6. Boutte, Diggs Deliver a TD
The defense continued to make life tough for Stroud, forcing a three-and-out from deep in Houston’s own territory. That’s when Maye and the offense woke up, with Kayshon Boutte delivering a 25-yard catch and run, then an 18-yarder to set up New England inside the red zone. Stefon Diggs delivered the touchdown catch, a remarkable effort to secure the ball in traffic. It took just five plays to go 56 yards, as the Patriots extended their lead to 21-10.
7. Stroud’s Fourth Interception
Things went from bad to worse for Stroud, even as Houston found some life through their air, moving the ball to New England’s side of the field as the first half passed the two-minute warning. That’s when Carlton Davis came through again, picking up his second interception of the game as he undercut one of Stroud’s throws. It was Stroud’s fourth interception of the game, but the Patriots offense couldn’t make the Texans pay for this one. Instead, they went three-and-out for the fifth time in the half.
The score would remain 21-10 Pats at halftime. Both teams battled multiple turnovers, but the difference was that the Patriots recovered two of their own fumbles and returned one of Stroud’s interceptions for a touchdown.
8. Texans Open Third with Three
The Texans quickly moved the ball down the field to open the third quarter, narrowly avoiding another fumble that was overturned on review. Once again, the Patriots red zone defense showed up, getting a stop at their own 7-yard line that forced the Texans to settle for a field goal. Marcus Jones made an outstanding third-down play, defending a speed out that might’ve cracked the end zone had it been completed.
The 25-yard field goal made it 21-13 Patriots, getting the Texans within eight points. The 11-play, 58-yard drive was Houston’s best since their second possession of the game.
Houston would keep the momentum going, forcing a fourth Maye fumble on the very next third down they faced. For the second time, New England did not recover their own fumble. Instead of a three-and-out, the Texans took over inside Patriots territory.
But that’s when Houston gave it right back with their fifth turnover of the day, a Woody Marks fumble, the first non-interception giveaway for Houston. Ball security was an issue for both teams all game long.
9. Texans Add Another Three
After the Patriots sixth three-and-out, the Texans strung together a second-straight field goal drive. Anfernee Jennings had a key sack that helped force the Texans into long third-down yardage. The third field goal of the day for Houston cut the lead to 21-16 Patriots. As the third quarter ended, Maye and the Patriots offense had just 155 total yards of net offense while clinging to a five-point lead.
