How the Houston Texans have made it a game against New England

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – So how’s that point spread working out, Houston Texans?

Prior to the start of Saturday night’s divisional round playoff game here between the home-town New England Patriots and the Texans, some sportsbooks had the spread as high as 17 points. It looked early on like a rout was in the making – with New England taking an 11-point lead in the first quarter. Houston, however, has made this a game, with the score at halftime in favor of the Patriots, 17-13.

Into the fourth quarter, the Texans trailed by just one score, 24-16.

How have the Teans  done it?

With a great defensive scheme and capitalizing on Patriot mistakes.

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An apparent miscommunication between Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and receiver Michael Floyd led to an interception that gave the Texans the ball at the Patriot 27-yard line.

The Texans answered with a field goal, 14-6, New England.

On the subsequent kickoff return, Houston linebacker Akeem Dent stripped Patriots running back Dion Lewis and Texans safety Eddie Pleasant recovered the ball at New England’s 12-yard line.

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Two plays later, Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler fooled the Patriot defense with a beautiful play action rollout touchdown pass to tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz, 14-13, New England.

New England has had success with big plays in the passing game, but Houston’s defense has prevented the explosive touchdown play. And when New England marched down to the 3-yard line late in the first half, Houston held them out of the end zone with an impressive goal line stand.

The Patriots did convert a chip-shot field goal to grow their lead to 17-13, but Houston’s defense has given the team a shot in the second chance. It has limited the Patriots to only 19 rushing yards on nine carries for a 2.1-yard-per-clip average. Another big reason why is the pass rush.

The Texans have flustered the Patriot offensive line through the interior, creating pressure that has thrown off Brady’s timing. Linebackers Whitney Mercilus and Brian Cushing each sacked Brady once.

Will that be enough to pull out the upset?

Maybe, maybe not. New England is notorious for making smart and effective adjustments at halftime.

But the formula has put the Texans in a spot not many thought they’d be in.