This must be what it feels like to have a demon exorcised.
Going into today’s game, the Houston Texans had never won in Foxboro. In fact, against the New England Patriots all time, the Texans had only won three games.
And even though this incarnation of the Patriots is the little sisters of the poor, it still feels good to win there.
Why? Because other than the second quarter and a handful of brain farts on defense, this game was never really in doubt.
The first quarter was a thing of beauty. Stroud would connect first with Tank Dell for his (Dell’s) first touchdown of the season, an easy-peasy two yard grab. Then Joe Mixon would get the second one, a 10-yard touchdown pass to put the Texans up 14-0.
The second quarter left a lot to be desired; not just because the Texans allowed the first career touchdown pass to rookie Drake Maye, but because they had multiple opportunities to pad the score only to have them slip away in the form of a missed Fairbairn field goal (after a beautiful Calen Bullock interception to put them in scoring range), and a ball off the hands of Dalton Schultz that was caught by the Patriots.
Going into the half, the game could’ve been, should’ve been 24-7 at the absolute minimum.
But the second half would ease all Texans fans’ worries. It started with a 10 yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs and a pair of Fairbairn field goals, to put the Texans up 27-7. Unfortunately, another defensive lapse (which I will blame Eric Murray for, whether it was his fault or not) to cut the lead to 27-14.
Mixon would score again, this time running 20 yards for the touchdown, extending the lead 34-14. The Patriots would answer back with another long touchdown pass (this one I’m almost certain was Eric Murray’s fault).
And then, like a miracle, Dameon Pierce would come in and put the exclamation mark on the game by running for 54 yards to put the Texans up for good 41-21.
The Texans got four takeaways from the Patriots, three Drake Maye interceptions and one fumble recovery.
But the real standout stat? Four penalties for 38 yards, the cleanest game the Texans have put together all season.
Overall, it was a great day to be a Houston Texans fan.
Now enough of what I have to say, let’s hear it from y’all!
The Texans play the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, at noon CDT. See y’all then.
Go Texans!