Breakfast: Defense by the Numbers
Through two weeks, the Texans defense ranks first in the NFL in several statistical categories:
Sacks (9)
Houston has recorded nine sacks for a loss of 45 yards. Last year, the Texans recorded a single-season franchise record of 45.0 sacks. Whitney Mercilus, named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after the season opener, ranks second in the NFL with 14.0 sacks in his last 13 games.
Sacks/Pass Attempt (13.64)
The Texans record a sack 13.64 percent of the time, a league-high heading into Week 3. John Simon, who has a team-high 2.5 sacks, also is tied for first in the NFL with five quarterback hits. And a forced fumble.
First downs per game (14.0), tied for first
The Texans will face a Patriots offense that averages 24.0 first downs per game.
The Texans defense leads the AFC in several more:
Forced fumbles (3) and fumble recoveries (3)
All three of Houston's forced fumbles and fumble recoveries came in Week 2 against Kansas City.
Fewest points per game (13.0)
Houston has not allowed a touchdown in six consecutive quarters, since the second quarter of Week 1 against Chicago. The Texans defense has averaged 274.5 net yards allowed per game, which ranks third in the NFL.
Third down percentage (25.93)
This week the Texans will face a New England offense that leads the NFL in third-down percentage, converting 56.67 percent of the time. Houston's defense ranks second in the league, allowing a successful conversion only 25.93 percent of the time during third down.
Through two weeks, the Texans defense ranks first in the NFL in several statistical categories:
1. Sacks (9)
Houston has recorded nine sacks for a loss of 45 yards. Last year, the Texans recorded a single-season franchise record of 45.0 sacks. Whitney Mercilus, named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after the season opener, ranks second in the NFL with 14.0 sacks in his last 13 games.
2. Sacks/Pass Attempt (13.64)
The Texans record a sack 13.64 percent of the time, a league-high heading into Week 3. John Simon, who has a team-high 2.5 sacks, also is tied for first in the NFL with five quarterback hits and his first career forced fumble.
- First downs per game (14.0)
Tied for a league-low first downs per game (Baltimore, Seattle), the Texans will face a Patriots offense that averages 24.0 first downs per game.
The Texans defense also leads the AFC with:
1. Forced fumbles (3) and fumble recoveries (3)
All three of Houston's forced fumbles and fumble recoveries came in Week 2 against Kansas City.
2. Fewest points per game (13.0)
Houston has not allowed a touchdown in six consecutive quarters, since the second quarter of Week 1 against Chicago. Per game, the Texans defense has averaged 274.5 net yards allowed and 178.5 net passing yards allowed, ranking third in the NFL in both.
3. Third down percentage (25.93)
This week the Texans will face a New England offense that leads the NFL in third-down percentage, converting 56.67 percent of the time. Houston's defense ranks second in the league, allowing a successful conversion only 25.93 percent of the time during third down.
The Texans head to New England to face the Patriots in a Thursday night matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:25 p.m. CT.
Check out the best photos from Sunday's game vs. the Chiefs!