FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) --Another week, another new quarterback, another win for the New England Patriots.
Jacoby Brissett had a 27-yard touchdown run in his first NFL start, LeGarrette Blount added scoring runs of 1 and 41 yards , and the Patriots beat the Houston Texans 27-0 on Thursday night.
It was the Patriots' first shutout win since 2012 and the first time the Texans have been shutout since 2003.
Brissett began the season as the third-string quarterback behind Tom Brady, the franchise cornerstone who is serving a four-game suspension for his role in "Deflategate," and Jimmy Garoppolo - inactive after injuring his right shoulder last week against Miami. Brissett's start on Thursday was the first time that New England had started a rookie quarterback since Drew Bledsoe in 1993.
The Texans (2-1) entered the game with the NFL's third-ranked defense and nine sacks through two games, but they struggled to put pressure on the 23-year-old quarterback.
Brissett was steady throughout, moving the chains on offense with a diet of short passes and scrambles. The Patriots (3-0) also mixed in lots of pre-snap motion and shifts that helped create both throwing and running lanes for Brissett. He finished the night 11 of 19 for 103 yards, and ran eight times for 48 yards.
Houston didn't help itself on special teams either, turning the ball over twice on fumbled kickoff returns. Houston quarterback Brock Osweiler was 24 for 41 for 196 yards and was sacked twice. He also had a promising drive in the second quarter thwarted by Jamie Collins' interception . The Texans had a chance to get on the board just before halftime, but that drive stalled at midfield.
Lamar Miller rushed 22 times for 84 yards.
The New England Patriots take on the Houston Texans in a regular season game at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, September 22, 2016.
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett runs onto the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, left, greets New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels before an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski, left, and Martellus Bennett, right, warm up before an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs with the ball after making a catch prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia embraces offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches warm-ups before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, speaks to Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork before an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) and wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) lead the team onto the field for an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman charges onto the field for an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stands on the field before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots players take a knee in the end zone before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots players await a kickoff during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) passes against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett, facing camera, calls signals in the huddle against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) breaks the grasp of Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) tackles New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) runs away from Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman runs after catching a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
The Houston Texans face off against the New England Patriots at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) slips past Houston Texans safety Andre Hal (29) on his way to a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) dives into the end zone for a touchdown past Houston Texans linebacker Max Bullough (53) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) hands to the football to head coach Bill Belichick after rushing for his first career touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) looks at an errant pass as Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) watches his successful field goal against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots fans cheer about a sign referring to quarterbacks Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo, neither of who were dressed for the game against the Houston Texans, during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) gains yards past Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) walks between plays during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Houston Texans defensive back Charles James (31) fumbles as he is tackled by New England Patriots player Brandon Bolden, top, during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs away from Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots' Brandon Bolden (38) celebrates a fumble recovery against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, left, celebrates his touchdown with James White, middle, and Brandon Bolden, right, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, left, celebrates his touchdown with teammate Brandon Bolden (38) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) dives over Houston Texans linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight ends Martellus Bennett (88) and Rob Gronkowski (87) speak during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, right, greets lineman Ted Karras (75) on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
A New England Patriots fan holds a sign referring to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs from Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates his touchdown with the End Zone Militia during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs into the end zone ahead of Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) talks to a teammate on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, left, congratulates quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) after a touchdown by LeGarrette Blount (29) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
A general view of play is seen during an NFL football game between the Houston Texans against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 27-0. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett speak at midfield after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin, top, tackles Houston Texans running back Jonathan Grimes (41) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
General view of fireworks during the playing of the national anthem before a NFL game between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates The Patriots 27-0 win over the Houston Texans with members of the End Zone Militia after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (left) and New England Patriots cornerback Cyrus Jones exchange jerseys after a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, left, and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speak at midfield after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett, left, and Houston Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel speak at midfield after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick reacts during a NFL game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
Fans cheer New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Houston Texans nose tackle Vince Wilfork watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive lineman Anthony Johnson (96) and linebacker Jamie Collins (91) celebrate stopping a drive by the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19)carries the ball on a 27-yard reception against the Houston Texans during a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during a NFL game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates with quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) after scoring on a 41-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the Houston Texans during a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long, right, celebrates their 27-0 win over the Houston Texans with mascot Pat Patriot after an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) gestures during a NFL game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick waits to speak to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick arrives to speak to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard (93) and defensive lineman Trey Flowers (98) during a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is defended by Houston Texans safety Quintin Demps (27)during a NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-0. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty speaks to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 27-0. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman waves to fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater speaks to the media after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman celebrates with members of the End Zone Militia as he leaves the field after the Patriots' 27-0 win over the Houston Texans in an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
QUOTABLE:
Brissett on his first NFL touchdown: "It was crazy. It was awesome. Definitely great to see all the players just run up to you. I got a headache from all the head bobbing and head bumping. But it was definitely worth it."
Osweiler on the loss: "I felt like we had a great week of preparation, very focused. The game plan was solid and we worked hard. So this is hard to take. But the bottom line is that New England had a great game plan. They deserve all the credit. But we'll bounce back from this one."
BLOUNT FORCE:
Blount ran 24 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns, including the 41-yarder in the fourth quarter to give New England a 27-0 lead. It's the third time in his career he has had back-to-back 100-yard games, and the first time since 2011. Blount also had a 1-yard TD run in the third quarter.
GRONK RETURNS:
Tight end Rob Gronkowski made his season debut after sitting out the first two weeks with a hamstring injury he sustained during training camp. Gronk was used sparingly and mainly as a blocker, appearing in just 14 snaps, and three in the second half.
RUNNING QBS:
Brissett's 27-yard touchdown run was the longest for a Patriots quarterback since Steve Grogan went 41 yards for a score in 1976. The longest run of Tom Brady's career is 22 yards.
"I was just running until I got stopped," Brissett said. "It worked out how we planned it was going to work out. The guys up front did a great job. And Malcolm on that side did a great job blocking that guy."
CHALLENGE:
The Patriots' first touchdown was set up by a successful coach's challenge by Bill Belichick. After Stephen Gostkowski's 24-yard field goal put New England up 3-0, Houston's Charles James fielded the ensuing kickoff from just inside the end zone. James ran it out, and was tripped up at the 17. But the ball squirted out on a hit by Brandon Bolden. Duron Harmon recovered for the Patriots, but James ruled down on the field. Belichick challenged, and the call was reversed.
STREAK ENDS:
The Texans entered Thursday having not allowed touchdown in six consecutive quarters. That streak ended in the first quarter with Brissett's 27-yard touchdown run.
INJURIES:
Houston tight end Stephen Anderson left the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return.
MOVING ON UP:
Belichick tied Curly Lambeau for fourth place on the regular-season wins list with 226. He is now only behind Tom Landry (250), George Halas (318) and Don Shula (328).
