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Drake Maye, Patriots Stare Down Texans' Menacing Defense

This divisional-round rematch on Sunday pits Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback, against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium, 15 months after his first NFL start versus Houston.
Following playoff victories, the fifth-seeded Houston Texans advanced with a 30-6 road win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while second-seeded New England reached the divisional round after a 16-3 Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Defensively, Houston Texans defense ranked first in total yards allowed, with edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter anchoring the pass rush.
Immediate concerns include protecting Drake Maye and establishing a run game under Josh McDaniels, as Houston Texans aim for their first AFC Championship Game and New England monitors Christian Gonzalez's concussion status.
Given Houston's recent run-pass splits, Maye's 72.0 completion percentage and scrambling could exploit the Texans' fourth-highest EPA per carry and 7.8 yards per attempt since Week 13.

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The Record

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Boston Herald

Center

Callahan: The Patriots will need Josh McDaniels’ best to beat the Texans

FOXBORO — Distilling this magical season into the simplest story possible, Mike Vrabel got the Patriots started. Drake Maye carried them here. Now, Josh McDaniels must push them forward. In the Wild Card round, the Pats beat the Chargers on the shoulders of their defense, an option available to them again this Sunday, albeit an unlikely one given last weekend was the first time they kept an opponent under 10 points all season. Even against a hel…

12 hours ago

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Providence Journal

Center

Patriots QB Drake Maye shares hard truth about Texans' linebackers

13 hours ago·Providence, United States

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Boston.com

Center

How can Drake Maye beat Texans' defense? ‘Turn into Michael Vick’, says one Patriots player

How can Drake Maye and the Patriots solve Houston's elite defense? One avenue is utilizing the skilled QB's scrambling ability.

21 hours ago·Boston, United States

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Reuters

Center

Drake Maye, Patriots stare down Texans' menacing defense

1 day ago·United Kingdom

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Boston Globe

Lean Left

Drake Maye, Patriots offense prepare for tough playoff test against Texans’ defense - The Boston Globe

Maye made his first career start vs. the Texans Oct. 13, 2024. What did he recall of that 41-21 loss? "I was kind of just trying to stay alive out there,'' he said.

1 day ago·Boston, United States

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