#TBT to the last Patriots-Texans matchup
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| Michael Dwyer/AP |
By Megan Carnahan
It's finally here, and I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! Welcome to the 2018 NFL season, everyone, and to another year's edition of our Throwback Thursday series.
This post is part of a weekly feature that will include a short recap, highlights and stats 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 nearly a year ago, on September 24, 2017. The Patriots pulled off a nailbiter in the final seconds to take home a 36-33 victory.
Tom Brady and Brandin Cooks each had a big day, as the two of them connected on the 25-yard, go-ahead touchdown with just 23 seconds left in the game. Brady had five touchdown passes on the day, while Cooks caught five passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns.
On the flipside, Texans rookie Deshaun Watson had a strong performance in just his second career start. Watson was 22 of 33 for 301 yards and two touchdowns. He did, however, have two interceptions, including one that helped set up a Patriot touchdown.
NOTEWORTHY
This was Brady's sixth game with five touchdown passes and no interceptions.
This game was Cooks' fifth multi-touchdown game and eighth 100-yard game of his career.
THE STATS
Tom Brady went 25-of-35 for 378 yards and five touchdowns, while Deshaun Watson was 22-of-33 for 301 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
New England's rushing efforts were led by Mike Gillislee who had 12 carries for 31 yards. Lamar Miller led the way for the Texans with 56 yards on 14 rushes.
Brandin Cooks and Chris Hogan each had a double touchdown day for New England. Cooks tallied five receptions for 131 yards, while Hogan had four caches for 68 yards. Rob Gronkowski had the other Patriot touchdown.
For Houston, Ryan Griffin and Bruce Ellington each scored one touchdown. Griffin had five catches for 61 yards while Ellington had four receptions for 59 yards.
Kyle Van Noy, Devin McCourty and Elandon Roberts had big days, defensively, for New England, each tallying 11, 10 and 9 total tackles, respectively. Trey Flowers and Cassius Marsh each had a sack in the game.
The Texan defense was led by Zach Cunningham with seven total tackles. Jadeveon Clowney racked up six total tackles and two sacks. Whitney Mercilus also earned a sack on the day.
For New England, Stephon Gilmore and Duron Harmon both had interceptions. Gilmore's was for 39 yards, while Harmon's was for 12.
AND NOW
The New England Patriots and the Houston Texans are set for a 1:00 pm matchup at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018.
SOURCES:
http://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400951607
http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400951607
