Texans’ Smith skeptical of Patriots

Houston defensive end Antonio Smith questioned how New England knew what the Texans were going to do on defense after a 34-31 win by the Patriots on Sunday.

Smith told reporters after the game Houston had some new wrinkles in its defense this week and it was “miraculous” how the Patriots changed their offense to key on the defense.

“Either teams are spying on us or scouting us,” he said. “I don’t know what it is.”

The NFL fined New England coach Bill Belichick $500,000 and the team $250,000 and took away a first-round pick in the 2008 draft for videotaping New York Jets signals during a game on Sept. 9, 2007. Belichick said he thought that was allowed and apologized for what he said was a mistake in his interpretation of the rule prohibiting it.

The Texans were up 17-7 at halftime before New England rallied for the victory.

“They changed it up in a way to where (there was) indecision in calling the defense,” Smith said of the Patriots. “It was kind of fishy.”

Peterson passes 10,000-yard mark

Adrian Peterson has become the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 yards rushing for his career.

Peterson passed the mark for Minnesota in the fourth quarter against Chicago in his 101st career game. Eric Dickerson got there in 91 games, and Jim Brown reached the milestone in 98 games.

Peterson entered the afternoon needing 154 yards to reach 10,000.

Peterson also passed the 1,000-yard mark for the sixth time in his seven seasons with the Vikings. He fell 30 yards short in 2011, when injuries limited him to 12 games.

Toronto mayor attends Bills game

Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford attended Sunday’s NFL game between Buffalo and Atlanta, wearing a blue Bills jersey with the name and number of running back Fred Jackson.

At least four Toronto police officers and several stadium security staff were at the entrance to the VIP section where Ford had an aisle seat. They tried to keep fans from approaching for photos and handshakes.

Ford attended a Canadian Football League playoff game at Toronto’s Rogers Centre last month. He is reportedly interested in going to the NHL’s Winter Classic outdoor game between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs in Ann Arbor, Mich., Jan. 1.