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Halftime: Patriots Dominating Texans 21-0

The Patriots dominated the Houston Texans in all three phases in the first half, taking a 21-0 lead after 30 minutes.

Jared Wickerham

We're 30 minutes into the "game of the year," and the New England Patriots are dominating the Houston Texans with a 21-0 halftime lead.

The Patriots started the game very impressively on offense, scoring touchdowns on each of their first three drives. The Patriots' first score was a seven yard throw from Tom Brady to Aaron Hernandez, in which he beat a linebacker on an out near the goal line. Their second score - a Brady to Brandon Lloyd 37 yard touchdown on a play Lloyd simply blew by everyone in coverage. The final score - Brady to an uncovered Hernandez right near the goal line.

Of course, the offense did leave something to desire at the end of the half. On their final three possessions, they went three and out. That's something completely uncharacteristic for this Patriots team, and something they'll look to turn around next half.

But the defense... oh the defense. It was phenomenal to say the least in the first half. Shutout aside, the Patriots have done everything you could have asked for. The unit found ways to pressure Matt Schaub, create deflections, got a turnover (Devin McCourty 1st quarter interception). They've been the more physical team, and have accomplished their primary goal headed into the game, holding Arian Foster to 44 yards on 12 carries. Big game up front for Vince Wilfork. And the secondary has also had one of their better games of the year, with cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Alfonzo Dennard playing solid man coverage.

On the injury front, cornerback Aqib Talib went down late in the half with an apparent hip injury, and has yet to return.

The Patriots get the ball to start the second half, with a chance to go for the kill.