Texans at Patriots: Highlights, score and recap

On Sunday afternoon at Foxborough, the New England Patriots survived a game Houston Texans’ squad. What did we learn from this Week 3 free-for-all?

The New England Patriots are still the reigning kings of the NFL. But their scepter has taken a few a few hits in the first three weeks.

But when it was all said and done on Sunday, Bills Belichick’s team pulled out a win over the feisty Houston Texans thanks to the usual fourth-quarter magic from Tom Brady.

Highlights Posted Live as They Happen

Three Stars

1. Tom Brady

The reigning Super Bowl champion quarterback wasn’t great all day but was when he had to be. He overcame three fumbles (one returned for a TD by Jadeveon Clowney) and wound up throwing for 378 yards and five scores. The difference was a 25-yard scoring strike to Brandin Cooks with 23 seconds to play.

2. Brandin Cooks

Targeted seven times, the former New Orleans Saints wideout caught five passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, as well as a two-point conversion grab, to help lead New England to a three-point win.

3. Jadeveon Clowney

Teammate Deshaun Watson threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns but was also picked off twice and put the ball on the turf twice. In a tough loss, Clowney finished with six solo tackles, a pair of sacks and a fumble return for a touchdown in the 36-33 setback.

More fansided.com: NFL power rankings, Week 2: Broncos surge, Cardinals tumble

Odds

The defending AFC champion Texans were nearly two touchdown underdogs in Foxborough on Sunday afternoon. Bill O’Brien’s team covered comfortably and the 43.5 over/under was never a factor when it came to the under.

Next Week

The Houston Texans play host to the rival Tennessee Titans in a clash between AFC South title contenders. For the third time in four weeks, the defending Super Bowl champions are at home. The Pats square off against the 2-1 Carolina Panthers, off a 34-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints.