Patriots have under-the-radar player who could decide their fate vs. Texans

"The New England Patriots invested heavily in their defense this offseason, and it showed on Sunday night. Milton Williams, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Christian Elliss, all of whom signed contracts this offseason, were major pieces to the team's success in holding the Chargers to just three points. Aside from the pressure the team applied to Herbert, the secondary play was also impressive. No Charger had more than three catches or 32 yards, a remarkable feat given Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey's separation abilities."

"The Texans, however, use a greater variety of receivers than the Chargers do. Nico Collins is, of course, the team's No. 1, but he remains questionable with a concussion. Christian Kirk, however, just had a career day with 144 yards against the Steelers. Their trio of Iowa State receivers, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Xavier Hutchinson, is next up on the depth chart."

"Not having Collins may seem like a major disadvantage, and of course, it is. But his potential omission from Sunday's contest won't make up for the fact that New England needs to deliver on the back end. In fact, Houston is 5-1 when a wide receiver not named Collins leads the team in receiving yards. Their only loss was a 16-9 contest against the Rams in Week 1, when Higgins led the squad with 38 yards."

The Patriots invested heavily in defense during the offseason and displayed the impact in a dominant performance holding the Chargers to three points. Milton Williams, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Christian Elliss, all offseason signings, played major roles in pressuring Justin Herbert and limiting offensive production. The secondary also excelled; no Charger exceeded three catches or 32 yards despite separation threats from Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey. Houston operates with a broader receiver rotation led by Nico Collins, who is questionable with a concussion, while Christian Kirk recorded 144 yards recently. The Texans' depth includes Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Xavier Hutchinson. Charles Woods rose to CB4 after roster changes and provides key depth behind starters.

Read at Musket Fire