Jacoby Brissett Leads Patriots To 27-0 Victory Over Texans
Pressed into action, rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett helped guide the Patriots to a 27-0 shellacking of the Texans. Time Sports
New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) celebrates a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half at Gillette Stadium.(Photo: Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. Jimmy and Jacoby. And then, of course, theres Tom.
But for all the headlines, articles, and print the New England Patriots quarterbacks generate, its something else that has the team looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders through three games.
A championship-caliber defense.
The unit smothered and confused the Houston Texans Thursday night, 27-0, in the ninth shutout of the Bill Belichick era to put New England at 3-0. That was without starting middle linebacker Donta Hightower, who was inactive with a knee injury.
So even as rookie third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett started his first game while backup Jimmy Garoppolo healed from a shoulder sprain and Tom Brady watched from home serving his four-game Deflategate suspension, the Patriots kept rolling.
We have confidence in Jacoby. We have confidence in Jimmy. And we have confidence in that other guy thats coming back pretty soon, Patriots defensive end Chris Long told USA TODAY Sports after the game. So its up to us as a defense to execute. We know how good our offense can be so we just want to hold up our end of the bargain.
Thatthey did.
The Patriots limited Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler to 24completions on 41 attempts for 196 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
The first time the Texans crossed midfield came with 1:27 left to play in the third quarter on the 43rd play from scrimmage for Houston.
The Patriotslimited star receiver DeAndre Hopkins and standout rookie Will Fuller to seven catches and 87 yards, combined.
That New England and head coach Bill Belichick did all of this on just three days rest and preparation should turn heads around the rest of the NFL.
Let me tell you, man, Bills game plan each week is the best game plan, Patriots safety Duron Harmon said after the game. He just he continues to amaze you with the things that come up in his mind to attack the offenses weakness.
Said Texans tight end Ryan Griffin: We were shocked.We couldnt get anything going.
So as the Patriots prepare to face a struggling Buffalo Bills (0-2) team next Sunday, theres a good chance New England emerges from the Brady absence undefeated. They already have a lead in the AFC East, and it might only get wider.
Our coaches arent like Hey, youre great, just take it easy, cornerback Logan Ryan told USA TODAY Sports after the game. Were practicing hard. Were in pads. Were doing all the work that it takes. When youre doing all that work, the games should be fun. Right now, thats the case for us. When you see an outcome like this, you believe.
Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes.
PHOTOS: Best of NFL Week 3
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