Game 4:
Sunday, January 13, 2013
4:30pm – CBS
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
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| Arian Foster (23) and Ben Tate (44) each had 46 rushing yards in Week 14, but Foster had Houston's only rushing touchdown. Photo credit to isportsweb.com. |
Join me on a trip to Foxboro, back in Week 14, when the
Patriots blew out the Houston Texans, 42-14. It was Houston’s second loss of
the season, but it was a turning point for the worse.
Tom Brady had four touchdown passes in the game, despite not
topping 300 passing yards. If Houston wants to win this postseason rematch,
they have to force New England to settle for some field goals.
New England’s defense has been shoddy at times, but one
thing they have excelled at is forcing turnovers. Matt Schaub has had some
trouble with turnovers in the past several weeks, and if he doesn’t protect the
football I give Houston no chance at winning. Tom Brady may have struggled in
the last game or two of the season, but he is still Tom Brady and he will hurt
you if you give him extra possessions.
The Patriots have a solid ground game this year. In their
Week 14 meeting with Houston, Steven Ridley and Shane Vereen combined for 112
yards on 26 carries. Houston’s defense is usually very good, and last week’s
effort against Cincinnati was no exception. They will have to repeat last
week’s performance and shut down New England’s ground game in order to
effectively rattle Brady with pass rushing.
Bottom line, I don’t trust Houston’s offense right now. They
have so many weapons that on paper, Houston has the ability to blow out the
Patriots. But they are finding themselves in too many third down situations and
they are turning the ball over. I think the Texans’ defense will keep it close,
but I don’t expect their offense to take advantage.
Puff’s Pick:
Houston Texans – 14
New England Patriots
– 20
MVP: Tom Brady
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