5 key insights from the Texans’ decisive win against the Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — For the first time this season, the Houston Texans decisively defeated an opponent on Sunday, beating the New England Patriots 41-21.

This marked their first victory by more than a touchdown, though it arguably could have been even more significant.

That’s the nature of the NFL: games tend to be tight, and performances seldom flawless. The positive takeaway is that the Texans are 5-1 as they head into one of their most challenging phases of the season.

Here are five insights from the Texans’ win:

An efficient running game returns
Life without Nico Collins might not be so difficult after all.

The Texans demonstrated that effective running is key to winning without their top offensive threat. Joe Mixon, in his first game since Week 2, rushed for 102 yards on 13 carries, marking his second 100-yard game in three outings this season.

When Mixon performs well, the Texans’ offense becomes one of the most formidable in the league. He started slowly, gaining just 16 yards on his first nine carries, but his last four resulted in 86 yards, including a 59-yard run and a 20-yard touchdown.

Mixon credited the blocking for creating opportunities. “Without the linemen and fullbacks and receivers and tight ends being in sync… that doesn’t happen for me,” he said. “I’m just happy everybody trusted in the scheme and everybody’s technique.”

After missing three games due to an ankle injury, Mixon was eager to return, feeling he was playing at a high level before a hip-drop tackle sidelined him. His return came at a crucial moment for a team missing one of its key players.

Second-string running back Dameon Pierce, returning from injury, also shone, rushing for 76 yards on eight carries, including a remarkable 54-yard run in the fourth quarter, clocking in at 20.72 miles per hour, per NFL’s Next Gen stats. He primarily carried the load in the fourth quarter, giving Mixon a breather.

The duo of Pierce and Mixon could prove to be a potent combination.

Still some left on the table
After scoring touchdowns on their initial two drives, the Texans experienced a slowdown in the second quarter. They had four offensive possessions during that time: two ended in punts, one was a missed field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn, and the last concluded with a C.J. Stroud interception after a pass deflected off tight end Dalton Schultz.

Realistically, the Texans could have scored 50 points against the Patriots, with some players suggesting 60. Before this game, the Patriots had allowed an average of 20.4 points per game, leaning on their defense throughout the season.

Despite a lackluster second quarter, the Texans’ offense had largely been effective. “We left some points on the board,” wide receiver Tank Dell noted. “And for us to have 41, knowing that we left points out there is big.”

Head Coach DeMeco Ryans commented on the team’s mindset, indicating they eased off in the second quarter. However, they rebounded in the second half, scoring 27 points. “During that second quarter I felt like we kind of took our foot off the gas,” Ryans said. “…we just had to make sure we got back to what we said we were going to do, and that’s execute.”

Defense forces turnovers
The Texans’ offense benefitted from a robust defensive showing. Prior to this game, Houston hadn’t forced a turnover since Week 2, but on Sunday, they created a season-high four turnovers, including two interceptions and two fumbles. This was pivotal, providing the offense with extra possessions and favorable field position, leading to 17 points off those turnovers.

The pressure on Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye was crucial; he faced pressure on 47.6% of his dropbacks, which affected his performance, resulting in a passer rating of 41.3 under duress. Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. was instrumental, recording five pressures, three sacks, and eight tackles. This was his best game yet, complemented by a pass deflection that led to an interception by safety Eric Murray.

Danielle Hunter, who contributed a sack and forced fumble, motivated Anderson throughout the game. “He kept me composed, kept me grounded these last two weeks,” Anderson said of Hunter. “He kept saying it’s coming, it’s coming, keep chopping.”

Ryans sensed Anderson was poised for a big game during warmups, noting the intensity in Anderson’s eyes.

“He is getting better every week, and this is his best game by far,” Ryans added.

Injuries to watch
Heading into the upcoming road game against the Green Bay Packers, the Texans face some injury concerns. Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o entered concussion protocol late in the game, while Azeez Al-Shaair did not finish due to a knee issue.

“He tried to come back,” Ryans said regarding Al-Shaair. “We’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.” Both players are crucial to the defense, which raises concerns. Linebackers Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen are next in line, with Hewitt recording six tackles on Sunday.

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil aggravated a previous ankle sprain, requiring rookie Blake Fisher to step in.

Denico Autry eligible to return
Denico Autry, who was suspended for the first six games of the season due to a positive test for a banned substance, is eligible to return to the team on Monday. His addition is expected to significantly bolster the defense, as he recorded 11 sacks last season, playing both edge rusher and defensive tackle.