4 Downs with the New England Patriots: Week 1 vs Houston Texans
In 6 days the New England Patriots open their 2018 season welcoming a familiar foe, the Houston Texans to Foxboro. Last year the Patriots defeated the Texans in thrilling fashion 36-33 at Gillette Stadium when former wide receiver Brandin Cooks caught a Tom Brady pass for the game winning touchdown. This year, the Patriots are looking to repeat past success against a tough opponent and a potential playoff matchup.
After a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl, New England looks the get back on track to the big game. Houston is the first step on that journey as the Patriots hope to get back to their winning ways.
Here are 4 keys to look for on Sunday when the Patriots take on the Texans.
1st Down: Super Bowl Hangover?
7 months ago the Patriots were defeated in the Super Bowl by the Philadelphia Eagles in disappointing fashion. This loss could do 2 things to the 2018 New England Patriots. It could motivate them to work harder and play harder so they will be the last team standing in Atlanta (the site of Super Bowl LIII) or it could cause them to linger on the loss long enough that they lose their edge. Which one will define the Patriots season? That question won’t be answered in week 1 but it could be an indication of what is to come over the 17+ week NFL season.
2nd Down: Replacing Edelman
Julian Edelman is a very dynamic player. He is one of the league’s toughest receivers and has been a reliable weapon in Tom Brady’s arsenal for many years. He missed all of last season with a torn ACL and the offense really struggled out of the gate. Despite having a full complementary of options, the offense took some time to get going. Losing Edelman was a big reason for that slow start. The team will be without him again this season but only for 4 games. Edelman has been suspended for the first 4 games of the season and it will be tough replacing him. Edelman is that type of player that you can’t replace on the field and in the locker room. New England will have the look to Rob Gronkowski, Chris Hogan and a loaded backfield to pick up the production.
3rd Down: New Look on Defense
Last season the Patriots defense had a bend but don’t break mentality. They would give yards in chunks but were very stout when it came to scoring. Through the first 4 games, the Patriots gave up at least 30 points but stood their ground as the season continued. The defense ranked 23rd in total defense, 27th in pass defense and 13th in rush defense. Very uncharacteristic of a Bill Belichick defense with the help of defensive mastermind Matt Patricia. Patricia is now in Detroit and the Patriots will look for all coaches on defense to fill the gap.
Aside from the coaching staff, the Patriots added more bodies to a depleted defense that was manhandled for most of the season, including the Super Bowl. The team added tough and size when they picked up Adrian Clayborn and Danny Shelton via trade and free agency. New England will also welcome back Dont’a Hightower and Derek Rivers who were injured for most of the season and finished the year on IR. New England also added Devin McCourty’s twin brother Jason McCourty to help in the secondary that did not look so strong. Defense wins champions and week 1 should answer some questions on the defensive side of the football.
4th Down: Protect Tom Brady
Tom Brady is still playing at a high level and he proved that last season when he won the league’s MVP award and came up short of winning a 6th Lombardi Trophy. His performance in the Super Bowl would have won him his 5th Super Bowl MVP trophy. Despite all these accolades and accomplishments, his window is closing but no one knows when. That is why the most important thing right now is protecting this Hall of Fame quarterback. Last season the offensive line gave 42 sacks. 41 year old Tom Brady was sacked 42 times and that is not good for a quarterback. The offensive line will certainly be tested on Sunday when they line up against JJ Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. Three names that will tear anyone’s line apart and this offensive line needs to prove their worth. New England is bringing back Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason and Marcus Cannon but Nate Solder’s name is missing. Solder was a solid member of the offensive line for years and he has a new home with the Giants. Newcomer Trent Brown will be in charge of protecting Tom Brady’s blindside which is a tall task for him.
Prediction: New England 31-Houston 25
Houston is a tough opponent who plays New England tough every time they play each other. They did last season in the beginning of the season and they probably will again. Even though New England has statistically started the season off slow, but they are healthy and have their roster reloaded for another Super Bowl run and should start the season hot. Despite a lot of question marks, Bill Belichick is still the head coach and Tom Brady is still the quarterback. They will win 31-25.
