Texans face tough test as top-ranked defense faces off against Patriots' high-powered offense in crucial divisional matchup.
The stage is set for a thrilling AFC showdown between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, with the winner advancing to the AFC championship game. The Texans' vaunted defense, ranked number one in the league, will be put to the test by the Patriots' explosive offense, which averages 28.8 points per game.
The Patriots' second-year quarterback Drake Maye has come a long way since his first start against the Texans last season. He reflected on that experience, saying it felt like "10 years ago" and noting he hopes for a different outcome this time around. Despite facing tough defensive pressure then, Maye and C.J. Stroud both threw three touchdown passes in that game, but also were intercepted twice.
This weekend's matchup pits strength against strength as the Texans' top-ranked defense will face off against the Patriots' high-powered offense. The Texans are seeking their first appearance in the AFC championship game since 2018, while Houston has lost in the divisional round each of the past two seasons under coach DeMeco Ryans.
Injury news has hit the Texans hard - top receiver Nico Collins is out after sustaining a second concussion this season, and Justin Watson will also miss the game with a concussion. Christian Kirk, who had 144 yards receiving against Pittsburgh, could be a key playmaker in Houston's passing attack.
Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell has been criticized for his performance last week, but he shrugs off the criticism, saying "I don't give a (expletive) what anyone says to be honest with you." He will face a stiff test against the Texans' fearsome defensive ends, All-Pro Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
Meanwhile, Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs will look to shine against his former team, whom he played one injury-shortened season for. Ryans said Diggs is "very explosive after he catches the football" - another key player that Houston must keep an eye on.
The game marks a crucial test of Maye's growth under Josh McDaniels' offense and Stroud's ability to escape pressure in the pocket. The Texans' coach believes much of the Patriots' success can be attributed to Maye's development, saying he is doing "a really good job of not making bad decisions with the football."
The stage is set for a thrilling AFC showdown between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots, with the winner advancing to the AFC championship game. The Texans' vaunted defense, ranked number one in the league, will be put to the test by the Patriots' explosive offense, which averages 28.8 points per game.
The Patriots' second-year quarterback Drake Maye has come a long way since his first start against the Texans last season. He reflected on that experience, saying it felt like "10 years ago" and noting he hopes for a different outcome this time around. Despite facing tough defensive pressure then, Maye and C.J. Stroud both threw three touchdown passes in that game, but also were intercepted twice.
This weekend's matchup pits strength against strength as the Texans' top-ranked defense will face off against the Patriots' high-powered offense. The Texans are seeking their first appearance in the AFC championship game since 2018, while Houston has lost in the divisional round each of the past two seasons under coach DeMeco Ryans.
Injury news has hit the Texans hard - top receiver Nico Collins is out after sustaining a second concussion this season, and Justin Watson will also miss the game with a concussion. Christian Kirk, who had 144 yards receiving against Pittsburgh, could be a key playmaker in Houston's passing attack.
Patriots rookie left tackle Will Campbell has been criticized for his performance last week, but he shrugs off the criticism, saying "I don't give a (expletive) what anyone says to be honest with you." He will face a stiff test against the Texans' fearsome defensive ends, All-Pro Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
Meanwhile, Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs will look to shine against his former team, whom he played one injury-shortened season for. Ryans said Diggs is "very explosive after he catches the football" - another key player that Houston must keep an eye on.
The game marks a crucial test of Maye's growth under Josh McDaniels' offense and Stroud's ability to escape pressure in the pocket. The Texans' coach believes much of the Patriots' success can be attributed to Maye's development, saying he is doing "a really good job of not making bad decisions with the football."
. It's like life itself - we're all just trying to prove ourselves against each other. The Texans and Patriots are about to face off in this high-stakes game, and it's not just about winning or losing; it's about growth. Drake Maye has come a long way since his last match-up with the Texans, and now he's got a chance to prove that he's more than just a young upstart 
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. Can these two teams find that equilibrium in this game?
. Nico Collins is out with another concussion, and Justin Watson will be missing the game too... it's like life keeps throwing curveballs at us. But we can't give up - we have to keep pushing forward, just like Christian Kirk has been doing on the field 
. The game may not be won or lost in one day, but it's the journey that matters 
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and now Justin Watson's also out...that's a huge blow. On the other hand, Drake Maye and C.J. Stroud are having an awesome season so far 
. The Patriots' offense is averaging 28.8 points per game which is crazy 
. I'm not sure how good the Texans' defense will hold up against such a high-powered attack. They've been struggling with injuries all season, can they stay healthy long enough to make it through this game?
. The Patriots' offense vs the Texans' defense is gonna be a real showdown 
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but seriously tho, drake maye's come a long way since last season and he's looking to outdo c.j. stroud this time around... it's gonna be a real nail-biter! 
and on the other side of the field william campbell's gotta step up if he wants to shut down those texans d-ends 
Will Campbell better bring his A-game or he'll be roasted 
I'm rooting for Drake Maye to prove himself, though - he's got that "I'm on a mission" vibe 
. The Texans need to step up their game on defense if they wanna have any shot at beating the Pats. They can't keep relying on that one guy, whatever his name is, to shut down Maye and Stroud... it just ain't happenin' 
It's gonna be crazy! I've been thinking about it all week. The Patriots' offense is so strong, but their defense has been kinda shaky. The Texans' D1 defense is on another level tho 
injury news isn't great for them tho collins and watson can't play. maye's gotta be on point if patriots wanna take it to the championship game 
. This one's gonna be a real battle - who's gonna come out on top? 
and what's with all the hype around Stefon Diggs? I mean, hes a good receiver and all, but he's still playin on the same side as C.J. Stroud... don't get me wrong, that kid's got potential, but the Texans gotta figure out how to contain him if they wanna win this game. 
This is getting old.
. stefon diggs could be a huge x-factor for them 
. it's really gonna boil down to maye's growth and how well stroud can escape pressure 
. So like I was thinking, the Texans have been on fire lately but their defense has been looking a bit shaky against those 28+ point games. It's gonna be a tough test for them going up against the Pats' offense, especially with Nico Collins out and Justin Watson not playing 
. And Stefon Diggs is gonna be a game-changer for the Patriots, I can already imagine him making some sick catches against his old team 
nicho collins out and justin watson too, so we gotta see if christian kirk can step up and make a difference 