Houston Texans: Stock up, stock down after big win over Patriots

Stock Down

Pass Rush

Yes, the Houston Texans were able to earn three sacks on Brady for the night. Having said that, you can chalk a lot of that up to the performance of the secondary in this matchup. Jacob Martin was fine for the Texans but, without J.J. Watt on the field, the pass-rushing was just not where it needs to be for this team. That’s a concern if the secondary can’t play to the level they did in Week 13 on a consistent basis.

Carlos Hyde

Carlos Hyde has enjoyed some solid days for the Texans this season averaging 4.6 yards per carry on the year and already hitting 853 rushing yards on the year. Having said that, the Texans running back has been inconsistent and Sunday was an example of that as Watson and the passing game had to save them.

Hyde had only 17 yards on 10 carries and was far less effective than Duke Johnson, primarily because he’s not much of a pass-catcher. Either way, Hyde’s stock dips with a paltry performance like that.

Linebacker Play

While this game was not as close as the final score would indicate, the Patriots were able to run the ball effectively in primetime. James White averaged 5.6 yards per carry on 14 totes while Sony Michel took 10 carries for 45 yards and Rex Burkhead went for 15 yards on three carries.

Perhaps the most troubling facet of the linebacker play for the Texans, though, was defending White in pass coverage. The running back burned them in a big way on the night, catching eight of his 11 targets for 98 yards and two scores. For Houston to really capitalize and make a late-season move, the linebackers have to be less generous in defending the running backs.