Houston deserves credit for making plays. The Texans have an elite quarterback and great playmakers, especially at wide receiver with Diggs and Tank Dell. Still, we’ve seen the schemes the Patriots are running work in the past. Above, the Pats ran the same pressure they brought on the third-down completion to Diggs. In this instance, Mapu’s blitz gets home for a sack.
Whether it’s schematic tweaks or better execution, the foundation is there for the Patriots to improve on defense. The coaches might do a self-scout to determine why their schemed pressures are being sniffed out while the players are already speaking about accountability for their part.
Although they’ve lost key contributors to injuries, the Patriots are too talented on defense to be ranked 29th in defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) through six games.
Quick-Hit Film Notes From the Patriots Loss to the Texans
– WR Pop Douglas was excellent, with a career-high 92 receiving yards and his first career TD. Douglas caught three catches for 59 yards and a score vs. man coverage. He was also open on the Boutte touchdown, Maye’s first interception, and another third-down crosser that Maye missed. Whether it was Eric Murray or Jalen Pitre, the Texans nickel corners could not cover Douglas in press-man. His separation ability was electric.
– WR Kayshon Boutte showed great long speed to pull away late from Texans CB Derek Stingley on his 40-yard touchdown. Boutte also ran a nice corner route for a 13-yard gain. Boutte’s run blocking and vertical routes as an outside receiver have earned him a larger role. Kudos to him for continuing to push behind the scenes for playing time. He’s playing well.
– TE Hunter Henry has a knack for uncovering when the quarterback goes off-script. He has done it with every Pats QB, but now he has Maye, who will take that to the next level. He did a really nice job working himself open off his initial stick…
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