Texans - Patriots: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rivalry

The Texans - Patriots rivalry is one of the most heated and long-standing in the NFL. It began in 2002 when the Houston Texans joined the league and quickly became a competitive force. The two teams have met 17 times in the regular season, with the Patriots holding a 10-7 advantage. The rivalry has also extended to the playoffs, with the Patriots winning the most recent matchup in the 2019 AFC Divisional Round.

Historical Context

The rivalry between the Texans and Patriots can be traced back to the early days of the Texans franchise. The Texans were a new expansion team in 2002, and the Patriots were already one of the most successful teams in the NFL. The Patriots had won three Super Bowls in the previous six years, and they were led by quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.

The Texans quickly became a competitive team, and they finished with a winning record in their first two seasons. In 2004, the Texans defeated the Patriots in their first-ever meeting, and they followed that up with a win in the playoffs the following year.

The rivalry between the two teams intensified in 2007 when the Texans drafted quarterback Matt Schaub. Schaub was a Pro Bowl quarterback, and he led the Texans to several successful seasons. The two teams met in the playoffs in 2011 and 2012, with the Patriots winning both games.

In recent years, the Texans have struggled to maintain their success, while the Patriots have continued to dominate the NFL. The Patriots have won three more Super Bowls since 2012, and they are currently considered one of the best teams in the league.

Key Moments in the Rivalry

Some of the most memorable moments in the Texans - Patriots rivalry include:

• 2004: The Texans defeat the Patriots in their first-ever meeting.
• 2005: The Texans defeat the Patriots in the playoffs.
• 2007: The Texans draft quarterback Matt Schaub.
• 2011: The Patriots defeat the Texans in the playoffs.
• 2012: The Patriots defeat the Texans in the playoffs.
• 2019: The Patriots defeat the Texans in the AFC Divisional Round.

The Future of the Rivalry

The Texans - Patriots rivalry is one of the most heated and long-standing in the NFL. The two teams are expected to remain competitive in the years to come, and the rivalry is likely to continue for many years to come.

How the Texans Can Beat the Patriots

The Texans have a tough task ahead of them when they face the Patriots. The Patriots are one of the best teams in the NFL, and they have a lot of experience in big games. However, the Texans can beat the Patriots if they follow these steps:

1. Control the ball: The Texans need to control the ball and keep the Patriots offense off the field. They can do this by running the ball effectively and converting on third downs.
2. Put pressure on Brady: The Texans need to put pressure on Brady and force him to make mistakes. They can do this by blitzing and sending extra defenders after him.
3. Force turnovers: The Texans need to force turnovers and give their offense a chance to score. They can do this by intercepting passes and recovering fumbles.
4. Play with discipline: The Texans need to play with discipline and avoid penalties. They can't afford to give the Patriots any extra opportunities.

Pros and Cons of Each Team

Texans

• Pros:
  • Have a talented offense led by quarterback Deshaun Watson.
  • Have a strong defense led by defensive end J.J. Watt.
  • Have a lot of experience in big games.
• Cons:
  • Have not been as consistent as the Patriots in recent years.
  • Have struggled to win in the playoffs.
  • Have a lot of injuries on their roster.

Patriots

• Pros:
  • Have the best quarterback in the NFL in Tom Brady.
  • Have a strong defense led by cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
  • Have a lot of experience in big games.
• Cons:
  • Are getting older and may not be as good as they once were.
  • Have lost some key players to free agency and retirement.
  • Have not been as dominant in recent years as they were in the past.

Conclusion

The Texans - Patriots rivalry is one of the most heated and long-standing in the NFL. The two teams are expected to remain competitive in the years to come, and the rivalry is likely to continue for many years to come. The Texans have a tough task ahead of them when they face the Patriots, but they can beat them if they follow these steps: control the ball, put pressure on Brady, force turnovers, and play with discipline.