NFL Analysis: Preseason Week 1 Patriots vs Texans

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Thursday, August 10th, marks the beginning of the NFL Preseason, and one of the games will take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, featuring the New England Patriots against the Houston Texans. It’s unlikely that we’ll see either Mac Jones or CJ Stroud in action during this first preseason game. Preseason games tend to be a bit sloppy, with players trying to make their mark. Typically, these games are played by the least experienced players, allowing teams to assess rookies without exposing their starters or stars.

Houston Texans

On the visitors’ side, we’ll likely see the rookie and number two overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, C. J. Stroud. Stroud has an impressive college record with 85 touchdown passes and 8,123 passing yards since 2021. He’s a product of Ohio State. Additionally, backup quarterback Davis Mills will have a chance to play. The team hasn’t announced who will be their starter for week number 1 of the regular season.

The Texans have faced struggles for years, even during the tenure of former quarterback Deshaun Watson. The team underwent changes and entered a transition phase after parting ways with Watson.

Looking at some numbers from the Texans’ last campaign, they won only 3 games throughout the season, with two wins in the last three games. They had a scoring differential of -131 (30th) and a turnover differential of -1 (t-16th).

The team is set to debut their new Head Coach, former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, and former Texan player DeMeco Ryans, along with their new quarterback C.J. Stroud. They’re eager to see if this duo can turn things around for the struggling franchise.

Their offense hasn’t seen too many changes, with RB1 Dameon Pierce as their most productive player. They also signed former Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary as a free agent. Their wide receivers remain largely unchanged, without any big names in that department.

On the defensive end, they had to make significant changes, signing free agents Jacob Martin and Chase Winovich, along with rookie Will Anderson. They also have strong linebackers like Christian Kirksey. The Houston Texans come out as favorites in the latest Texans vs. Patriots NFL Odds.

Can the Patriots Have a Better Season?

Head Coach Bill Belichick is entering his 24th season in the NFL. The last season for the Patriots was a losing campaign with a record of 8-9, failing to reach the playoffs. Their record stands at 25-25 over the last three years since Tom Brady’s departure.

Quarterback Mac Jones needs to improve his numbers from his rookie year, as the last campaign wasn’t that great. He recorded 288 completions, a 65.2% completion rate, 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Other key players for the upcoming season include RB Rhamondre Stevenson, who had an impressive 1,040 rushing yards and led the team in receptions. DB Kyle Dugger also had a strong contribution, recording three touchdowns and two interceptions.

The defense is led by LB Matthew Judon, who had an outstanding year with a career-high 15.5 sacks. LB Josh Uche also had a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2022.

Kicker Nick Folk is another key asset on the team, making 60 straight regular-season field goals under 40 yards. He has also made 440 total points for the franchise, solidifying his place as one of the franchise’s greats. The NFL Lines for the Patriots this season remain uncertain, but improvement is crucial for them to have a better season and make it to the postseason.