Rapid Reaction: Houston Texans take down Tom Brady and the Patriots

The Houston Texans had a rare accomplishment, and that was gaining the win over the New England Patriots, something they haven’t achieved in nearly a decade.

For just the second time in franchise history, the Houston Texans have defeated the New England Patriots, and they did so on a national, primetime stage, winning by a 28-22 score and becoming only the second team this season to hand the Patriots a loss.

Houston’s win was even bigger than handing Tom Brady and the Texans the loss because it keeps the Texans in sole possession of first place in the AFC South with an 8-4 overall record, with the Tennessee Titans in second place at 7-5. Also remember, the Texans and Titans still have two games against each in the final three weeks of the regular season.

As for the much-needed win on Sunday Night Football by the Texans, once again, the play of quarterback Deshaun Watson was huge, and of great importance.

Watson finished with 18-of-25 for 234 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, as he helped keep drives alive, made big plays, and he played a mean air guitar after each Texans touchdown. Watson’s touchdown passes went to Kenny Stills, Duke Johnson and Darren Fells.

For good measure, Watson also one reception for a 6-yard touchdown on an option pass from DeAndre Hopkins.

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In comparison of the opposing quarterback, Brady finished 24-of-47 for 326 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed the football once for 13 yards.

Others on the offense who stood out were Johnson, especially in the first half and then later in the fourth quarter, finally making the offense a dangerous unit to stop.

Johnson finished the game with nine carries for 36 yards, along with five receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown.

Also, it took a little longer than wanted, but Hopkins made his presence known and gained receptions when the Texans really needed to gain first downs, and more importantly, when they needed to keep Brady off the field. Hopkins led the Texans with 64 yards receiving on five receptions (eight targets).

Hopkins eventually wrapped up his game on Sunday Night Football with an option trick-play pass to Watson for a touchdown that put the Texans ahead by 18 points in the fourth quarter.

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Also, the defense came up with a big performance, including all aspects of the group as the defensive line had pressure on Brady all game long, the linebackers did well, and even the secondary came up big, especially Bradley Roby with the interception and a sack.

For the game, the Texans defense totaled three sacks from Roby, Zach Cunningham, and Jake Martin. Houston’s defense also collected eight passes defensed.

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All in all, the Week 13 game for the Texans is the type of performance that has been missing as of late, especially against the Patriots, so it is time for the Texans to enjoy this win.

Maybe the past two wins are enough to show that not only they can be a consistent team who can win the big games when they need to, but also prove they are actually a playoff contender.