The Houston Texans exorcised some demons at Gillette Stadium, securing their first win in eight attempts with a 41-21 blowout over the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Houston now improves to 5-1 for just the second time in franchise history, matching the 2012 roster that began 11-1 en route to a 12-4 finish.
Houston’s defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions. The run game averaged 6.9 yards a carry in the largest win of the Texans’ season. Houston’s four previous wins all came by one score, but Sunday’s victory is the largest win since last year’s 45-14 win over the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card Round.
Entering Monday, Houston one of two teams with five wins in the AFC. Kansas City, who is on bye, remains the lone undefeated team in the conference at 5-0.
In the AFC South, Indianapolis picked up a 20-17 win over Tennessee, improving to 3-3. The Colts still two games back of Houston, but could gain ground if they secure a win over Miami entering their remathc in Week 8.
Below are five takeaways from the Texans’ big win on Sunday.