Sometimes all you need in life is a little fresh air to help make things feel better. Well at least that is how the Houston Texans felt after they won their third game of the 2020 NFL season to improve to 3-7 against the New England Patriots by a score of 27-20. The Texans opened the retractable roof at NRG Stadium for the first time since November 30, 2014 and the Texans took full advantage of great football weather in Houston.

Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson continues to show fans that despite some early season adversity within the organization, he will continue to compete every time he touches the field. He ended the day completing 28-of-37 passes (75.7 percent) for 344 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Watson gave an indication on how the game would be played when he became the first player in team history with at least 225 passing yards, two touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in the first half of a game.

“We all had a chip on our shoulder,” said Watson. “That Cleveland game last week got away from us at the end of the game. Felt like we could have won it. Me myself, I felt like I had a lot to prove today.”

Watson also led by example when it came to proving to his teammates just how much he is willing to sacrifice when it comes to winning. On a second-and-goal from the 4-yard line in the second quarter, Watson dropped back to pass, but all his potential targets were being blanketed by Patriot defenders. Seeing that he had a chance to score, he pulled the ball down and took off running and was about a yard and a half away from the goal line when he was met by two New England players. Watson proceeded to drop his shoulder and plow over the defenders to score.

“That was a big boy play,” said TE Jordan Akins who finished the day with five receptions and a career-high 83 yards. “That's something I try to do. It was amazing, man. He's stronger than what he looks, I'll tell you that.”

The Texans quarterback wasn’t the only one with a “Strong” performance on Sunday. Defensive end J.J. Watt and the rest of the Houston defense confused the Patriots offense the entire game by stifling the run and holding New England to just 86 rushing yards on 24 carries (3.6 avg.) and a long of 11 yards, which was the second-lowest total of the season and the lowest since Week 5 against Jacksonville (75). The Patriots’ 3.6 yards per carry was the second-lowest average the Texans have allowed this season.

“You know, I tell you guys all the time, the consistency of technique and guys doing their job, and doing their job first and then trying to help out,” said interim head coach Romeo Crennel on his defense’s performance against the run.

A milestone was also reached in Sunday’s game as Texans long snapper Jon Weeks played his 170th game for Houston breaking a franchise record set by former wide receiver Andre Johnson of 169.