The Houston Texans schedule got tougher on Sunday as they will now face Cam Newton in 2020.
When one looks at the schedule of the 2020 Houston Texans there is a lot to look forward to, but with the addition of Cam Newton, the game versus the New England Patriots is a little tougher than expected.
The New England Patriots — the opponent for the Houston Texans in Week 11 — signed quarterback Cam Newton to a one-year deal on Sunday. Newton is a former NFL Most Valuable Player, and he’ll have the tough task of replacing six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady who left in free agency to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Newton has played his entire career with the Carolina Panthers, even taking that franchise to a Super Bowl. This time, Cam Newton is leading a Patriots team in the tough AFC where to get back to that game Newton and his teammates will have to defeat the likes of the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and another strong team, the Baltimore Ravens.
Speaking of the Chiefs and the Ravens — to of the higher-rated teams in the entire NFL — they are the first two opponents for the Houston Texans this upcoming season. Looking at the Patriots, that Week 11 game isn’t as easy as it could have been now for the Texans with New England adding Cam Newton.
Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com graded the Patriots signing of Newton as an “A-minus,” meaning things will be tougher on the Texans in this game compared to what was to be expected before Cam Newton joined the Patriots.
In the grade article, Barnwell said the following about Newton joining the New England offense:
"“The chances of a healthy — or at least much healthier — version of Newton showing up for the Patriots this season are much better than some would suggest. The idea that he hasn’t been a valuable quarterback since his 2015 MVP campaign is a product of selective memory.”"
The new Patriots quarterback was injured last season for a majority of the year, last playing in a regular season game in Week 2 where the Panthers lost to the Buccaneers, 20-14. Cam Newton in that game was 25-of-51 for 333 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Houston Texans News: Patriots lead all-time series vs. Houston
Now a member of the Patriots, Newton has the chance to help the Patriots avenge a loss because one of the Texans’ best wins of the season — maybe even their best win — came against the Patriots in primetime.
Last season, the Texans defeated the then Brady-led Patriots, 28-22, a game where Deshaun Watson led the Texans with a 18-of-25 performance for 234 yards passing and three touchdowns. Watson in that game also didn’t have an interception.
All-time the Patriots lead the series against the Houston Texans with a 10-2 record, and though Houston finally got over the hump last season, there is still a lot of tough history against the Patriots when it comes to what seems like an annual game as of late.
The Texans have played the Patriots six times in the past five seasons, including the 2016 playoffs. New England will maybe play a little differently with Cam Newton as their quarterback compared to Tom Brady, but it is still a more challenging game in Week 11 that what it could have been.
Cam Newton against the Texans should be fun to see, as he was scheduled to play against the Texans last season before he was injured. This time around if Newton is healthy, the Texans will see how good their defense is by facing a former NFL MVP in the second half of the 2020 NFL season.