BSJ Game Report: Texans 20, Patriots 9 - Offense underwhelms behind struggling line; Keion White stands out on D

Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ preseason loss to the Texans in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

BOX SCORE

HEADLINES

Offense stunk out loud: Thanks to a terrible offensive line that didn't open up any holes in the running game and didn't protect for either starter Bailey Zappe or Trace McSorley, the Patriots had nine drives before Malik Cunningham entered late and totaled 65 yards. Six drives totaled less than 10 yards. Patriots were sacked three times and were 2 of 11 on third and fourth downs.

The starting line was LT Conor McDermott, LG Atonio Mafi, C James Ferentz, RG Kody Russey and RT Sidy Sow. They were not good.

This was offensive highlight:

Until this:

Keion White among defensive standouts: The Patriots defense posted a shutout until the closing seconds of the first half, and second-round pick Keion White was very impactful with QB pressure and helpful to force a fumble after a muffed toss to the Texans running back. First-round pick Christian Gonzalez (forced fumble) got extended playing and showed fine in zone coverage - after taking a hard shoulder on the first play of the game. Jalen Mills (interception, tackle for loss), Anfernee Jennings, Daniel Ekuale (sack) and Jahlani Tavai also showed well.

"I don’t really think I was too comfortable or that the game was too fast," Gonzalez said. "I feel like it was a good learning experience for me. Just like I said earlier, just ready to get in tomorrow and watch the film and see what the coaches think about it.”

A lot of guys sat out, including Demario Douglas: All the veteran starters on both sides of the ball sat this one. Not playing but in uniform:

Offense: Mac Jones, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Trent Brown, David Andrews, Riley Reiff, Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Juju Smith-Schuster, Rhamondre Stevenson, Matthew Slater.

Defense: Deatrich Wise, Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, Matthew Judon, Josh Uche, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips, Jabrill Peppers.

Not present: G Mike Onwenu (PUP), OT Calvin Anderson (NFI), S Cody Davis (PUP), CB Jonathan Jones, LB Ronnie Perkins, DE Trey Flowers, G Bill Murray, G Cole Strange, RB Ty Montgomery.

Interesting that rookie camp sensation Demario Douglas largely got the vet treatment - a few snaps but he didn't touch the ball. Either he's really safe, or the Patriots are trying to stash him from the scouts watching.

Winovich, Keene revenge game: Chase Winovich had a sack in garbage time — and played across from Derek Rivers to form a Patriot edge rusher draft pick graveyard. And Dalton Keene had a 1-yard plunge to exact all sorts of revenge against Bill Belichick (sarcasm intended).

FOUR UP

Keion White: Found himself unblocked a lot of the time but he was impactful whether he was blocked or not.

Mailk Cunningham: If you can't block ... find a QB can that run really well. Led the Patriots on their only scoring drive - and Tre Nixon dropped a TD pass.

"It felt good," Cunningham. "At times they were bringing a lot of pressure. They have a good defense, had a good scheme. I just felt like with my running ability gave it a little more options on offense to open it up so they didn’t know whether we were going to pass or run so that was pretty fun.”

(is it difficult doing both qb and wr)

“Is it difficult? No, I feel like I’m a very clever, smart kid and the coaches, they’ve been doing a good job with me, explaining, breaking it down, helping me learn and the quarterbacks and receivers, all them guys, they’ve been nothing but help to me so I appreciate them.”

(on being in positional limbo) 

“I’m going to do whatever they need me to do at this point.”

Jalen Mills: Had an interception and a tackle for a loss in his time. Good first showing at free safety.

Tyquan Thornton: Had two catches, including the big third-down haul. Hey, it's something.

THREE DOWN

Offensive line: They were bad. All of them.

Bryce Baringer: The rookie punter did not have a good start as he punted four times for a 50 average, but that included a shank that rolled, a low kick that out-distanced the coverage, and a touchback.

Rodney Randle: The reserve defensive back was at the center of a lot of the Texans' big receptions, especially by Tank Dell.

INJURIES

DT Carl Davis (ankle): Limped off the field and did not return.

C Kody Russey (leg): Got rolled up on and did not return.

TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER

Don't go crazy about the offense: Yeah, it was bad and featured a whole lot of plays that seemed to go nowhere. However, unlike a year ago when it was all about an offense that didn't work at all, this was just about having zero real starters available on the offensive line, and the backups were all rookies/borderline NFL players. If you want to be mad about something, be mad about how there is zero depth on this line. That is certainly fair and a big-time second guess. Hope they have some of those guys ready to go for the Packers join practices.

Danger zone: Veterans that should be worried based on their playing deep into the second half — S Joshuah Bledsoe, CB Shaun Wade, DE Sam Roberts, DE Damarcus Mitchell.