Jimmy Garoppolo tough on himself while showing impressive toughness
The Patriots' backup quarterback was able to bounce back strong after taking a huge hit, which was a positive sign on a night when all didn't go right.
2017 SeasonAll times ET
2017 Schedule
- 8/10L 31-24
- 8/19L 27-23
- 8/25
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 8/31
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 9/7
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 9/17
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 9/24h:mm a z, US/Eastern
- 10/1
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 10/5
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 10/15
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 10/22
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 10/29
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 11/12
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 11/19
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 11/26
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 12/3
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 12/11h:mm a z, US/Eastern
- 12/17
h:mm a z, US/Eastern - 12/24h:mm a z, US/Eastern
- 12/31h:mm a z, US/Eastern
- Full Schedule
Dion Lewis delivers for Patriots, while Malcolm Butler struggles
An initial glance at the performance of selected Patriots following their preseason loss Saturday to the Texans.
Six years later, Rex Burkhead's bond with Jack Hoffman remains big part of his life
A relationship forged with a young cancer patient during his college days has helped shape RB Rex Burkhead, who made his Patriots debut Saturday.
Tom Brady ends night on a high note in return to Super Bowl site
Tom Brady played for the first time this preseason, starting the Patriots' first two series and culminating with a 75-yard touchdown drive.
Mike Reiss ESPN Staff Writer
Patriots coach Bill Belichick's post-game news conference ended with a question on if there was a feeling of nostalgia returning to NRG Stadium, the site of Super Bowl LI. "That's all in the past," he responded. "I mean, it was great, but we're on to 2017. I don't think last year, two years ago or 12 years ago is that important. Trying to get this team ready to go, and this year's team is this year's team. It's my responsibility to make a strong commitment to this group. I'm not trying to live in the past. I'm not trying to live in the future. I'm just trying to do a good job with the team we have today."
Watson, Savage both score in Texans' win (1:02)
Savage wants to be starter 'real bad' (0:47)
Brady has TD in preseason debut as Pats fall to Texans 27-23
Tom Brady threw a touchdown pass in his first game since winning the Super Bowl on the same field and the New England Patriots fell to the Houston Texans 27-23 in a preseason game on Saturday night.
Watson scrambles for a 2-yard TD (0:22)
Savage connects with Strong for TD (0:15)
Brady throws his first touchdown of 2017 (0:30)
Mike Reiss ESPN Staff Writer
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski played 15 of the team's first 17 snaps in the preseason opener, which was a surprise given that he hasn't played in the preseason since 2012. He wasn't targeted with a catchable pass. Meanwhile, Patriots QB Tom Brady played two series, totaling 17 snaps, and finishing 6 of 9 for 67 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions.
Gronk sees first preseason action since '12
Before Saturday night's game against the Texans, Rob Gronkowski hadn't played in the preseason since 2012. The Patriots tight end is coming off a season during which he was limited to eight games due to a back injury.
Mike Reiss ESPN Staff Writer
With the Patriots thin at defensive end, it is notable that the club is not playing Trey Flowers in Saturday night's preseason game against the Texans. Flowers led the team with seven sacks last season. It is not believed that he is dealing with an injury, as he is one of the few top players not in action.
Patriots find leftover Super Bowl confetti on sideline in Houston
It's been nearly 200 days since the Patriots won the Super Bowl in Houston, but there are still reminders of the victory if you look in the right spot.
Identifying potential DE trade targets for Patriots around the NFL
In this week's mailbag, answers to questions about how to fill a hole at defensive end and whether Kony Ealy is a good fit for the Patriots.
Mike Reiss ESPN Staff Writer
Patriots WR Malcolm Mitchell, who didn't play in the preseason opener, is out on the field loosening up.
Mike Reiss ESPN Staff Writer
TE Rob Gronkowski, who hasn't played in a preseason game since 2012, makes the walk across the field to the Patriots locker room.
Mike Reiss ESPN Staff Writer
Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski arrives at NRG Stadium in a Red Sox jersey.
Mike Reiss ESPN Staff Writer
Bill Belichick arrives on the later bus at NRG Field in Houston.
Mike Reiss ESPN Staff Writer
Patriots QB Tom Brady arrives at NRG Field prior to Saturday night's preseason game against the Texans.
Mike Reiss ESPN Staff Writer
The Patriots return to NRG Stadium in Houston 196 days after winning Super Bowl LI at the venue. The stakes are obviously not as high tonight as it is preseason game No. 2 -- Patriots at Texans (8 p.m. ET).
ESPN Stats and Information
19 days until the NFL season: One record Bill Belichick doesn't have is most seasons making the playoffs, as Don Shula holds that record with 19. Belichick stands at 15.
RB Mike Gillislee headlines list of injured Patriots not expected to play
Mike Gillislee has been slowed by a hamstring injury since a fast start and is one of several Patriots likely to be held out of Saturday's game.
How Patriots could fill void left by Derek Rivers' injury
Since rookie Derek Rivers is likely out for the season, the Patriots could look to Rob Ninkovich or perhaps Dwight Freeney to fill in at DE.
2017 Draft Picks
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3(19) | Derek Rivers | OLB | Youngstown State |
| 3(21) | Antonio Garcia | OT | Troy |
| 4(25) | Deatrich Wise Jr. | DE | Arkansas |
| 6(28) | Conor McDermott | OT | UCLA |
2016 AFC East Standings
| TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England | 14 | 2 | 0 | .875 | 441 | 250 |
| Miami | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 363 | 380 |
| Buffalo | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 399 | 378 |
| New York | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 275 | 409 |
Team Stats
Passing Yards269.34th
Rushing Yards117.07th
Points For27.43rd
Points Against15.61st