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Recap: Texans RB Joe Mixon scores 2 TDs in blowout win over Patriots

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How do you like them apples?

Joe Mixon returned to his Pro Bowl form with a 102-yard rushing performance while scoring two touchdowns as the Houston Texans bested the New England Patriots, 41-21, at Gillette Stadium.

With the win, the Texans join the 2012 roster as the only team in franchise history to begin the season 5-1. That season, Houston started 11-1 before securing a division title at 12-4.

Fully healthy, the Texans could surpass the marker with 13 wins.

Mixon, who missed three games with an ankle injury, proved he was back at full capacity during the second quarter when he broke free for a 57-yard gain. The former Bengals star found his way into the end zone on a 10-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud.

Stroud might have thrown an interception during the second quarter, but he also threw three touchdown passes to coast out to a 21-7 lead entering the third quarter.

Stefon Diggs took over as the new No. 1 target with Nico Collins on the injured reserve, hauling in a team-leading six catches for 77 yards and a score.

Tank Dell, who last season served as Houston’s No. 2 weapon during his season, posted a season-high seven receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter.

The Patriots offense finally found life behind Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s NFL draft. After failing to score more than 20 points in four of their first five games, New England scored a season-high 21 points thanks to three touchdown passes from the North Carolina product.

Maye finished 20 of 33 for 243 yards and rushed 38.  He was intercepted twice, sacked four times and caught up a fumble that led to Diggs’ touchdown.

Houston’s secondary will need work, but the pass rush was potent. Will Anderson Jr. recorded three sacks, improving his season total to 5.5. Pro Bowl counterpart Danielle Hunter striped-sacked Maye during the opening drive of the third quarter, leading to a 14-point swing in favor of Houston.

Pressure from the front seven led to success on the back end. Maye overthrew DeMario Douglas and was intercepted by Calen Bullock. Later on, Anderson popped a pass in the air, which landed in the arms of Eric Murray.
Mixon wasn’t the only running back making highlight plays in his return.

Dameon Pierce, who missed four games with a hamstring injury, ripped off a 54-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to extend Houston’s lead to 20.

Peirce finished with 76 yards and averaged 9.5 yards per run.

The Texans remain on the road next week as they travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers at noon CT.