Patriots Country

Keion White Shines, Offense Stagnant in Patriots' Preseason Loss to Texans

Rookie defensive end Keion White at times dominated, but the New England Patriots' offense was hapless in a 20-9 loss to the Houston Texans.

Richie Whitt

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Bill O'Brien returned to Foxboro promising a "clean slate." But his offense's performance in the New England Patriots' preseason opener Thursday night was down right dirty.

At this rate the Pats will waste the NFL's largest outdoor video scoreboard at Gillette Stadium, because we'll be able to keep track of New England's points on our fingers and toes.

Granted, the Pats rested all their offensive starters and backup quarterback Bailey Zappe was operating behind a make-shift line that included two rookies (Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow). But for most of the 20-9 loss to the Houston Texans, it was a frustrating and eerily similar scene straight out of 2022. Zappe completed 12 of 14 passes, but on his eight possessions New England mustered only four first downs and 108 yards.

The Pats' lone touchdown came on rookie free-agent quarterback Malik Cunningham's nifty 9-yard scramble up the middle with 1:54 remaining.

Also like last season, the Pats' defense dominated. Second-round draft pick Keion White lived in Houston's backfield in the first half and veteran Jalen Mills, filling the shoes of retired safety Devin McCourty, intercepted Texans' rookie C.J. Stroud on the first series of the preseason.

But other than an impressive leaping 26-yard catch by receiver Tyquan Thornton, the Pats' offense looked like the same, punchless unit that was last in the NFL in Red-Zone efficiency last season and the main culprit for an 8-9 record that kept them out of the playoffs.

Stink, stank and stunk comes to mind. And perhaps another call to veteran running backs Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook or Leonard Fournette?

In the first half the defense forced two turnovers, including one on a big hit in the backfield by White. Playing off the edge and usually standing up, the 46th overall pick wreaked havoc. He pressured Stroud on multiple plays and - after a botched hand-off - forced the fumble that was recovered by journeyman linebacker Calvin Munson.

White overshadowed first-round pick Christian Gonzalez, who was mostly quiet other than forcing a fumble after allowing a short completion.

Thornton, who has missed significant time in training camp with an undisclosed injury, flashed his speed and athleticism in the first quarter. He got behind Texans' cornerback Steven Nelson and made a leaping catching in front of safety Jalen Pitre.

Otherwise, the Patriots' offense was pathetic. With starter Mac Jones sitting, it managed only two first downs and 73 yards in the first half. A late, juggling touchdown catch by third-round rookie Tank Dell gave the Texans a 7-3 halftime lead.

In the second half against New England's third- and fourth-stringers, the Texans got a 1-yard touchdown run from former Patriot Dalton Keene and a short scoring pass from Case Keenum to Alex Bachman to push their lead to 20-3.

A Patriots defense that finished with the third-most sacks last season was in mid-season form early. Even without star pass-rushers Matthew Judon and Josh Uche, they harassed Stroud out of the pocket an into an early interception that set up a 3-0 lead.

On Houston's first possession, Daniel Ekuale sacked Stroud for a 15-yard loss. White then pressured the rookie out of the pocket before, on third down, linebacker Anfernee Jennings' pressure hurried Stroud into a late throw over the middle. Mills made an easy pick that set up Nick Folk's 44-yard field goal.

Next time the Patriots step foot in Gillette Stadium - 30 days from now - they will host the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 of the regular season. Thursday's defense would be a nice carryover. As for O'Brien's offense ...

At least for one night, somewhere in Philadelphia exiled play-caller Matt Patricia was probably enjoying a chuckle.

The Patriots resume training camp next week before traveling to Green Bay to play the Packers in their second preseason game on Aug. 19.

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Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

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