Tag: Sunday Night Football

Texans CB Bradley Roby played with heavy heart against the Patriots

Houston Texans cornerback Bradley Roby was playing with a heavy heart during the club’s 28-22 win over the New England Patriots Sunday night.

HOUSTON — Houston Texans cornerback Bradley Roby played with a heavy heart Sunday night in the team’s 28-22 win over the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium.

The 27-year-old buried his 85-year-old grandfather in Mississippi the day before making his return to the gridiron after being sidelined with a hamstring injury since the Week 6 win at the Kansas City Chiefs.

“This game was special to me because my grandfather just passed and I went to the funeral yesterday and I promised him and I promised him that I would make some plays,” Roby said. “He was blind, so he never saw me play. But maybe he could see me now. That’s what I wanted to do was honor him and rest in peace for my granddad.”

Roby collected three tackles and was arguably the best thing the Texans had going defensively. The former 2014 Denver Broncos first-round pick intercepted Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on a third-and-4 from the New England 25-yard line and returned the takeaway up to the Patriots’ 6-yard line.

Even though an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Roby pushed the Texans’ starting position to the 21-yard line instead, the interception was the catalyst for Houston’s first score of the game, a 14-yard touchdown pass from from quarterback Deshaun Watson to running back Duke Johnson to take a 7-3 lead with 45 seconds to go in the first quarter.

“That’s something that I like to take pride in, being a game changer and making plays,” said Roby. “I was telling the guys earlier in the week I was going to make a play. I don’t know what it was, but I was going to make a play. So, I’m happy that I was able to.”

Roby added 1.0 sack, a quarterback hit, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. The Fort Worth native would have collected his second interception of the night, one that would have gone for a touchdown, but it was called back due to defensive holding on Roby.

Nonetheless, Roby picked up on the emotion.

Said Roby: “When I scored, I felt that energy, the whole crowd just went crazy. That’s why I took my helmet off. I just wanted him to feel me. I felt so good. I felt so great.”

Huge sentiments often lead to big performances, and the Texans benefited from Roby’s play to improve to 8-4 on the season and prove their worth against the best team in the conference.

Chargers-Vikings flexed out of ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 15

The NFL has decided to flex the matchup between the Chargers and Vikings out of primetime.

The NFL announced that the Los Angeles Chargers’ matchup against the Minnesota Vikings has been flexed out “Sunday Night Football” in Week 15.

The game, which will be played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, was previously expected to kickoff at 5:20 p.m. PT on NBC, but will now kickoff at 1:05 p.m. PT on CBS.

It’s no surprise that the Bolts were flexed out. Originally going into the season, there were hopes of a playoff contender. But sitting at 4-8, their aspirations of playing in January are basically extinguished.

With the Chargers and Vikings being flexed out, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills, who were scheduled for an afternoon bout, will get the primetime game.

The matchup between Pittsburgh and Buffalo has some significance as both teams are fighting for Wild Card spots, being 7-5 and 9-3 respectively.

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Bills-Steelers Week 15 meeting flexed to Sunday Night Football

The Buffalo Bills’ Week 15 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers has been flexed into Sunday Night Football.

The NFL has added another national television appearance to the Buffalo Bills’ remaining schedule.

The league announced Sunday night that Buffalo’s Week 15 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers has been flexed to Sunday Night Football. Kickoff is now scheduled for 8:20 EST on NBC.

The flexed game could have serious postseason implications. At 9-3 and 7-5, respectively, the Bills and Steelers currently occupy the AFC’s two wild-card playoff spots.

The NFL’s decision comes just days after Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen put on a show in a Thanksgiving Day shellacking of the Dallas Cowboys. The game averaged 32.5 million viewers, per CBS, making it the most-watched regular-season contest in three years.

This is the second Buffalo game to be flexed this season. The team’s Week 16 matchup with the New England Patriots was recently flexed to Saturday, December 21, and moved to the 4:30 EST kickoff.

