Just like the last time the Texans ventured into Yankee territory, Houston was outcoached. The Texans' defense was unprepared for New England's goal-line quick-snap plays. That New England quick snaps after a big play creates first-and-goal is TOTALLY OBVIOUS from film. Yet three, count 'em, three times, New England got a big play creating goal-to-go, and the Houston defense was caught flatfooted. The Texans have a defensive coordinator, five senior defensive assistants and many scouts. How could none of them have known that New England has been quick snapping on first-and-goal all season? In December's Houston at New England game, there was a lot of pointing and shouting by Texans defenders, who didn't seem sure where to line up or how to locate Welker. A month later in the Houston at New England game, noting had changed.
Over on offense, trailing 24-13 late in the third quarter, the Texans faced third-and-7 on the New England 38. Four-down thinking should be used here -- since you know you'll go on fourth down. Matt Schaub took a five-step drop and then threw a panic pass directly into the hands of a defender for an interception. Ye gods.
The hey-everybody-look-at-me immaturity displayed by J.J. Watt was indicative of Houston underachieving. Before the game, Watt danced and stomped on the Patriots' logo. Boast after you win, not before you lose! New England leading 10-3, Watt stopped Ridley for a yard loss, then jumped up and performed an elaborate finger-pointing routine. Hey everybody, look at me! Dancing on the field about a routine tackle while your team is behind: ugh. Watt had a terrible game -- one tackle, half a sack, invisible for extended periods, often pancaked by Logan Mankins -- but limitless energy for self-promotion. The Patriots are a group of grownups, the Texans are a group of babies, and it showed.