FINAL: Texans 20, Patriots 9 - New England offense does nothing behind poor line until Malik Cunningham

Exhibition Game #1: Houston Texans at Patriots, 7 p.m.
Location: Gillette Stadium.
TV: CBS/WBZ-4/NFL Network. Bob Socci (play-by-play), Scott Zolak (color), Paul Perillo (studio), Steve Burton (sideline)
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: Live Box | Patriots media notes | Texans media notes | Flipcard
BetOnline.ag Latest Line: Texans -2.5. O/U 37.5.
AccuWeather forecast: 64 degrees. Periods of rain, some heavy, and a thunderstorm this evening; clouds; watch for flooding on streets and poor drainage areas

ROSTER MOVES

• Patriots signed LB Joe Giles-Harris. Giles-Harris, 26, has spent time with Jacksonville (2019-20) and Buffalo (2021-22) on the practice squad and active roster. The 6-foot-2, 234-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with Jacksonville out of Duke on April 28, 2019. After two seasons rotating between the 53-man roster and the practice squad with Jacksonville, Giles-Harris was signed by Buffalo on Aug. 31, 2021 after being released by Jacksonville on May 16, 2021. He has played in 17 regular season games with three starts and has 18 total tackles and one sack. Last season, Giles-Harris spent the majority of the season on the Buffalo practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for one game, seeing action vs. Pittsburgh on Oct. 9 and finishing with one solo special teams tackle. He was released by Buffalo on Jan. 17, 2023.

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

1. Don't expect many veterans to play tonight as Bill Belichick said "the players who are least experienced will get the most playing time. I can tell you that."

"To give the players a chance to play and see how they perform in contact situations. They’re somewhat limited out here, but it’s putting it all together, not just a drill or fitst-and-10s, 7-on-7s, it’s real football. Things change quickly, they’ll have to make in-game adjustments, how they compete, physicality, and a lot of guys will get a chance, so we’ll see how it goes."

2. First look at the rookies: I'm hopeful that all the rookie draft picks will get a chance to get their feet wet, but that might not be the case for Christian Gonzalez.

3. Ryland and Baringer get to show their stuff: The two rookie kickers have done well in camp, but it's another thing to do it against live competition. This is the first step to locking up the starting spots (Baringer has one).

4. Offensive line in focus: The Patriots are missing several starters on the line but there is much to be sorted out at the depth positions. Atonio Mafi is one to definitely watch because if he finishes strong the next couple of weeks, he could open the possibility of Mike Onwenu moving to RT. Big nights for Jake Andrews and Sidy Sow, along with Conor McDermott. I don't expect Riley Reiff to play, even though he needs to.

5. How much do Douglas and Boutte play? What about Tyquan Thornton? Young receivers are always intriguing. Ditto for second-year backs Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong.