Texans player says what Patriots fans fear most about divisional round matchup

"After watching the Texans' defense dismantle the Steelers on Monday night, it's clear the Patriots are in for a challenge when they host Houston in the divisional round. They just went against another formidable defensive opponent in the Chargers, but this is a different breed Drake Maye hasn't faced in his young career. It is already being projected to be the best defensive group the Patriots will face this season, and fortunately, they have some experience in that area during the 10-game win streak."

"But seeing how the Texans are on a win streak of their own, coming off a dominant performance against a future Hall of Fame quarterback, and that confidence is going to be apparent on Sunday. It certainly doesn't help that they are already advertising themselves as such, creating even more concern amongst Patriots fans for how the team will fare in the biggest game of their season to date."

"Coming off the excitement of eliminating the Steelers in brutal fashion, safety Calen Bullock, who had the final touchdown of the game, courtesy of a pick-six, w as oozing with confidence about the Texans' defense. Although he didn't say anything we didn't already know, the challenge the Patriots are about to face, with a defense shouting that they're the best in the league, doesn't provide much optimism for New England fans looking forward to the game."

The Texans' defense dismantled the Steelers on Monday night, shutting out the offense from reaching the end zone and producing a pick-six by safety Calen Bullock. Houston generated four sacks for a combined loss of 36 yards, recovered a fumble, and limited Pittsburgh to just 63 rushing yards. The defense carries momentum from a win streak and publicly asserts itself as the best unit in the league. The Patriots will host Houston in the divisional round and face a different defensive challenge than they saw versus the Chargers. Drake Maye lacks experience against a defense of this caliber, increasing the stakes for New England.

Read at Musket Fire