Brandin Cooks celebrates his 24th birthday today and the New England Patriots wide receiver has a reason to make this birthday extra special.

The former Oregon State star wide receiver caught the game-winning touchdown pass with 23 seconds remaining to give the Patriots a 36-33 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

"He made a great catch," Patriots coach Bill Belichick told reporters after the game.

The 25-yard, game-winning catch capped Cooks best day since coming to the Patriots after a trade in March. Cooks caught five passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Cooks production was what the Patriots and their fans have been waiting for after two average games to begin the season.

Cooks caught the football on the left sideline of the end zone, just inches from being out of bounds and after Texans safety Corey Moore nearly broke up the pass. Cooks jumped as he caught the football, and had the presence of mind to make sure he kept both feet inbounds before falling out of bounds.

"To be honest, your brain knows you're close," Cooks told reporters after the game. "I can't even describe to you what I did or why I did it. I can't take you through it. It's just the instincts of a receiver. You know how much space you have, and it's not much."

Cooks was quick to credit Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, whose throw dropped the football right in Cooks hands. Brady made throw while being decked by Houston defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

"Tom Brady made a special throw and I was just sitting there catching the ball," Cooks told reporters after the game. "It was a perfect throw with perfect timing, and I expected nothing less from Tom."

Cooks also caught a 42-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Cooks caught a slant pass at the Houston 23 and outran Texans cornerback Jonathan Banks into the end zone. Cooks displayed his well-known speed on the play, but he's also showing that he can be a very effective and precise route runner.

Cooks and the Patriots hopes his big day on Sunday will be the beginning of a big year.

"Thankful, thankful, thankful," Cooks told reporters after the game. "There are so many people who would love to play this game, and so many who would love to be in this position. It's a gift from God. Truly, this is a gift from God."

-- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold