Breakdown: Patriots defense vs. Texans

The defensive performance against the Texans in the Patriots’ 27-23 loss was inconsistent. The defensive line, with the starters playing deep into the third quarter, controlled much of the game, especially against the run (2.8 yards per carry). But there were some issues on the edge and in the secondary. Anytime you allow Tom Savage to complete 8 of 9 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown, it’s not a great night.

A look at the individual units and which players stood out positively and negatively:

Defensive line

Hard to find much wrong in this group. The return of Alan Branch to game action had an immediate impact. That guy is just a bull wherever he is on the line, and impossible to move. Only once did he get turned around a little in his gap and allow yardage. Other than, he was awesome six “plus” plays, including a QB hit, pass deflection and four standout plays against the run. … Kony Ealy didn’t standout much in person, but looked much better on film. This was the first time we’ve seen him play much in a two-point stance (standing up), and he was not the fish out of water we expect. In fact, you could make the argument that he was more impactful (half sack, 1.5 hurries) without a hand on the ground. Ealy also set the edge well in the run game. This game may have changed the conversation about Ealy. Definitely back in the mix. … Adam Butler (seven plus plays) continues to be impactful everytime he’s on the field. He’s surprisingly powerful inside and outside, and he’s getting better at dislodging from blocks. … Harvey Langi started at outside linebacker in what looked to be a lot of 3-4 defense. We’re going to classify him here for now. Langi had a lot of good moments (generated pressure on four separate plays) and showed some nice versatility, but he needs to work on not getting past the QB on rushes. That happened twice, and opens up the opportunity for big plays.

Linebackers

A mixed bag from this group. Elandon Roberts continued to struggle before leaving with a rib injury. He was in the mix on D’Onta Foreman’s 63-yard, catch-and-run. Roberts was in coverage and kind of got caught in between playing the man and the ball. The play was a cavalcade of errors with S David Jones and CB Cyrus Jones missing tackles. And on the second play of the game, Roberts got himself caught up in the wash and then missed the tackle on Jaelen Strong. … Trevor Bates sniffed out a screen well, but he needs to find a way to get off the tight end’s block and make a play on Foreman’s 4-yard touchdown run. If Bates is going to make this team, he’s going to need to play a little bigger at the point of attack.

Secondary

Stephon Gilmore is going to have issues at times with penalties. He tends to get a little grabby at the top of the routes, and it was an issue at times in Buffalo. Near the end of the Texans’ first drive, he got away with contact against WR Dres Anderson. In the regular season, he might not. … Malcolm Butler might have slipped on the Strong touchdown, but he put himself in a bad spot. After playing inside leverage to prevent an in-breaking route, Butler peeked into the backfield, got his hips going the wrong way and allowed Strong to cross his face. Butler also gave up the 37-yard jump ball to Bruce Ellington. Can’t teach height. … Jones was not only poor on Foreman’s big play, but he also turned his back to the dangerous Watson on his run. Ealy did his job on that play, but both Jones and Jonathan Freeny should have been in better position to make a play on the embarrassingly easy touchdown. … Justin Coleman, ran into a punt and split responsibility with Demarius Travis on Ellington’s 33-yard catch, but Coleman got his hands on four different passes. That’s the type of playmaking that can’t be overlooked, and will keep him in the nickel/dime mix. … Four total missed tackles in this group: Nate Ebner, Jordan Richards, David Jones, Cyrus Jones (who popped on punt returns twice).

Three up

Adam Butler: The kid just knows how to make plays, and does a pretty good job of staying within the scheme as well. Great motor. Stands his blocker up in the run game and disengages, and has very good quickness on the pass rush.

Alan Branch: The defense (well, at least the run defense) looks almost completely different when he’s in the middle. Conditioning didn’t even seem to be a factor. Things are good with the big fella back.

Kony Ealy: Give the guy credit, after a tough camp he’s starting to come on and have a little bit of an impact. The hope now is that he gets more comfortable playing on two feet and gives them a legit alternative out there.

Three down

LB Elandon Roberts: His lingering issues in pass coverage popped up again, and he had a missed tackle.

CB Malcolm Butler: Got outfought for a jump ball and then looked sloppy on the touchdown. Not a good night at the office.

DE Harvey Langi: Certainly did some nice things, but the undrafted rookie was a bit undisciplined in his pass rush and it was costly. At least that's something that's easily correctable

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