Pats Pulpit - Patriots vs. Texans: Game Thread, UpdatesPats Pulpit: A New England Patriots Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51321/pp-fav.png2012-12-10T23:58:44-05:00http://www.patspulpit.com/rss/stream/35171752012-12-10T23:58:44-05:002012-12-10T23:58:44-05:00Patriots Crush Texans 42-14, Move to 10-3
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Cr9iBVkxtQzfeLEmBdnDA-yBtlI=/50x0:3948x2599/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4777141/158175100.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The New England Patriots had the win of the season Monday night, crushing the Houston Texans 42-14, and gaining ground in the battle for the AFC's #1 seed.</p> <p>In a match-up that was advertised as the game of the year, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> turned in a dominating performance against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>, winning 42-14, and putting themselves in position to make a run for the number one seed.</p>
<p>The Patriots crushed the Texans out of the gate, scoring touchdowns on all three of their drives to begin the game. The offense had a pretty terrific game overall, despite a few hitches in the second and third quarters. Quarterback <span>Tom Brady</span> was proficient. He looked sharp on his throws, avoided turnovers, and connected on several deep throws. Unfortunately, he did struggle a bit in the late second and early third quarters, as the protection seemed to break down temporarily, with Brady seemingly getting hit on every play.</p>
<p>It was really nice to see Brady and <span>Brandon Lloyd</span> also get their connection brewing. Lloyd caught seven throws for 89 yards and a touchdown (also had a fourth quarter fumble recovery for a touchdown). He looked quick. And more importantly, he looked to be on the same page with Brady.</p>
<p>One more note on the offense: can you believe that they've been this good without their best weapon after Brady? People are quick to forget that <span>Rob Gronkowski</span> and <span>Aaron Hernandez</span> (who also was impressive tonight with eight catches and 58 yards) have barely played a snap together this year. But come playoff time, they could both be healthy, and that's a scary thought.</p>
<p>Of course, the story of this game was the defense. They allowed just seven points to the Texans' starters. <span>Arian Foster</span>? Just 46 yards on 15 carries. <span>Matt Schaub</span>? 19 for 32 and an interception. The Patriots stepped up defensively, against one of the most explosive offenses they've faced all year.</p>
<p>The secondary stepped up big time. <span>Devin McCourty</span>, who had a first quarter interception, had a terrific game splitting time between safety and cornerback. <span>Aqib Talib</span> shut down <span>Andre Johnson</span> in the first half with excellent man coverage. When he went down with a hip injury, rookie <span>Alfonzo Dennard</span> stepped up and may have played Johnson even better. Along the front seven, <span>Vince Wilfork</span> had an impact performance, making plays all over the field. <span>Jerod Mayo</span> had several quarterback hits, and was essentially unstoppable when used as a blitzer.</p>
<p>The thing that impressed me the most with the defense tonight: tackling. The Patriots were physical - they didn't allow Texans' receivers to make plays after the catch. They not only trapped runners in the backfield, but finished plays off with open field tackles.</p>
<p>Overall, it's hard not to feel great about a win like this. But the Patriots don't have any breathing room. Theyneed to win out and have help to win the one seed. And if they slip up, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> are still right there in the battle for the two seed.</p>
<p>But for now, lets enjoy the win. Tom Brady for MVP? Anybody? Anybody? Seriously. Anybody?</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/10/3753502/patriots-crush-texans-42-14-move-to-10-3Greg Knopping2012-12-10T23:06:31-05:002012-12-10T23:06:31-05:00Patriots Extend Lead to 35-7 over Texans
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HuTiVbmx5YLNz1j2sD_UAQuO83k=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828033/large_patspulpit.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> are slowly, surely inching their way closer to a victory over the team with the AFC's best record, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>.</p>
<p>We're into the fourth quarter, and the Patriots hold a 35 - 7 lead.</p>
<p>The 3rd quarter was a bit up and down for the Patriots. They allowed the Texans to score a touchdown, and were inconsistent on offense. However, they did have one big highlight: a beautiful 63 yard <span>Tom Brady</span> to <span>Donte Stallworth</span> bomb for a touchdown.</p>
<p>And at the start of the fourth quarter, the Patriots handed the Texans a possible poison pill. With the team driving, Tom Brady hit running back <span>Danny Woodhead</span> for a slip screen. Woodhead slipped a couple of tackles, but had the ball popped out from behind by JJ Watt. However, the Patriots caught a break, with the ball landing in the end zone and being recovered by receiver <span>Brandon Lloyd</span> for a touchdown.</p>
<p>This game isn't over, but if the Texans don't strike quick, it will be soon.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/10/3753432/patriots-extend-lead-to-35-7-over-texansGreg Knopping2012-12-10T22:13:16-05:002012-12-10T22:13:16-05:00Halftime: Patriots Dominating Texans 21-0
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RMjRskaFIIxxiGDKoS-ITJl9t7g=/2x0:3997x2663/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4773837/158171175.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Patriots dominated the Houston Texans in all three phases in the first half, taking a 21-0 lead after 30 minutes.</p> <p>We're 30 minutes into the "game of the year," and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> are dominating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> with a 21-0 halftime lead.</p>
<p>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 <span>Tom Brady</span> to <span>Aaron Hernandez</span>, in which he beat a linebacker on an out near the goal line. Their second score - a Brady to <span>Brandon Lloyd</span> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <span>Matt Schaub</span>, create deflections, got a turnover (<span>Devin McCourty</span> 1st quarter interception). They've been the more physical team, and have accomplished their primary goal headed into the game, holding <span>Arian Foster</span> to 44 yards on 12 carries. Big game up front for <span>Vince Wilfork</span>. And the secondary has also had one of their better games of the year, with cornerbacks <span>Aqib Talib</span> and <span>Alfonzo Dennard</span> playing solid man coverage.</p>