When the Bills’ 2019 schedule was released in April, fans quickly noted that it contained zero primetime games. Given the team’s consistent success and strong performance in its sole nationally televised game, the fact that a late-season game has been flexed into primetime is not all that surprising.

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WATCH: Texans CB Bradley Roby picks off Patriots QB Tom Brady

Houston Texans cornerback Bradley Roby got a big interception on New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on Sunday Night Football.

Where had Bradley Roby been the last seven weeks?

The free agent cornerback jumped a route on third-and-4 Sunday night as the Houston Texans battled the New England Patriots. Roby picked off quarterback Tom Brady and returned the interception all the way to the New England 6-yard line.

However, there was an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Roby for excessive celebration that backed up the Texans’ starting position to the 21-yard line. Nonetheless, it was great starting position for the Texans to do something about the Patriots’ 3-0 lead. On the ensuing drive, Watson threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to running back Duke Johnson to give Houston a 7-3 lead with 45 seconds to go in the first quarter.

Texans-Patriots live blog: Sunday Night Football

The Houston Texans and New England Patriots face off for Week 13 on Sunday Night Football. Can’t follow along conventionally? We have you covered.

The Houston Texans and the New England Patriots will square off on Sunday Night Football from NRG Stadium. Follow along for updates live from NRG Stadium.

WHEN: 7:20 p.m. CT

WHERE: NRG Stadium

FORECAST: Clear, 59 degrees, 6 mph winds (indoors)

FOLLOW: @therealmarklane, @averydduncan, @somesportsguyy

LISTEN: Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] and 100.3 The Bull [KLOL]

WATCH: NBC (Al Michaels & Cris Collinsworth)

(NOAA/NASA via AP)

In a rather surprising development, outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett is inactive. See the rest of the Texans-Patriots inactives.

Hear it from the Texans themselves on how they can complete the upset and beat the Patriots.

Want to hear something crazy? J.J. Watt may come back if the Texans make the playoffs.

How to Watch Patriots vs. Texans, NFL Week 13 Live Stream, Schedule, TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Patriots vs. Texans Live Online.

The New England Patriots (10-1) bring their AFC East-leading squad to NRG Stadium to take on the AFC South-leading Texans (7-4). New England won 27-20 at Gillette Stadium last year and owns both AFC Divisional Playoff victories between these two teams. The Texans only win was nearly a decade ago in 2010, when they edged the Patriots 34-27 in Houston. The Patriots are 10-1 all-time vs. Texans.

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Patriots vs. Texans

When: Sunday, December 1

Time: 8:20 p.m. ET

TV: NBC

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Tom Brady is frustrated with the offensive production of the Patriots, and rightfully so. The team posted 20 points in a loss to the Ravens, 17 the following week in a win against the Eagles, and beat the Cowboys 13-9 in a defensive battle this past weekend. Brady completed 17 of 37 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown. Sony Michel rushed for 85 yards and Julian Edelman was the leading receiver with 93 yards. The offensive depth chart is incredibly thin due to injuries. This unit will need to get going, as the defense can only carry them for so long.

This year we’ve seen stellar defenses in the NFL, including the 49ers and the Patriots. Lamar Jackson proved that New England’s group isn’t perfect, but he’s been doing that to opponents all season long. The unit held the Cowboys No. 1 scoring offense to zero touchdowns in the game and Dak Prescott to a mere 212 yards passing, while also tossed an interception. All-Pro wide receiver Amari Cooper was unable to reel in any receptions for the first time in his career as a Cowboy. Dallas converted only two of 13 third-down attempts as well. The Patriots defense simply shutdown the Cowboys and will face another tough offense in the Houston Texans.

After a 41-7 beatdown at the hands of the Ravens, the Texans narrowly defeated the Colts 20-17 last weekend. If they thought it was difficult scoring points on Indy, it won’t get any easier when the Patriots come rolling into town with their defense that ranks second in total defense (256.4 YPG) and passing yards allowed (158 YPG). Last weekend, Watson threw for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns. Will Fuller had his second-best game of the season with seven catches for 140 yards, while DeAndre Hopkins added six receptions for 94 yards and two scores. Can this offensive line protect Watson and give him time to throw the ball to his talented wide receivers? Will they be able to get running back Carlos Hyde going to set up the play-action pass? How they respond to these questions will be crucial to their success on Sunday.

