NFL: New England 40, Houston 7

FOXBORO, Mass., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes Sunday afternoon as the New England Patriots trounced Houston, 40-7.

New England jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter, when Kevin Faulk scored touchdowns on an 11-yard run and a 43-yard pass from Brady.

New England's lead was 27-0 at the half.

Brady completed 16 of 23 passes for 109 yards for the Patriots (10-4), who made an impressive comeback after a 21-0 loss at Miami last Sunday.

Corey Dillon gained 61 yards on 20 carries, while Stephen Gostkowski kicked four field goals for New England, which has won four of its last five games.

David Carr was 16-for-28 for 127 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions, and Ron Dayne scored once on 18 carries for 94 yards for the Texans (4-10), who suffered the fourth loss in the last five games.

New England had four interceptions.