Brissett Runs for TD, Defense Earns a Shutout, Big Points Thanks to Special Teams: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

FOXBOROUGH, MA — In hindsight, perhaps the 2.5-point spread was a bit low.

Third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett looked solid in his first professional start, the defense pitched a shutout, and turnovers on special teams led to 14 points for New England during a 27-0 win over the Houston Texans.

Brissett's first play of note came on a first and 10 at the Patriots 37-yard line with 5:46 to play, on an option play.

After the field goal and 3-0, the Patriots got the ball right back, following a challenge.

Then Brissett pulled off the bootleg and juked his way to a 27-yard touchdown run, the longest run for a score by a Patriots quarterback since a 41-yard run by Steve Grogan against the New York Jets in 1976.

Things didn't get better as the Texans offense struggle to get past midfield. This didn't help.

Special teams forced another fumble in the third quarter following another Gostkowski field goal.

Another turnover meant another touchdown, this time it was LeGarrette Blount crossing the goal line.

Blount wasn't done, however, scoring again on a 41-yard run in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots are back at home on Oct. 2 against the Buffalo Bills.