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Is betting against the Texans a smart move for Week 13?

The Houston Texans and New England Patriots square off on Sunday Night Football. Is going against the Texans the safe bet to make for Week 13?

The Houston Texans and the New England Patriots square off for a Sunday Night Football affair that features one of the faces of new quarterback play in Deshaun Watson versus the old guard at signal caller in Tom Brady. Though the Texans are 7-4 and have not beaten the 10-1 Patriots since a meaningless Week 17 game at the end of the 2009 season, there is a sense of optimism that Houston could take down New England.

Michael Colangelo from the Touchdown Wire is not buying it, and advises bettors to take the Patriots at -3 (-120) over the Texans.

If there were any time in the history of this rivalry — on-sided rivalry — for the Texans to win this game, it’s this Sunday night. The problem for the Texans is that the Patriots are coming in hot on defense and probably angry on offense.

This will be the first week in the past three that the Patriots are playing in good weather since the game will be in a dome. It also doesn’t help that the Houston defense hasn’t been good since J.J. Watt went down.

Everyone is saying that the Patriots may struggle with Deshaun Watson since he’s a mobile quarterback, but they’ve played mobile quarterbacks outside of Lamar Jackson and done just fine.

Bill O’Brien is 0-5 against Bill Belichick. If you want to bet that will change, feel free. I won’t be doing it.

O’Brien, along with defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and Dolphins coach Brian Flores, are the only former Belichick assistants to not get a win against their old boss.

The Texans have come close in each of their last two contests against the Patriots with a 36-33 loss in Week 3 of 2017, Watson’s second career start, and a 27-20 loss in Week 1 of the 2018 season. If nothing else, the Texans should keep it close and have a chance to win the ballgame.

Texans have to play to the echo of the whistle against the Patriots

The Houston Texans can’t let up even one bit during a play against the New England Patriots, who boast an opportunistic defense.

The Houston Texans face off against the New England Patriots Sunday night at 7:20 p.m. CT at NRG Stadium in what is considered a litmus test for where the first place AFC South club ranks against the best of the conference.

Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly knows what makes the Patriots a tough team to face, especially their defense, which is the second-best defense in the NFL and also the most proficient at creating takeaways with 29 on the season.

“They’re very disciplined, they’re very well coached,” Kelly told reporters on Wednesday. “They play hard to the echo of the whistle, all 11 of them, and they’re very opportunistic. They take advantage of your mistakes. They’re lighting the world on fire when it comes to creating turnovers right now, and they’re doing a good job of capitalizing, like I said, when people make mistakes. That’s really the reason why they’re playing really well right now.”

Houston is tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 13th-fewest turnovers in the NFL with 14. In the Texans’ past three games, they have committed at least one turnover. For the Patriots defense, they have created at least one takeaway in every game this season, including six against the New York Jets in Week 7.

If the Texans can’t avoid the Patriots defense procuring extra possession, then the Houston defense will have to limit New England’s point production off those turnovers or create a few themselves. In 2019, the Texans are 5-3 when they are even or minus in turnover differential compared to 2-1 when they win it outright.

New England’s lone loss of the season, a 37-20 affair against the Baltimore Ravens, saw the first place AFC East club finish even with the Ravens in the turnover battle with each side collecting two takeaways. Houston similarly will have to stay even or better in the turnover department to give themselves a chance for victory.

Texans 100: Facts and Figures for Patriots on Sunday Night Football, No. 51-75

The Houston Texans get ready to face the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football. Next, we look at Bill Belichick and referee Tony Corrente.

The facts continue as the Houston Texans gear up to take on the New England Patriots Sunday night for Week 13 at NRG Stadium.

