New England Patriots vs Houston Texans Box Score on Dec 13, 2015

The Sports Xchange
Dec 13, 2015

HOUSTON -- After quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski connected on a pair of timely conversions in the first half, the New England Patriots unleashed their ferocious defense in the second half to pummel the Houston Texans 27-6 Sunday night at NRG Stadium.

Gronkowski set up a touchdown in the first quarter and caught another late in the second to provide the Patriots with what proved to be an insurmountable 11-point lead at the intermission.

The cushion was comfortable thanks to the New England defense, which harassed Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer relentlessly while snapping a brief two-game skid.

The Patriots (11-2) regained possession of the top spot in the AFC standings after losses earlier Sunday by the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos.

The Texans amassed just 17 yards on 17 plays in the third quarter, with Patriots ends Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard recording sacks of Hoyer that totaled 31 yards.

While the Patriots produced just 62 yards and a field goal in the third quarter, they stretched their lead to three touchdowns early in the fourth following yet another sack of Hoyer.

With the Texans (6-7) pinned deep in their own territory, Sheard sacked Hoyer and forced a fumble that defensive tackle Malcom Brown recovered at the Houston 7. Three plays later, running back James White scored on a 2-yard run for a 27-6 lead with 12:04 left in the game.

The Patriots sacked Hoyer five times before knocking him out of the game midway through the fourth. The Texans produced just 189 total yards.

Gronkowski finished with four receptions for 87 yards. Brady, sacked three times, completed 22 of 30 passes for 225 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He was not intercepted.

Back after missing last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with a right knee injury he sustained the previous week in a loss at Denver, Gronkowski made his presence early.

On the first snap of the Patriots' second possession, Gronkowski corralled a 45-yard pass from Brady, taking advantage of fallen Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus to provide New England a first down inside the Texans' 10-yard line. Three plays later, Brady found wide receiver Keshawn Martin for a 2-yard touchdown pass and 7-0 lead.

The Patriots took advantage of exceptional field position as the half closed, covering just 41 yards in eight plays to extend their lead to 17-6 with 14 seconds remaining in the half. Brady converted two third downs with passes to Martin and Brandon LaFell, and Gronkowski capped the march with a 1-yard jump ball over Texans safety Quintin Demps.

NOTES: Patriots WR Keshawn Martin exacted a measure of revenge by scoring the first touchdown of the game, a 2-yard catch with 7:22 left in the first quarter. Martin began his career with the Texans but was traded to the Patriots on Sept. 17. For Martin, it was his second touchdown this season and third in his career. ... Texans DE J.J. Watt participated with a club cast after breaking his left hand in practice Wednesday and sitting out practice the remainder of the week. He had three tackles, one for a loss, and no sacks. ... Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount was taken to the locker room after sustaining a hip injury in the second quarter.