The Texans reverse their curse at Gillette Stadium and secure the best start in franchise history

Stroud threw an interception in the end zone. He tried to find Dalton Schultz in the back of the end zone, but safety Marte Mapu deflected the pass to cornerback Marcus Jones.

The most impressive thing about the offense was the return of Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, who helped the Texans rack up 192 rushing yards, their most since their season-opening win in Indianapolis with 213 yards.

Mixon and Pierce delivered a devastating one-two punch behind a line that earned praise against a New England defense that came into the game ranked 13th^Th against the run, allowing 118 yards per game. Mixon carried 13 balls for 102 yards (7.8 average) and one touchdown. His performance included a 59-yard run. He also caught two passes for 30 yards and a touchdown.

Playing off the bench for the first time since the Indianapolis game, Pierce managed eight carries and 76 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown run that was the second-longest run of his career.

“These guys bring playmaking ability,” Ryans said. “When your backs are special, they get more than what they're blocked for, and you saw that today with the two big, explosive runs. They’re able to give us that extra bit and it was great for both guys to score touchdowns.”

Mixon has been healthy for two games and has reached triple figures both times – 159 against the Colts and 102 against the Patriots.

“You see the energy he brings – it’s just different,” Ryans said. “He is one of the best competitors I have ever seen. His passion for the game, his willingness to play injured, get everything out of it and still deliver an outstanding performance shows who Joe is. His presence enriches our entire time.”

“I was really pleased with the running game and the blocking and how they did it.”

Defensively, the Texans had gone three straight games without a takeaway and were minus-3 in turnover differential. Then they forced four against rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who was making his first start. The offense converted the turnovers into 17 points. They entered the game with the worst three points in the league after turnovers.

“One thing we pride ourselves on is running the football on defense, and that was huge given the energy it gave our team,” Ryans said. “It’s not just about getting the takeaways, it’s about the offense being able to capitalize on those takeaways and score points. The takeaways mean a lot more.”