#TBT to the last Texans-Patriots matchup
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| Jim Rogash | Getty Images |
*This article is part of a weekly Throwback Thursday series that will feature key stat lines and short recaps of the last time the New England Patriots played their upcoming opponent.
Last Time Out…
The New England Patriots and the Houston Texans last met in a 2016 AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 14, 2017. The Patriots defeated the Texans 34-16 to advance to an NFL-record sixth straight AFC Championship Game.
In a game that started out slow - with two turnovers, only five plays ran in the first quarter and 19 rushing yards through the first half – the Patriots went into halftime with just a 17-13 lead. New England stepped it up big time in the second half, outscoring their opponents 17-3 to seal the victory.
Noteworthy…
Dion Lewis had a monster game, as he scored not one, not two, but three touchdowns. The running back became the first player in postseason history to have a receiving, rushing and kick return touchdown in a single game. He became the first in Patriots’ history to record a postseason kick return touchdown.
Former Patriots’ cornerback Logan Ryan stepped up his performance, recording a game-sealing interception, three passes defended, seven tackles, two pass breakups, one sack and one run stop.
The Stats…
Tom Brady completed 18 of 38 passes for 287 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, while Brock Osweiler went 23-for-40 with 197 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount led the way for New England’s rushing efforts. Lewis carried the ball 13 times for 41 yards and one rushing touchdown, while Blount tallied eight carries and 31 yards. For the Texans, Lamar Miller totaled 19 rushes for 74 yards.
On the receiving side, Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan led the way for the Patriots. Edelman recorded eight receptions for 137 yards, while Hogan had four catches for 95 yards. DeAndre Hopkins totaled six receptions for 65 yards for Houston.
For New England’s defense, Dont’a Hightower posted eight total tackles to lead the way. Logan Ryan, Malcom Brown and Rob Ninkovich all recorded a sack each on the night.
Houston’s Corey Moore led the way for the Texans' defense with eight total tackles, while Whitney Mercilus and Brian Cushing recorded a sack apiece.
There were five interceptions total on the night. Duron Harmon, Logan Ryan and Devin McCourty all recorded one each for the Patriots, and Texans’ A.J. Bouye and Andre Hal each added one to their stat line.
And Now…
Houston will travel to Gillette Stadium to take on New England this Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. The Texans’ and the Patriots’ Week 3 matchup is set to start at 1pm.
Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan
