Key events
Texans 16-28 Patriots 1:11, 4th quarter
Rough stat for Houston. They are 0-6 as a franchise now in this round of the playoffs. CJ Stroud has presided over three of those. Is he the guy? Bit early for that but let’s show the Texans some love who earned their first playoff road win last week since their inception in 2002. It’s progress just not as much as they would want. This defense are Super Bowl winning calibre. The offense though is just so shaky when the going gets tough.
Texans 16-28 Patriots 2:00, 4th quarter
The fans are belting out Livin’ on a Prayer at Foxborough. Absolutely right to be enjoying themselves after making it through this nerve-shredder. They are on their way to Mile High to face Jarrett Stidham at quarterback who has not thrown a pass in the NFL in two years. He might need a few prayers next week.
Texans 16-28 Patriots 4:03, 4th quarter
That could be that. CJ Stroud is sacked by Khyiris Tonga who didn’t get a QB take down in the entire regular season. The Texans rather strangely punt. White flag waved. The party line will be he is backing his defense to make a play which considering they have made Maye fumble four times makes sense. Still cowardice from DeMeco Ryans. Go for the win.
Texans 16-28 Patriots 5:09, 4th quarter
New England punt after Drake Maye just misses his target on a long throw. Taking six minutes off the clock there really puts the Texans in a tight situation. They need a quick score quickly with 70 yards to travel after picking up two quick 1st downs.
Texans 16-28 Patriots 6:41, 4th quarter
New England are bleeding the clock with punishing runs from Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. Houston dig in by forcing a 3rd and 7. Drake Maye fires a 14-yard strike to Stefon Diggs. The receiver really enjoys moving the chains against his former team. Vital for taking lots more time away with Houston only having one timeout remaining.
Ice cold.
Texans 16-28 Patriots 11:31, 4th quarter
Houston punt and back up New England to their four-yard line. Rhamondre Stevenson breaks off eight in an excellent start for the Pats. Pressure relieved.
Kayshon Boutte with the one-handed touchdown grab for New England. Incredible.
Texans 16-28 Patriots 12:09, 4th quarter
Stroud takes over at Houston’s 23-yard line. Woody Marks finds the left edge for a four-yard gain. Christian Gonzalez then shuts the door on a deep ball brining up a very fast 3rd down.
There could have been two flags on New England but none came. Lucky. CJ Stroud is naturally almost picked off again. He could have comfortably thrown about nine now. Not his fault here mind. Will they go for it on 4th and 6?
TOUCHDOWN! Texans 16-28 Patriots 12:58, 4th quarter
KAYSHON BOUTTE! Maye unleashes a deep ball over the receiver who sticks out his right hand and snatches the ball in for the one-hander. It was so far out in front of him and he was moving so fast. How has he done that. From thin air the Pats go for it all and get it. Unbelievable.
Texans 16-21 Patriots 14:18, 4th quarter
Every snap I just think a massive error is coming. It is very stressful. Probably slightly more pressurised for New England who really need some points after letting their 11-point lead slip to just six this half. They get a huge let off as Derek Stingley is called for pass interference on Kayshon Boutte. The Pats are across midfield.
Texans 16-21 Patriots 1:22, 3rd quarter
The kicker makes his third kick from three with the snow falling heavier now. Despite the six point gain on New England, Houston fans still look absolutely crushed in the stands. There are definitely some twists and turns left though. Keep the faith.
Meanwhile they are warming up at Soldier Field in prepearation for Rams v Bears. Or should that be cooling down?
Texans 13-21 Patriots 2:36, 3rd quarter
Houston are inside New England territory and on 2nd down CJ Stroud takes a big sack from Anfernee Jennings. 3rd and 13 on the way.
Those fumbles.
Texans 13-21 Patriots 4:06, 3rd quarter
My cousin, Daniel, with boots on the ground in New Hampshire informs the blog that the record for turnovers in an NFL Game is 12. We have had eight so far. Who knows, maybe 13, if we get lucky, could happen.
