JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Patriots' defense did what they should have done in Week 1.
Facing an obviously lesser Deshaun Watson in his first regular-season game after ACL surgery, they harassed and spooked a less-than-optimal young quarterback behind a porous offensive line, and covered exceedingly well in the secondary against a team that was missing its speediest weapon (Will Fuller).
The Patriots held the Texans to just 2-of-12 on third- and fourth-down conversions, while Watson completed just 50 percent of his passes and averaged just 4.3 yards per attempt. Houston only put up one drive of more than 50 yards.
The only shock in the game was New England didn't win going away, instead of 27-20. But that's what happens when your offense turns the ball over three times.
There's no reason why the Patriots' defense can't do the same thing on Sunday against the Jaguars — and New England might need it in order emerge with a victory.
If the Jaguars had second-year running back Leonard Fournette at full strength — even if he plays (hamstring), he won't be near 100 percent — maybe things might be different. Now that Jacksonville will likely have to turn to T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant — who won't be a surprise after killing the Patriots in the postseason — this should play right into the strength of the Patriots' defense.
The only reason why the Jaguars were able to control last year's AFC championship game was because the Patriots were so awful against the run and on first downs.
The Patriots, at least at this point in the season, should be vastly improved against the run and on early downs.
- Danny Shelton is more of a force inside, and forms a much better tandem with Malcom Brown than anyone the Patriots had last season.
- Dont'a Hightower is back. Even though he's still not quite his old self, his physical presence alone is a huge upgrade.
- Ja'Whaun Bentley can make plays where Elandon Roberts can't.
- Kyle Van Noy is healthy and playing his more natural weakside spot.
- Deatrich Wise in Year 2, and Adrian Clayborn give the Patriots some actual players on the other side of Trey Flowers, instead of retreads like James Harrison and Eric Lee.