Next, we take a look at Patriots coach Bill Belichick as well as the referee for the game, Tony Corrente.

Facts and Figures for Patriots, No. 1-25

Facts and Figures for Patriots, No. 26-50

bill belichick facts

sorry-patriots-texans-2-seed-bye-afc-playoffs
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

51. Belichick is 10-1 against the Texans. Compared to all other AFC clubs outside the AFC East, as Patriots coach, this is the second-best record against another AFC club. The only other club Belichick has owned as Patriots coach are the Jacksonville Jaguars with an 8-1 mark.

52. Belichick is 14-10 against former assistants, including playoffs.

53. Belichick is 74-28 in December with a 33-18 record on the road.

54. Belichick is 54-24 in prime time with a 25-17 record on the road.

55. Belichick is 1/4 active head coaches hired in the 2000s and still with the same team. The other three coaches are John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin, and Sean Payton.

56. Since 2002, when divisions were last realigned, Belichick is 38-9 against the AFC South, including playoffs. Here is how that compares to the rest of the AFC sans the East:

AFC South: 38-9

AFC North: 31-9

AFC West: 29-15

 

57. Belichick is 48/120 on challenges for his career with an 0/3 rate in 2019.

58. Belichick has challenged nothing related to pass interference.

59. The Patriots are tied with the Eagles for the sixth-fewest penalties in the NFL with 68.

60. The Patriots are eighth-lowest in the NFL in red zone conversions at 47.8%.

61. The Patriots have gone for it one fourth down just seven times in 2019, the fourth-fewest in the NFL.

62. The Patriots have the best average starting field position in the NFL at their own 34.2-yard line.

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Texans 100: Facts and Figures for Patriots on Sunday Night Football, No. 26-50

The Houston Texans and New England Patriots face off on Sunday Night Football. Next, we look at facts surrounding Tom Brady and Bill O’Brien.

The Houston Texans and the New England Patriots will face off on Sunday Night Football at NRG Stadium on Dec. 1. For the Texans, it is a nice measuring stick game to see how the first place squad in the AFC South would fare against the best of the conference.

Next, we take a look at Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Texans coach Bill O’Brien.

Facts and Figures for Patriots, No. 1-25

tom brady facts

texans-2019-schedule-set
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

26. Brady’s 1.1 interception percentage is the sixth-lowest in the NFL.

27. Brady’s 3.9 sack percentage is the third-lowest in the NFL.

28. Brady’s 267.5 passing yards per game are the 10th-highest in the NFL.

29. Brady is 1/11 quarterbacks to have thrown two-plus red zone interceptions this season.

30. Brady’s 58.2 completion percentage in the red zone is the eighth-highest in the NFL among quarterbacks who have started every game this year.

31. Brady is tied with Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson, Jacoby Brissett, and Andy Dalton for the fourth-most red zone rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with three.

32. Brady is tied for the seventh-most interceptions thrown on third down with three.

33. Brady has the sixth-most third down conversions in the air 44.

34. Brady is 7-1 against the Texans, an .875 winning percentage. Among AFC teams not in the Patriots’ division, this is the highest against one opponent with five or more games played.

35. Brady has a 104.5 career passer rating against the Texans. Among quarterbacks with four or more starts against Houston, this is the second-highest in club history. The top spot belongs to Peyton Manning at 108.9.

36. The Texans have sacked Brady 19 times, which are the fifth-most against any one particular opponent.

37. The Texans’ 21 sacks of Brady are the third-most in Brady’s career among teams outside the AFC East. Only the Broncos (28) and Steelers (25) have sacked Brady more.

38. The only game Brady lost to the Texans was on Jan. 3, 2010 in the season finale when Houston beat New England 34-27. Brady completed 17-of-26 for 186 yards and an interception as he was pulled midway through the second quarter to stay fresh for the playoffs.

39. Brady is one of three active NFL players to have played before the formation of the Texans franchise. The other two players are Drew Brees and Adam Vinatieri.

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