Week 1 Patriots vs Texans: New England takes early lead thanks to defense, Brady-Gronkowski connection

The New England Patriots’ offense started their season opener slowly, and went three-and-out after three straight runs. The defense, on the other hand, was quick and forced a fumble on its first play of the season: Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson lost the football after trying to fake a handoff and Dont’a Hightower fell on the loose football:

New England’s next possession started slowly: an incomplete pass intended for Rex Burkhead, a short run by Cordarrelle Patterson and a penalty created a third-and-long. New England was able to convert – and take lead: Tom Brady found Rob Gronkowski to put the home team on the board.

New England’s defense followed that up by a three-and-out.