FOXBORO, Mass. — Special teams play often is overlooked throughout football games, but it was clear Thursday night that the Patriots’ unit stood out in New England’s 27-0 victory over the Houston Texans.
First off, special teams forced two fumbles that gave the Patriots excellent field position and eventually resulted in scoring plays. Charles James’ fumble during a kickoff led to Jacoby Brissett’s 27-yard scramble for a score in the first quarter, and Nate Ebner later forced a fumble that led to LeGarrette Blount’s touchdown in the third.
“Special teams are equally as important on this team as offense and defense,” defensive end Chris Long said. “They went out and created turnovers and that always helps the other two sides of the ball.”
Just as impressive on the special teams unit was Ryan Allen. The punter consistently pinned the Texans in their own zone during punts, forcing Houston to start with poor field position throughout the game.
In fact, if you include kickoffs, Houston’s average drive start was from their own 15-yard line. To put that into context, the Detroit Lions, who lead the league in average opponent drive starts, force opponents to start at their own 20.
The Texans didn’t start a single drive past their own 25-yard line and had a grand total of zero punt return yards. Each and every one of Allen’s seven punts was either downed or fair caught.
“I know how good he is,” Long added. “It’s an example of everybody doing their job to win on a short week.”
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
