New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is pulled down by Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) after a catch during the first half of the game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Houston. New England clinched a playoff spot with a 27-6 win.
Patriots defensive tackle Dominique Easley (99) sacks Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7).
Tight end Rob Gronkowski, center, sits on the bench during the first half Sunday.
Patriots wide receiver Keshawn Martin (82) skirts Texans strong safety Kevin Johnson (30).
Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) kicks a field goal against the Texans.
Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) pulls down Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after a catch in the first half Sunday.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hands the ball off to running back LeGarrette Blount (29).
Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) runs around Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) in the first half Sunday.
Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) breaks up a pass intended for Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) .
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski catches a touchdown pass over Houston safety Quintin Demps in the second quarter Sunday night.
Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) fumbles a punt in the second half.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws from the pocket in the second half.
Patriots cornerback Darryl Roberts (28) scores a touchdown against the Texans in the second half Sunday.
Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) is sacked for a loss by Patriots defensive end Akiem Hicks (72) and defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) in the second half.
Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) causes Houston Texans tight end Ryan Griffin (84) to fumble the ball during the second half. New England recovered the ball.
Patriots defensive end Akiem Hicks (72) celebrates sacking Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) during the second half.
New England Patriots 
