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HOUSTON -- The New England Patriots' defense outclassed the Houston Texans Sunday night.

The Patriots allowed just 189 yards and six first downs. The Patriots' pass defense allowed just 102 yards and 3.4 yards per attempt with six sacks.

J.J. Watt and the Texans' defense was supposed to give the Patriots trouble. Instead, it was Jabaal Sheard, Logan Ryan and Leonard Johnson who stood out defensively for the Patriots in the 27-6 win.

Check out this week's stars of the game:

JABAAL SHEARD
Sheard had two sacks, two forced fumbles, three quarterback hits and five tackles on the night, as he terrorized the Texans' offensive line. It was Sheard's best game as a Patriot, and he's been no slouch in his first season in New England.

Akiem Hicks, who was acquired by the Patriots in a midseason trade with the New Orleans Saints, also had two sacks and three QB hits. Defensive tackle Dominique Easley and defensive end Rob Ninkovich also had sacks.

ROB GRONKOWSKI
Gronkowski played a reduced role in his first game back from a right knee injury, but he still caught four passes on four targets for 86 yards and a touchdown, including a 45-yard reception.

The Patriots were smart with Gronkowski, only "breaking glass" when needed, until he hauled in a 34-yard catch in the fourth quarter. Many were wondering why he still was in the game.

LOGAN RYAN
Ryan manned up against one of the NFL's most dangerous receivers and limited DeAndre Hopkins to just two catches on five targets for 45 yards with two pass breakups. The Patriots also gave up a 7-yard reception to Hopkins in zone coverage.

Ryan typically covers No. 2 receivers, but he performed exceptionally well against a legit No. 1.

TOM BRADY
Brady was 22 of 30 for 225 yards with two touchdowns and also ripped off a 13-yard scramble in the fourth quarter.

It was Brady's best game since Julian Edelman went down with a foot injury in Week 10. Brady was sacked three times, but Watt was held sackless.

LEONARD JOHNSON
Johnson was signed Tuesday and drew the start at slot cornerback for the Patriots. He allowed one catch for -1 yards on three targets with two pass breakups as he passed Tavon Wilson and Justin Coleman on the Patriots' depth chart.

No. 1 cornerback Malcolm Butler drew receiver Nate Washington and allowed one 49-yard catch on three targets with a pass breakup.

Thumbnail photo via Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports Images