<p>On the injury front, cornerback Aqib Talib went down late in the half with an apparent hip injury, and has yet to return.</p>
<p>The Patriots get the ball to start the second half, with a chance to go for the kill.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/10/3753250/halftime-patriots-dominating-texans-21-0Greg Knopping2012-12-10T21:27:29-05:002012-12-10T21:27:29-05:00Patriots Jump Out to 21-0 Lead over Texans
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rbI8tSfwx8N03Qwng9_6n0FSzyo=/0x174:4000x2841/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4772095/20121210_ajl_ai3_075.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The New England Patriots jumped out to a quick lead over the Houston Texans, taking a 21-0 advantage on three Tom Brady touchdowns.</p> <p>Things are going well for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> early in the second quarter, as they have taken a quick 21-0 lead over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> at Gillette Stadium.</p>
<p>The Patriots have shut down Houston on all three of their possessions, and were highlighted on that side of the ball by a Devin MCourty interception.</p>
<p>On offense, the Patriots have churned up yards through the ground and in the air. <span>Tom Brady</span> connected with <span>Aaron Hernandez</span> for a seven yard touchdown on the opening drive, <span>Brandon Lloyd</span> on a deep 37 yard throw for the score on the second drive, and Aaron Hernandez on a two yard score on the third drive.</p>
<p>There's still a long way to go, but it would be hard to imagine a better start.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/10/3753116/patriots-jump-out-to-21-0-lead-over-texansGreg Knopping2012-12-10T20:25:06-05:002012-12-10T20:25:06-05:00Patriots vs. Texans: Game Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VrQPNnbtSZ8vkNBU4Y1SqBQ4TDE=/0x76:4000x2743/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4769929/158169621.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Rogash</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Official Pats Pulpit game thread for the Patriots' week 14 match-up against the Houston Texans.</p> <p>When we first looked at the schedule, eight long months ago, tonight's game against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a> was a game all <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a>' fans circled as what could be the best AFC test of the season. It was circled as a game that could challenge the Patriots on both sides of the ball, play an important role in playoff positioning, and be a barometer of exactly how good the team was as they approached the conclusion of the season.</p>
<p>Well, the supposed game of the year is here, and guess what? According to many, it's still the game of the year.</p>
<p>What's on the line tonight? It's simple. A victory, and the Patriots move within just a game of the Texans for the 1st seed in the AFC, and they maintain the inside track for the two seed. The Patriots lose, and they're in an uphill battle for the two seed, and will be essentially eliminated from contention for the one seed.</p>
<p>So how does this thing turn out? Undoubtedly, this will be the Patriots' toughest match-up of the season thus far. It's kind of cliche, but this is the type of game that could go either way. Both teams have a lot on the line, both are well coached, both are talented. But the Patriots are arguably hotter than any other NFL team, they're at home, and they just don't lose there in December. And oh yeah, I can occasionally be biased. <strong>Greg's Prediction: Patriots 31 Texans 27</strong></p>
<p><strong>Texans' Coverage: </strong><a href="http://battleredblog.com">Battle Red Blog</a></p>
<p><strong>Radio Coverage: </strong><a href="http://dialglobalsports.com/stations/">Dial Global</a></p>
<p><strong>Looking for </strong><a href="http://%20http://www.tiqiq.com/nfl/new-england-patriots-tickets?pubid=1011122">New England Patriots tickets</a><strong>?</strong></p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/10/3752904/patriots-vs-texans-game-threadGreg Knopping2012-12-10T19:55:18-05:002012-12-10T19:55:18-05:00Patriots vs. Texans Inactives: Jones, Mankins In
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/R5ppHW0sp78z60rWWdLXQYe9W28=/0x255:2800x2122/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4768773/156660281.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Rogash</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Patriots announced their inactives, and have two key players returning to the line-up in Chandler Jones and Logan Mankins.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> have announced their inactives for their week 14 Monday night match-up against the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>OL <span>Nick McDonald</span></p>
<p>DE <span>Jake Bequette</span></p>
<p>OL Marcus Zusevics</p>
<p>TE <span>Rob Gronkowski</span></p>
<p>DL <span>Ron Brace</span></p>
<p>DB <span>Derrick Martin</span></p>
<p>FB <span>James Develin</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>Thoughts:</i></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">The big news hear is obvious: the return of defensive end <span>Chandler Jones</span> and left guard <span>Logan Mankins</span>. The Patriots needed both of these guys to suit up, and they got them. Chandler Jones provides an immediate boost to the Patriots' pass rush. With him at left end, the Patriots can move <span>Trevor Scott</span> to sub-package duties, and Jake Bequette to the inactive list. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">Mankins' return marks the cleanest bill of health the Patriots have seen on the offensive line in quite some time. With Mankins, <span>Sebastian Vollmer</span>, and <span>Dan Connolly</span> in the line-up - all of whom have struggled with injury lately - the Patriots are prepped to take on one of the most dangerous front sevens in the league.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 8.999999046325684px;">Also notable: <span>Donte Stallworth</span> is active at wide receiver after being signed this week. <span>Brandon Bolden</span> is active at running back after being activated from his suspension earlier today. The Patriots, after having <span>Visanthe Shiancoe</span> inactive last week, are bringing four tight ends into tonight's game.</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2012/12/10/3752800/patriots-vs-texans-inactives-jones-mankins-inGreg Knopping