Most assumed the New England Patriots best possible record during Tom Brady’s suspension would be two losses and two wins. Now, it’s their worst possible record. All seemed to be going well against Miami last week until Jimmy Garoppolo left the game taking a big hit. The Patriots were able to hold on for a win, but having to start rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett against a stout Houston Texans defense will lead to a much more difficult first half.

Houston is riding in on an undefeated record, but Brock Osweiler’s play has been nothing short of sporadic. Osweiler currently has thrown the same number of touchdowns as he has interceptions, which is three. With all the amazing offensive weapons around him including DeAndre Hopkins, rookie Will Fuller, and free agent signee Lamar Miller, it’s odd to think that Houston’s stellar defense has been what has really kept them afloat in these first two games.

With Jimmy Garoppolo and Rob Gronkowski not officially ruled out of Thursday’s match up, it’s hard to assume just how the offense will look. Expect a lot of run plays, screens, and short passes from New England in the battle of the 2-0’s. The Patriots are once again considered underdogs, even at home, but as we’ve seen before, Bill Belichick can make almost any quarterback look amazing. After last years defeat against Osweiler when he was still a Bronco, one can assume the Patriots want this win badly.

Key Match Up

With the Patriots relying heavily on their run game last week after Jimmy G’s injury, expect that to continue with an inexperienced quarterback making a start. To get a majority of the carries. Belichick will also throw in Brandon Bolder, James White, and rookie D.J. Foster to change from a strength run style to a speed one. This will be very difficult against Houston’s defensive line. Anchored by J.J. Watt, possibly the best defensive player currently in the NFL, former Patriots Vince Wilfork, and former first overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney, Blount might have a better chance trying to run through a brick wall than getting through that line. If the Patriots can’t run, there offensive will be very one dimensional.

Difference Makers

Lamar Miller is a game changing running back that can make or break the Houston’s offense. A weapon on the ground and receiving, Miller will bring a challenge the Patriots really didn’t face against the Dolphins. While the Cardinals had a strong running back core, the Patriots were able to shut the ground game down early, leading to the Cardinals mostly throwing throughout the rest of the game. Miller could end up being a fantasy darling, or a statistical nightmare for Houston.

Noteworthy

As mentioned before, Jimmy Garoppolo and Rob Gronkowski could play in Thursday’s game. As odd as it seems, Garoppolo could end up being the third string quarterback behind emergency quarterback Julian Edelman, the Patriots star wide receiver who played quarterback at Kent State. Remember that trick play touchdown pass he threw to Danny Amendola against Baltimore? That was a beauty.

Almost Game Time

The New England Patriots kick off at 8:25 PM eastern time as they play the Houston Texans in New England’s first ever color rush game. The Patriots will wear their first brand new jersey design since 2003. You can watch the game live nationally on both CBS and the NFL Network.