The Patriots Offensive Line Performed Well

One of the big question marks heading into the 2018 season for the New England Patriots was the offensive line. They found multiple answers on Sunday, keeping Tom Brady clean in the pocket for the majority of the game. The Texans defense only registered five quarterback hits and two sacks. Both sacks came from nose tackle D.J. Reader, meaning the offensive line was very successful in limiting the Texans talented pass-rush trio of Whitney Mercilus, J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney.

Watt is now 0-7 against the Patriots in his career, registering only 0.5 sacks in those matchups, according to Mac Cerullo.

Patriots offensive linemen Marcus Cannon and Trent Brown really held down the edges at the tackle position. Cannon was the only lineman to not play every snap on Sunday, but when he was effective when he did see the field. Brown played well after coming over via trade from the 49ers. Brown replaced 2017 left tackle Nate Solder, who left for the New York Giants during free agency.

Going forward, the Patriots will need to avoid the injury bug like any other team. They have already lost 2018 first-round pick Isaiah Wynn to a torn Achilles in the preseason. Wynn was supposed to be the swing backup for the majority of the offensive line, so the team must continue to be on the lookout for additional depth. No matter what, they have the greatest quarterback of all time who has carried worse offenses to further places in his career.

Expect the Patriots offensive line play to look very similar throughout 2018.