Patriots humble Texans in statement win

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is pumped up after his run for a first down in the fourth quarter. Brady threw four touchdowns for 296 yards in a 42-14 rout of the Texans drawing chants of MVP from the Gillette Stadium crowd. (Credit: Associated Press)

Remember when I said that the Patriots were no longer an elite team in the NFL after they just escaped the New York Jets with a 29-26 victory in overtime back in October? Well the Patriots have proved to me that they are still among the elite franchises in the NFL.

After the Patriots 42-14 dismantling of arguably “the best team in the NFL,” the Patriots have racked off seven consecutive wins, including that game against the Jets in Foxboro back in October.

Coming into the game, Houston Texans wide reciever, Andre Johnson describe this game against the Patriots, “The biggest game in the history of the Houston Texans franchise.” Well the Texans failed to show up to their “biggest game in franchise history” and shat the bed.

The defense set the tempo for the game. The defense was extremely agressive as they were flying all over the field making plays and making stops.

The Patriots defense was able to hold Texans Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster to only 46 yards on the ground and 85 all purpose yards.

The New England secondary was able to stay with the Houston receivers allowing quarterback Matt Schaub to only 232 passing yards with one interception and held Johnson to only 95 receiving yards. The defense as a whole held the Texans to only 323 total yards and 100 yards rushing.

This was a championship defense that the Patriots played tonight and as long as the defense continues to play this well, a trip to New Orleans the first Sunday of February is not out of the question.

And of course we can’t forget about the offense. Quarterback Tom Brady had another MVP caliber game throwing four touchdowns for 296 yards and no interceptions furthering his case for MVP. The Patriots also had a solid running game  compiling 130 yards on the ground.

Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd had big game after receiving some criticism and speculation that he was losing Brady’s trust as he led all Patriots receivers with 7 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. He scored another touchdown when he jumped on a loose ball in the endzone in the fourth quarter.

Recently picked up receiver Donte Stallworth made a big impact with a 63 yard touchdown catch and run. Tight end Aaron Hernandez also added two touchdowns as well.

This game was by far the best game that the Patriots have played all season. This was the best defensive performance that I have seen since the Super Bowl winning defenses of the early 2000’s.

Tonight the Patriots have proven to me that they are a championship caliber team with a championship caliber defense.

Next week the Patriots host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. Let the road to New Orleans and Super Bowl XLVII commence!