason McCourty. It was debatable a few years ago, but after his recent play, Stephon Gilmore should be considered the unquestioned best cornerback in football.
Gilmore shuts down elite wide receivers on a weekly basis and has the second most interceptions (four) in the league despite shadowing every team’s best playmaker. Throw in a defensive touchdown and 13 passes defended, and it really isn’t fair that they were able to pry him from their rival, the Buffalo Bills.
For Houston, the story of the season has been injuries. Jonathan Joseph is 35 years-old and experiencing his fair share of wear and tear (say that five times fast), and Bradley Roby is just now returning after more than a month on the sideline because of his hamstring.
Their replacements were former first round picks acquired from other teams, but failed to live up to expectations. Justin Reid is an incredible young playmaker, but he can’t single-handedly bring this group over the league’s best team.