Convenience Big Store: Texans run over Patriots for a long overdue lopsided win

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Today's starting lineup

After five weeks of close calls, the Texans finally got their first resounding win of the season, riding Joe Mixon's return and a strong running game to a blowout of the Patriots. The icing on the cake? It was Houston's first win in eight tries at New England.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

NFL Week 6: Texans 41, Patriots 21

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) breaks around the end on his way to a 20-yard touchdown run against the New England Patriots during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Ground offensive

With Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce carrying the ball to great effect, the Texans overcame Nico Collins' absence to rack up a season high in points and win for the first time at New England.

Matching a legend: Will Anderson Jr. has three sacks, four tackles for loss and a pass deflection to match J.J. Watt's efforts in 2012 and 2014. Read More
Piercing the Pats: Dameon Pierce had an excellent rookie season before falling off in 2023. His performance Sunday in return from injury was encouraging. Read More
Report card: The Texans have finally won at New England. Here's how we graded Houston's Week 6 win. Read More
Turning point: Danielle Hunter's sack and forced fumble helped the Texans blunt any Patriots momentum and take control early in the second half. Read More
How it happened: How Sunday's win played out as the Texans ended a seven-game losing streak at New England. Read More
QB chatter: Patriots quarterback Drake Maye got some encouraging words from the Texans' C.J. Stroud after making his first NFL start. Read More
Royal endorsement: LeBron James is just like us. He watches football at home and posts his thoughts on social media. Spoiler alert: He loves watching C.J. Stroud. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets center Jeff Green, right, jokes with head coach Ime Udoka during the team's open practice Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Standard set

The Rockets' roster is virtually intact from last season, so players know more what coach Ime Udoka expects and how his system works.

Photo by: Cameron Lindig

No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown set

The Longhorns dominated rival Oklahoma to stay at No. 1 before Georgia's trip to Austin in a matchup of the top two teams in the Chronicle's SEC power rankings.

Texas' Silas Bolden reacts toward running back Quintrevion Wisner after recovering his fumble in the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Dallas.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Bulldogs in their sights

After a blowout win over rival Oklahoma, Texas switches its focus to a monster home game against No. 5 Georgia.

Still the 1: Texas remains No. 1 in the Associated Press poll as it prepares to host Georgia in an SEC mega-matchup. Read More
Firing back: Ex-Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield was asked about the Longhorns' postgame celebration involving his jersey in the Red River Rivalry. He had a quick answer. Read More