FOXBORO -- The Texans got themselves letterman's jackets this week. They came out in a game they proclaimed the most important in team history like high schoolers.
The Patriots capitalized on the Texans' flatness with three touchdowns in the first 19 minutes to jump to a 21-0 lead.
The Texans got the ball first and tried to establish running back Arian Foster to no avail. New England's first possession featured a defensive holding call on a third-and-6 incompletion that extended a drive. On the next play, Tom Brady hit Wes Welker for 25 yards down to the Texans 4. Two plays later, Aaron Hernandez caught a dart to make it 7-0.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The Patriots snuffed the ensuing Texans drive with a brilliant pick by Devin McCourty in the end zone and the Patriots needed just six plays to go 82 yards and score again, this time on a play-action pass to Brandon Lloyd from 37 yards away.
The Texans' got victimized by a questionable pass interference call on a third-and-10 on the next Patriots drive and New England capitalized with a 4-yard touchdown to Hernandez when Houston was late getting out to cover him.
The Texans realized they were on the brink and went for it twice -- and failed both times -- on fourth down in Patriots territory in the second half.
Meanwhile, the Patriots offense slowed down significantly over the rest of the half as they went three-and-out on three straight drives.
Late in the half, Patriots corner Aqib Talib, who was singled up with Andre Johnson for most of the half went down with an apparent hip injury. If he's absent in the second half, it will put some strain on the New England secondary.
Vince Wilfork has been a force up front for New England, the best defensive lineman on the field in a game in which most of the focus was devoted to Houston's JJ Watt. Brady hasn't been sacked.
Brady finished the half 13 for 19 for 165 yards and three touchdowns. Lloyd has played better than he did in weeks, catching three of the five balls thrown his way for 57 yards. Hernandez has already been targeted eight times, catching six for 38 yards.
Matt Schaub has been unremarkable and late with some throws. He's 12-for-23 so far.