Who did the Patriots beat in the divisional round?

The Patriots defeated the Houston Texans in the divisional round.

Who will the Patriots play next?

The Patriots will face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship.

What was a key factor in the Patriots' win over the Texans?

The Patriots' defense forced five turnovers, which was a critical factor in their victory.

Home / Sports / Patriots Defense Dominates Texans in Playoff Win

Patriots Defense Dominates Texans in Playoff Win

19 Jan

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Summary

Patriots defense forced five turnovers against the Texans.
Drake Maye's team secured a 28-16 victory in the divisional round.
The Patriots will face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship.

Patriots Defense Dominates Texans in Playoff Win

The New England Patriots have advanced to the AFC Championship game after defeating the Houston Texans 28-16 in a hard-fought divisional round matchup. The Patriots' defense was the catalyst for the victory, forcing five turnovers against the Texans. This defensive prowess allowed the Patriots to overcome offensive struggles and secure their path to the next round.

Quarterback Drake Maye contributed to the win, even as his passing statistics were modest, mirroring a team effort where defense played a crucial role. The Patriots' aggressive play, including a successful fourth-down conversion leading to a touchdown, set the tone early. Despite Houston's efforts to close the gap in the third quarter, New England maintained control.

Looking ahead, the Patriots are set to face the Denver Broncos in a rematch of a championship game from a decade ago. This upcoming AFC Championship will feature a stark contrast in quarterback experience, with Maye entering only his second season, while Denver may start Jarrett Stidham due to an injury to Bo Nix.