Meanwhile, Houston force the three and out from New England. A punt feels like a massive win after the fumble fiesta.
FUMBLE! Texans 13-21 Patriots 5:21, 3rd quarter
I just can’t tell you how fun absolutely bonkers this game is.
Woody Marks fumbles the ball back to New England. Christian Gonzalez punches the ball out. The turnover tidal wave is coming for you, take cover, save yourselves, there’s no escape … AAAAAH!
FUMBLE! Texans 13-21 Patriots 7:25, 3rd quarter
Will Anderson forces Drake Maye to fumble for a fourth time and it is recovered by Houston for the second time.
CJ Stroud is then sacked for a loss of eight yards by K’Lavon Chaisson.
These defenses. Scary.
It’s GOOD! Texans 13-21 Patriots 9:45, 3rd quarter
Marcus Jones almost picks of Stroud. What a let off. The corner races across the face of the receiver to make the play.
Texans 10-21 Patriots 9:52, 3rd quarter
Houston are grinding the run game and it is working. Shock. They have more yards on the ground this drive then the entire first half. Not difficult as they got about 19 but still, progress. New England bring up a 3rd and two about nine yards from the goal line, Houston burn a timeout.
Texans 10-21 Patriots 13:51, 3rd quarter
And we’re back. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans says the team has CJ Stroud’s back despite the nightmare first half. Woody Marks picks up two yards on rush to start the second half.
Troy Aikman says they have no chance unless they run the ball better. You could be a bit firmer and just say run the ball.
Stroud finds Hutchinson for a 23-yard strike to move the Texans across midfield … the Texans fumble … not another turnover. The review looks likely to overturn the mistake from Hutchinson though. Yep, down by contact. Huge relief for Houston.
Half-time: Texans 10-21 Patriots
If my head is spinning I can’t imagine how CJ Stroud is feeling in the face of this New England pass rush. He has thrown four interceptions which are the story of this game so far.
Houston’s defensive front have been dynamite too. They have forced Drake Maye to fumble three times but only one has been recovered by Houston.
The half ends with another interception, this time from Maye, on a hail mary.
I need a lie down.
Texans 10-21 Patriots 0:13, 2nd quarter
New England force a punt of their own on a 14 second possession from Houston. Marcus Jones takes it across midfield. A field goal would be very handy.
Drake Maye has the ball knocked out his grasp by Will Anderson but the Patriots recover. I can genuinely not keep up with the speed at which these defenses keep making huge plays.
Texans 10-21 Patriots 1:00, 2nd quarter
Houston bail Stroud out again by forcing a quick three and out. Still plenty of time to reel New England in but Stroud’s first throw doesn’t inspire confidence. He lashes one at the feet of his receiver.
Stroud throws 4th interception
Texans 10-21 Patriots 1:28, 2nd quarter
Carlton Davis picks off CJ Stroud for a second time. This is getting really rough, Davis Mills, anyone?
Texans 10-21 Patriots 2:00, 2nd quarter
Christian Barmore rocks Woody Marks for a loss of four yards to immediately put Stroud under pressure again. He responds with a dime to Jayden Higgins who move the chains again with a 16-yard gain. Massive two minutes now, can the Texans regain some ground?
The Texans running game has been well not running to say the least so far. As a team they have seven yards on 11 carries. Stroud is under so much pressure to do it all and it has not gone very well so far.
Texans 10-21 Patriots 3:02, 2nd quarter
A tipped pass from Stroud is almost picked by Marcus Jones. This New England pass rush are finding pressure from here there and everywhere as the edge crashes into Stroud’s arm. Houston throw in a false start to boot from the backup tight end in for Dalton Schultz. A pass interference call brings some relief at long last, a fresh set of downs. Breathe.
TOUCHDOWN! Texans 10-21 Patriots 3:12, 2nd quarter
Kayshon Boutte again with Maye throwing another great ball for 18 yards. Another slant from left to right earns some fresh air and a 1st and Goal. OH MY GOD. Stefon Diggs how did you hold on to that ball. So much traffic it is like the M6 at rush hour. The ball is nowhere near his body but Diggs just snaps his hands out and reels it in in the endzone.
Houston will be very worried with Stroud and the offense struggling so badly. Their last three possesions have gone for 10 yards total across eight plays since they took the lead with the touchdown from Christian Kirk.
Texans 10-14 Patriots 4:28, 2nd quarter
Kayshon Boutte is wide open in the centre of the field as he beats the zone coverage. He slants from left to right and Drake Maye’s throw is perfect to pick up 25 yards to Houston’s 30-yard line.
Texans 10-14 Patriots 5:28, 2nd quarter
CJ Stroud dirts another two balls so the punt team boot it out of their end zone to midfield. The return goes backwards. Drake Maye takes over at the 40-yard line.
Patriots running back Rhamdondre Stevenson is questionable to return with a eye injury and Craig Woodson is questionable with a head injury.
The interception from Marcus Jones he converted for the pick six. I’m getting sick of writing it but what a play.
Texans 10-14 Patriots 6:28, 2nd quarter
What is going on? Houston go for the pass on 1st down again, CJ Stroud takes a hit again, and throws up a loopy throw with pick-me written all over it. Again. Fortunately the ball hits the dirt.
Call a running play, PLEASE.
Texans 10-14 Patriots 6:33, 2nd quarter
Houston’s pass rush comes out flying. Will Anderson takes out Drake Maye as he tries to step up out of the pocket that brings up a 3rd and long. The Texans allow the check down and get the punt. This is just huge play after huge play by the defenses. Houston have 90 yards to travel without CJ Stroud throwing an interception to retake the lead.
PICK! Texans 10-14 Patriots 8:31, 2nd quarter
I have no words. CJ Stroud is picked off for a THIRD time. The pass bounces off the hands of Hutchinson into the grasp of Craig Woodson. An amazing play by the defender and terrible luck for Stroud.
Really poor there from Stroud to throw up a punt pass to no one on 1st down and it got what it deserved. His head was completely scrambled, someone needs to have a word otherwise the Patriots are going to keep forcing turnovers.
PICK SIX! Texans 10-14 Patriots 10:31, 2nd quarter
CJ Stroud, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! He takes a massive hit from K’Lavon Chaisson and just loops the pass sky high into the arms of cornerback Marcus Jones who races it in for the score. The Patriots take the lead out of nowhere with the Texans looking completely on top. Another poor error from the QB. Reminiscent of his five fumbles against the Steelers last week, only this time the opponent can actually play.
These defenses are just phenomenal, what a game already we have here.
Texans 10-7 Patriots 10:48, 2nd quarter
Oooh Kyle Williams goes so close to pulling down a bomb from Drake Maye. A great throw deep down the left sideline over the receiver who is chasing but can’t pull in the ball as it goes through his outstretched hands. Punt.
Texans 10-7 Patriots 11:51, 2nd quarter
Slow down, Drake. The young QB is almost picked on the first play of the drive with an aggressive throw into tight coverage up the sideline. Maye then scrambled for the 1st down.
After that pick, that fumble from Drake Maye. Awesome from Togiai to knock it from the quarterback’s mitts.
TOUCHDOWN! Texans 10-7 Patriots 12:51, 2nd quarter
Woody Marks keeps Houston ticking in the redzone with a short catch for six yards. He goes nowhere fast on a rush on the following play. 3rd and very important coming up. Stroud hits Christian Kirk as the receiver runs across the goal line from the centre to the right sideline. He makes the grab with the defender snapping at his heels. Kirk still doing an excellent job deputising for Nico Collins after last week’s heroics.
That pick from New England’s Carlton Davis. What a play!
