The New England Patriots snapped a two-game losing streak by handing the Houston Texans a 27-6 loss Sunday Night. The Texans simply weren't able to find anything on offense in the loss. The Texans had just 189 yards on offense. The Texans are now 6-7, while the Patriots improved to 11-2. The win clinched a playoff berth for the Patriots.
Tom Brady didn't put up massive numbers, but he was sharp. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 225 yards and a TD. He was sacked three times and hurried many more. The real reason for New England's win was a defense that shut down Houston.
QB Brian Hoyer struggled, completing 11 of 22 passes for 155 yards. He was sacked five times and fumbled twice, losing one of them. He left the game after late in the fourth and didn't return. T.J. Yates threw two passes with Hoyer out.
WR DeAndre Hopkins was largely held in check by the Patriots, reeling in three passes for 52 yards. One of those grabs accounted for 40 yards.
Rob Gronkowski made quite the impact in his return from injury. He wasn't 100 percent and didn't play every snap, but did catch four passes for 86 yards and a score.
The Texans are still in the race for the AFC South and are tied for the division lead with the Colts. They have a critical matchup next week against the Colts in a game that may decide the winner of the AFC South. The Patriots are in position for a bye in the AFC. They play the the Titans next Sunday.
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