Patriots Can Clinch First-Round Playoff Bye This Weekend

New England Patriots cornerback Darryl Roberts (28) celebrates with teammates after he scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Houston. The Patriots recovered the second one early in the fourth, and James White made it 27-6 with a 2-yard run three plays later.

While Brady was taking apart the Texans defense, Houston quarterback Brian Hoyer was under duress all night. Ten quarterback hits for the Patriots is unacceptable. “People play with pain all the time”. In the last two games, both losses, the injuries and unsightly special teams breakdowns had caught up with them. Either Blue is still bothered by his injury he had a couple of weeks ago, or the Texans are unhappy with his play because Blue did not get a carry Sunday night.

J.J. Watt appeared to have some trouble getting Tom Brady to shake his hand after Sunday night’s game, but the two did eventually get together. Overall, the New England defense had six sacks. “So whether it’s carrying the ball, making tough yards, playing as a sub back and playing in the kicking game, he’s shown a lot of versatility and given us a lot of quality plays in all those situations”. “We want all the players out there”.

Houston quarterback Brian Hoyer has suffered his second concussion in less than a month and is doubtful for Sunday’s game against Indianapolis. They were able to post just 189 total net yards with a 3-of-16 mark on third and fourth downs. Brady, sacked three times, completed 22 of 30 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.

At some point between last Wednesday’s practice-which Gronkowski didn’t attend-and Thursday’s appearance, Belichick’s influence seemed to get him his tight end back.

This week, the injury bug claimed safety Devin McCourty (ankle), defensive tackle Dominique Easley (thigh) and running back LeGarrette Blount (hip).

The Patriots received a boost from the return of tight end Rob Gronkowski, who bruised a bone and sprained his right knee against Denver.

The Patriots took advantage of exceptional field position as the half closed, covering just 41 yards in eight plays to extend their lead to 17-6 with 14 seconds remaining in the half. Having Gronkowski on the field draws the attention of the defense and frees up receivers like Danny Amendola, Keshawn Martin and Brandon LaFell to get open quicker.

For the Texans, the blow of their second consecutive loss was lessened by the Colts’ loss at Jacksonville earlier Sunday.

In Philadelphia, the Eagles spoiled LeSean McCoy’s homecoming, beating the Buffalo Bills 23-20 to stay tied for first place in the NFC East with the Washington Redskins – 24-21 winners over the Chicago Bears.

“We control what we can control”, Texans defensive end JJ Watt said. “That’s what we need”.