FUMBLE! Texans 3-7 Patriots 0:21, 1st quarter
The turnover tap is flowing. Drake Maye goes for the tuck and run after the play breaks down, a big gamble, and the ball is punched out as he dives for the 1st down. Tommy Togiai with the peanut punch. Houston now driving with about 22 yards for the score.
PICK! Texans 3-7 Patriots 1:37, 1st quarter
Interesting technique from the Patriots defense who just pick up Woody Marks and carry him the wrong way on the opening play. Stroud is then nearly picked off for a third time. He is certainly not holding back. On 3rd the blitz comes for the QB but he gets it out to Higgins for nine yards. They move the chains on 4th down with the veteran bull dozer Nick Chubb.
On the very next play … guess what? On the fourth try Stroud throws the interception he has desperately been trying to give away. An amazing play by Carlton Davis with the diving pick on the sideline. Awful throw though, the receiver had no chance.
Meanwhile, key tight end and pass catcher Dalton Schultz is questionable to return with a calf injury.
Texans 3-7 Patriots 3:41, 1st quarter
Houston bring up a quick 3rd down by batting a pass down at the line of scrimmage. The Texans send the house … Danielle Hunter knocks it out, what a play! Maye was dropping back and back and back and just not releasing the ball. The Patriots are so lucky to recover and punt from their own end zone.
Excellent work puts CJ Stroud back on the field in an instant with great field position putting the Texans at midfield.
It’s GOOD! Texans 3-7 Patriots 4:09, 1st quarter
Running back Woody Marks is stuffed on the first attempt to level it up. Schultz then takes another short pass to take the Texans to the goal line. Marks barrels in but the yellow flags fly! Illegal motion penalty forces them back five yards, much to Joe Buck’s chagrin in the booth who gave the penalty on New England. 3rd and about six now, Stroud floats it to nobody. 4th down they boot it through. What a huge result for New England, Houston completely shoot themselves in the foot by snapping the ball with a man in motion.
Texans 0-7 Patriots 7:04, 1st quarter
Another chance for an interception goes begging, the ball hangs in the air for an age with three Patriots around it but none react. Stroud picks up the 1st down on the next play with an easy completion and New England gift a few more yards with a facemask penalty on Christian Kirk. 1st and Goal on the way.
Texans 0-7 Patriots 8:07, 1st quarter
Wow, Texans safety Calen Bullock got his fingertips to the touchdown pass, it was not enough though as he was just falling short.
New England come out playing just as fierce on defense as Woody Marks’ helmet is popped off by a crunching hit as Houston take over as the snow continues to fall. They up the ante by almost picking off CJ Stroud on the next play. Stroud finally completes a pass at his 4th attempt on 3rd down and picks up 42 yards with a short pass to Dalton Schultz. About 30 yards to go for the score after a penalty for a falst start on the tight end.
TOUCHDOWN! Texans 0-7 Patriots 9:55, 1st quarter
New England are being battered as they cross midfield. Houston force losses on both downs pushing them back to 3rd and 14. On the next play Stefon Diggs picks up 13 and Mike Vrabel is gambling on 4th and 1. How is your luck? TOUCHDOWN! DeMario Douglas takes the pass in the centre of the field and races into the open air and in for the score. That throw was absolutely razor sharp from Drake Maye but the defender slipped as we was trying to knock down the pass. Fine margins.
Texans 0-0 Patriots 12:53, 1st quarter
Oh wow, it all happening. The ball is bar of soap out there with snow falling as Christian Kirk lets a pass through his hands and it is almost picked off on 3rd down. The punt is returned to New England’s 34. The weather looks to be making life tough on offense.
Texans 0-0 Patriots 13:37, 1st quarter
And that fierce Houston defense force a quick three and out. The punt is returned to the 25-yard line. CJ Stroud, your move!
The big tick for Houston against Drake Maye is how effective their pass rush is. Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter are so good the Texans only need to send four at the quarterback meaning they can have seven defenders sitting behind. Seven defenders of supreme quality featuring a ballhawk corner back in Derek Stingley and a brutal safety in Jalen Pitre.
