It wasn’t always pretty, but the New England Patriots have found a way to get past the Houston Texans to set up an AFC conference championship matchup against the Denver Broncos.
With rain and then snow falling heavily in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Patriots beat the Texans 28-16 in front of a vociferous home crowd at Gillette Stadium.
While much has been said about New England’s offense, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye, it was the defense that really sealed the deal for the Patriots in this divisional round win.
New England’s defense hurried and harried Houston’s C.J. Stroud as the quarterback struggled throughout the entire game.
The 24-year-old threw four interceptions, was sacked three times and completed just 20-47 passes on a disappointing night on the road.
And with the defense doing their job, Maye stepped up when it mattered.
Despite being sacked five times by an incredible Houston defense, Maye still managed to throw three touchdown passes to guide New England back to the conference championship.
With a Bo Nix-less Denver Broncos up next, Patriots fans might just be thinking that this year could be their year.
Score: Patriots 28, Texans 16.