HOUSTON -- At an initial glance, and without the benefit of film review, a look at which New England Patriots players are "up" and "down" from Saturday's 27-23 preseason loss to the Houston Texans:
UP
RB Rex Burkhead: His 22-yard catch-and-run touchdown was impressive and he showed decisiveness running up the middle, but the play that stood out most was his blitz pickup on the near interception to open the second drive. Burkhead's willingness to step up and block a blitzing linebacker bodes well for him going forward.