Patriots playoff chance dim following loss in Houston

Although the Patriots lost by 7 points yesterday in Houston against the Texans, any Pats fan watching the game probably felt the Pats got beat handily. The Pats defense did not look sharp especially the secondary. Texans QB Deshaun Watson threw for 344 yards and two touchdowns. Although the stats were close in the major categories, the scoreboard is where the numbers really count. In the end the Patriots were outplayed and the Texans handed the Patriots their 6 loss of the season while only winning their 3 game of 2020. After the season is over, we might be looking at this game as the one that put an end to any playoff chance the Patriots were holding on to.

The Patriots running attack has been a bright spot over the last several weeks but they seemed to be running up hill all game yesterday. Five Patriots touched the ball in the backfield and only gained 86 yards on the ground. Cam was able to throw the ball for 365 yards and complete 26 of 40 pass attempts. In the air the Patriots had 1 touchdown, which was an impressive 42-yard TD to Damiere Byrd. Their other points were scored by a 9-yard Damien Harris run in the first quarter and a couple of field goals.

The Patriots are now 4 – 6 on the season and could have gained ground on Miami, who lost to the Broncos and they lost ground to the Bills who were on their BYE week and still sit on top of the AFC East with a 7 – 3 record. The Patriots play at home on Sunday at 1pm against the Arizona Cardinals who will come into Gillette with a 6 – 4 record. You can listen to the game on WNAW AM1230 in North Adams or on WBEC-AM 1420 in the Pittsfield area. Kickoff is at 1pm.

Tonight, on Monday Night Football the Rams play Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay at 8:15. Both teams are coming in with winning records. The Bucs are 7-3 and LA is 6-3 on the season. There are three games on Thanksgiving Day starting with the Texans vs Lions at 12:30…Washington vs Cowboys at 4:30…and the Ravens against the 10-0 undefeated Steelers at 8:20.

The remainder of the Patriots 2020 Season…

Week 12: vs. Arizona, Sunday, Nov. 29, 1 p.m.

Week 13: @ Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 6, 4:25 p.m.

Week 14: @ Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Dec. 10, 8:20 p.m.

Week 15: @ Miami, Sunday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m.

Week 16: vs. Buffalo, Monday, Dec. 28, 8:15 p.m.

Week 17: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 3, 1 p.m.