“If they are going to make it, it is because of them,” says Jason Bell in the Sky Sports studio. Hmmm, think CJ Stroud might be a little gutted by that analysis. But they are that good. Houston allowed the fewest offensive yards to opponents in the NFL with only 277 per game while limiting the Chargers to only 175 last week.
Oh and we are underway. Maye and the New England offense trot on to the field. Let’s Gooooooo!
So I have just been listening to Patriots owner Robert Kraft say his team are BACK. A little strong but he’s hardly going to say he’s not sure when asked if they are. New England have certainly been very good after cooking up a brilliant 14-3 season while just missing out on the AFC’s top seed. They certainly seem like they are on more solid ground now with Drake Maye at the controls with club man Mike Vrabel coaching compared to the very false dawn they had with Mac Jones.
Jones, now backing up Brock Purdy in San Francisco, helped earn New England’s most recent playoff visit after Tom Brady left the building. It didn’t last long as the Buffalo Bills demolished them 47-17 in the wildcard round.
So last week Maye delivered New England’s first playoff win since the 13-3 Super Bowl LIII win over the Los Angeles Rams in the 2018 season. Another win here will make it feel a lot closer to the Foxborough juggernaut being truly back.
After polishing off my leftover ribs from the BBQ establishment I watched Buffalo v Denver in, I can’t help but recall the ending to the Broncos’ victory in Mile High.
That pivotal moment in overtime when Josh Allen found Brandin Cooks near the end zone but somehow Ja’Quan McMIllian smuggled it away for an interception that took a game-winning field goal from Buffalo and gave Bo Nix a platform for Denver to win. It was quite breathtakingly bonkers.
If you are still scratching your head a little at the frentetic, thrilling end to thee 33-30 win, then allow NFL rules analyst Walt Anderson to explain. His take starts at about the 1min 55sec mark.
I am going to preface this post by stating that neither the Texans or Patriots will take facing the Broncos’ terrifying defense lightly but Nix’s broken ankle puts them at a huge advantage for making the Super Bowl if they win today. The intensity was surely already going to be sky high, now it feels like it will only be higher still with such a large incentive hanging within reach if they can just snatch the victory.
But first, before the spoils of victory can be doled out, the storylines heating up the action in Foxborough. We have the NFL’s likely MVP and New England quarterback Drake Maye v the toughest challenge he has faced this season in Houston’s bone-crunching defense.
Maye’s opposite number CJ Stroud v history for the Texans who have never been past this round in the playoffs with the quarterback stumbling at this stage twice before.
And finally, will Houston or New England have the greater advantage with Texans No 1 Nico Collins and Patriots No 1 cornerback Christian Gonzalez missing out …
Preamble
Hi and hello football fans, welcome to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs aka the best weekend in footballTM. A distinction that is the best kind of cliche, totally apt and one you never get tired of hearing. How could it not be? The best eight franchises are duking it out for a chance to fight for a Conference crown, what is not to love? Well, if you are involved with the Denver Broncos then losing your starting quarterback Bo Nix for the AFC Championship game with a broken ankle is definitely sub-optimal. Things went a little better for the Seattle Seahawks, meanwhile, who will be absolutely delighted with how comprehensively they dominated the San Francisco 49ers (again) over in the NFC.
Tonight’s action takes us to frigid Foxborough for a titanic matchup between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots. Kick-off is at 2pm CST/3pm EST/8pm GMT.
Neither the No 2 seed Patriots or the No 5 seed Texans had much of a challenge last week. You could argue Pittsburgh had a chance against Houston but I would argue that even at 7-6 the scoreline was comfortable considering the immense level DeMeco Ryans’ defense was playing at. The less said about the Chargers meek output against the Patriots the better. The upshot for us is that each team should be fresh for their first real test. Sparks will hopefully fly!
Oh and how about what legendary receiver Randy Moss and his pals think about the game? Because, why not?