"In the days leading up to the Patriots' divisional-round game against the Texans, most of the conversation has centered on how the offense will fare against the toughest defense they have faced this season. It's a sensible discussion, especially since the Chargers' defense was particularly dominant, but the Patriots might be in for a bigger struggle on Sunday. Despite being one of their best attributes for much of the season, the defense has slowly gotten worse at stopping the run. Early on, they hadn't allowed a 50+ yards by a running back until Week 10 when they faced the Bucs. But since then, they have mightily struggled and allowed more than 100+ yards multiple times."
"That will make a huge difference in their efforts to stop the run, but they'll need to be on top of their game to slow down a guy like Marks. Last week against the Steelers, who have a solid defensive line led by TJ Watt, the running back broke a playoff record with his performance, on a night he recorded 19 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown."
The Patriots' defense has weakened against the run after early-season dominance, allowing 50+ yards by a running back beginning in Week 10 and multiple 100+ yard performances since. The Texans present a significant challenge with a two-headed backfield featuring Nick Chubb and Woody Marks, with Marks coming off an exceptional playoff game. Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane have returned from injury, and Khyiris Tonga returned to practice, improving the Patriots' run-stopping personnel. Stopping Marks and the Texans' rushing attack will be essential; failure to do so could create major problems for the Patriots in the matchup.
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