Maybe it’s coincidence, maybe it’s more a result of the opponents they faced, or maybe Aqib Talib is simply that much of a difference-maker. Consider this: Before acquiring Talib at the trade deadline Nov. 1, the Patriots rushed five or more defenders a league-low 15 percent of the time, according to ESPN Stats & Information tracking. With Talib, the number of rushes with five or more defenders has spiked to 28.3 percent. A potential Talib matchup against Texans receiver Andre Johnson naturally yields excitement.
patriots – Coming Attraction: Patriots-Texans will serve as preview for AFC title game – WEEI | Christopher Price
One thing about the Houston offense, and the running game in particular – it’s coming off a sluggish outing against the Titans. In that one, Foster had 38 yards on 14 carries, an average of 2.7 per carry. Justin Forsett had 64 yards on 14 carries, while Ben Tate added with three for 18 yards. And in the second half, Johnson didn’t have a catch, Schaub threw for 40 yards over the last two quarters and the Texans were 2-for-9 on third down.
Houston also has a steady and consistent defense – the group has given up some big plays, but they’ve managed to do just enough to win games all year long. They also have defensive lineman J.J. Watt, who has swallowed opposing offenses whole over the course of the 2012 season. (Watt is the ultimate statistical anomaly – he has 15.5 sacks and 15 passes defensed this season.) While there are some questions about the state of the Houston cornerbacks, more often than not the pass rush cancels out any problems they have had.
Houston has established itself as the cream of the crop in the AFC with convincing wins over both Baltimore and Denver earlier this season. This Monday night will provide a true test for the Patriots.
Getting to know the Texans – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Is it just me or does this feel like the biggest game in a long time for the Patriots? Can’t remember a meaningful game like this in December.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/houston-has-established-itself-as-the-cream-of-the/
Peter King’s Top 5
I don’t usually post power rankings but had to share this from Peter King today…
1. New England (9-3). What a schedule over the next two months, of games scheduled and not (yet) scheduled. Tick … tick … tick.
2. Houston (11-1). Just seven days until Texans-Pats, Monday-nighter, Foxboro.
3. San Francisco (8-3-1). Just 13 days until Niners-Pats, Sunday-nighter, Foxboro.
4. Denver (9-3). Just 48 days until Broncos-Pats, AFC Championship Game, Foxboro.
5. Atlanta (11-1). Just 62 days until Falcons-Pats, Super Bowl XLVII, New Orleans.
Locker room after being named AFC East champions.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/ilovethatdirtywater-locker-room-after-being/
God love Jets fans, one already got a “Buttfumble” Sanchez jersey made.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/god-love-jets-fans-one-already-got-a-buttfumble/