Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: 32-team overreactions heading into Week 2

By Peter Panacy

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 09: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being defeated by the New England Patriots 27-20 at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 09: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans walks off the field after being defeated by the New England Patriots 27-20 at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Houston Texans. 9. team. 10. . L, 27-20 @ Patriots

Yes, the Houston Texans actually climb a spot despite their 27-20 road loss to the New England Patriots.

Why? Well, the Texans are a far-more balanced squad than either the Chiefs or the Chargers at this point. And the fact Houston gave New England a run for its money in the second half of Sunday’s contest is worth noting.

Either way, a one-score loss to the Patriots at Foxborough is pretty impressive any way one slices it.

It didn’t slice so well for second-year quarterback Deshaun Watson, however, who made his regular-season debut after tearing his ACL midway through 2017. He finished the game with 176 yards passing and one touchdown against an interception. Watson did manage 40 rushing yards, though, showing no signs of that knee giving him trouble.

That’s an excellent sign for head coach Bill O’Brien and Co.

Running back Lamar Miller was stellar too, picking up nearly 100 yards on the ground, while wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins added 78 through the air.

But Houston didn’t have any answers for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski (few teams do), and that turned out to be the difference maker.