FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Though the Houston Texans trailed the New England Patriots 17-13 at halftime, the Texans have looked more competitive on Saturday than they did in their 27-0 loss to the Patriots earlier in the season.

In Houston's previous five trips to New England, the Patriots had outscored the Texans 55-3 in the first quarter. On Saturday, the Texans found some success with their defense, limiting Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to one touchdown pass in the first half. Meanwhile, Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler was able to make short throws, and he didn't turn the ball over.

The Texans’ second and third scoring drives were both set up by New England turnovers. The first came after Houston cornerback A.J. Bouye intercepted a pass from Brady to give the Texans the ball at the New England 27. Houston turned the possession into a field goal.

A drive later, Akeem Dent forced a fumble on a kickoff return, and the Texans scored a touchdown to pull within 14-13.

Osweiler finished the first half 13-of-20 for 83 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions.

Though most of Osweiler’s attempts were short-yardage plays, he spread the ball around, completing passes to seven different receivers in the first half. Osweiler targeted wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins three times, and he had two catches for 14 yards.

According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Osweiler was 13-of-16 with a touchdown on throws 10 or fewer yards downfield. He was 0-of-4 on throws of more than 10 air yards, which is something he has struggled with this season.