The Patriots are back in the conference finals for the 16th time in their history, reminding us that their rebirth this season is not just about the emergence of young quarterback Drake Maye. Their defense also has a lot to say.
• Also read: The Broncos win… but lose their quarterback
• Also read: Were the Bills robbed?
• Also read: Seahawks destroy 49ers
This defensive unit forced five turnovers to win 28-16 in front of their fans in Foxborough. The Patriots will therefore travel to Denver for the American Conference final next Sunday.
This will be their first presence in this match which gives access to the Super Bowl since the 2018 season, which marked their sixth coronation, and which shortly preceded the end of the Tom Brady era.
Was it the defense that played an extraordinary game or the Texans quarterback, CJ Stroud, who was pitiful for a second week in a row? The answer is probably a bit of both!
In the first half, Stroud had four interceptions, including one that was returned in the end zone for a touchdown by Marcus Jones. It was the Patriots’ first interception return touchdown in the playoffs since 2006.
Stroud, who found himself under pressure 14 times in the first half alone, took off several times in panic mode, rather than accepting sacks in the quarter. A few more errant passes could have been added to the interception total. That’s how unchic it was!
Offensive misses
Getty Images via AFP
The worst part is that the match should have been much more out of reach. Of the five turnovers, the Patriots produced no offensive points. The Patriots offense missed some great opportunities to have a feast and was the victim of three turnovers, including an interception and two Maye fumbles.
The Patriots converted just three of their 13 attempts on third downs.
In short, it was clearly not football at its best! We haven’t seen a game involving eight turnovers since the National Conference Final between the Cardinals and Panthers in 2015.
Maye, the Patriots’ 23-year-old quarterback, still finished the game with three touchdown passes. His first was intended for Demario Douglas at the start of the match. Stefon Diggs caught the second.
In the fourth quarter, fans hungry for a bit of respectable offensive football were served when Kayshon Boutte made one of the catches of the year, with one hand, diving into the end zone.
This touchdown increased the Patriots’ lead to 12 points and the deficit became too big to make up for the Texans, whose success this season has rested exclusively on the exploits of their defense.
Big questions
In Houston, the defeat leaves an extremely bitter taste. Not only did the Texans fail for a seventh time in as many attempts to reach the conference finals, but Stroud’s performance was cause for concern.
In his two playoff games, he committed seven turnovers. Against the Steelers in the first round, the defense got him out of trouble, but with multiple blunders, it becomes impossible to save his butt every week.
After a tremendous rookie season in 2023, Stroud regressed. He doesn’t seem in any way in control. Of course, he was without his number one receiver Nico Collins and early in the game, he lost the services of tight end Dalton Schultz. However, even when these two are in uniform, Stroud is looking for himself.
The Texans will definitely give him the opportunity to get his act together next season because it’s early to throw in the towel and he’s still on his rookie contract. However, it will take a drastic improvement to imagine a long-term marriage.
For their part, the Patriots demonstrated that despite a not really convincing offensive game, they could still get their heads above water. It’s still amazing, with such a young and inexperienced team.
It also testifies to the colossal job done by head coach Mike Vrabel in his first year.
THE STARS OF THE DAY
Kayshon Boutte
Getty Images via AFP
He finished with three receptions for 75 yards, but his catch in the end zone was clearly one of the most spectacular this season. When Maye needs a big deep play, Boutte is his target.
Will Anderson Jr.
Getty Images via AFP
The Texans defensive end couldn’t do better for his team with an incredible performance. With three sacks and two forced fumbles, he allowed the Texans to stay in the lead until the fourth quarter.
Christian Gonzalez
Getty Images via AFP
It’s getting harder and harder to throw against Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. He knocked down a pass, forced a fumble and made eight tackles. He is another key part of the Patriots’ young core, at 23 years old.
In collaboration with our partners
