W2W4: Patriots set to clash with the Texans

After three joint practices at the Greenbrier, the Patriots and Texans are finally set to square off Saturday in Week 2 of the preseason. The Patriots will return to NRG Stadium in Houston for the first time since hoisting their fifth Lombardi Trophy in February. Both teams are quite familiar with one another. From many recent matchups, both regular season and in the playoffs. To the bevy of former Patriots both on the Texans roster and on the coaching staff.

After a preseason debut void of most of the starters, only Dion Lewis played an extended amount, expect to see more of the first team offense out there tonight. Specifically Tom Brady and Brandin Cooks. Albeit for just a few series.

The Texans on the other hand, seem like the biggest threat to the Patriots AFC reign. That’s IF, and a big-IF, they figure out who will be throwing the ball for them. The Texans had one of the best defenses last season and now they will welcome back J.J. Watt to defensive coordinator, Mike Vrabel’s unit. Although they did wave goodbye to DT Vince Wilfork. The former Patriot announced his retirement last week.

On the offensive side of the ball, if DeShaun Watson has anywhere close to the season Dak Prescott did with the Cowboys last year, they could make a serious run towards the Super Bowl. If they end up with more of the same from the quarterback position, then expect more of the same from the Texans in 2017.

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Here is more of what to watch for in tonights preseason battle:

The offense comes out to play

As mentioned above, expect the bulk of the presumed starting offense to be on the field for a bit tonight. That means the debut of wide receiver Brandin Cooks in a Patriots uniform. However don’t get your hopes up when it comes to seeing tight end Rob Gronkowski. He hasn’t played in a preseason game in five years and that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. Most fans would agree that the anxiety of watching Gronkowski get hit in four meaningless games is enough to keep us patient. Ryan Hannable of WEEI suggests wide receiver Julian Edelman will also fall into this category as he gets a bit older.

Defensive debuts

Much like the offense, many of the presumed starters on defense sat out last week against the Jaguars. This included the cornerback tandem of Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore. By all accounts from training camp, the two corners are living up to the hype and playing like one of the best, if not THE best, cornerback duos in the league. This week they should finally see some live game action as Gilmore hits the field for the first time as a Patriot. Another newcomer, linebacker David Harris, may see some limited action as well.

UDFA Rookie watch

Wide receiver Austin Carr and tight end Jacob Hollister, both camp favorites, set the bar high for themselves in their preseason debut against the Jaguars. Can they repeat that performance? It’s possible. Both will see more significant playing time again this week, especially after the first team offense exits the game. Hollister may get a chance to see some time with Brady at the helm as it is unlikely Rob Gronkowski sees any playing time until September 7th.

Another undrafted free agent rookie to watch is Harvey Langi. This past week saw injuries to DE Deatrich Wise (concussion) and DE Derek Rivers (torn ACL), both figuring to be key role players in the defensive rotation. Wise should return soon, however, Rivers will miss his entire rookie year once he undergoes surgery. This should open the door for Langi. A highly touted UDFA signee of the Patriots.

Will Jimmy G have another strong preseason outing?

Despite struggles throughout camp, Jimmy Garappolo came to play last week against the Jaguars. Garappolo completed 22-of-28 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns. His 125.4 rating was among the best in the first week of the preseason. All this with mostly second and third string players, such as rookies Austin Carr and Jacob Hollister.

After Brady plays the first few series, if that, Garappolo will likely play close to a full half against a much better defense. If Garappolo continues to have a very strong preseason, the debate of what to do with Jimmy G after 2017 will intensify even more. Despite how Tom Brady plays throughout the season.

Players that need to rebound

When it comes to players that need to step up, a few immediately come to mind. Defensive backs, Jordan Richards and Cyrus Jones will look to make some impact when they get their shot on defense. Jones has struggled mightily since the start of his rookie year last year. Particularly with ball security. However, last week, Jones was burned a couple times leading to a couple touchdowns.

Richards, on the other hand, had a strong rookie season and a strong start to the offseason but has leveled off a bit. Richards is a candidate to fill the third safety role behind Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung, however, he will need to have a strong second game and build off of that.

The Bottom Line:

Finally, Patriots fans will be able to see more of what the team looks like. However, we all know this is just a little tease of what will come. It will be great to see the real Patriots team take the field for the first time since the Super Bowl, however that excitement will taper since it is only a preseason game.

Nonetheless, the Patriots are back. And in just 19 short days, the defending Super Bowl Champions will be taking the field for real.

– Ian Glendon is a National Co-Editor for cover32 and the Managing Editor for cover32/Patriots. He covers the NFL and New England Patriots. Like and follow on Follow @iglen31 Follow @cover32_NE and Facebook.

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