Patriots Pregame Thread Pre-Game - Divisional Round Texans at Patriots

[Mack Herron]

Lots of folks were grumbling about the "overweight" Onwenu earlier in the season. But he's been really reliable - you simply don't hear his name during pass pro, which is what you want. In that play he miraculously blocked two rushers sequentially. And Bradbury, with a reputation as a center who couldn't block against power, has been similarly consistent.

My impression is that the rushing offense has become heavily right handed.

 

[shmessy]

....... I would love for Efton Chism to get Pop's snaps.

If Douglas' hamstring has improved, I would disagree with that strongly. Alot of people are ignoring that this guy has been slowed for a reason. Boutte looked healed last game, but he's been affected by that same thing too. Hamstring injuries are wildly unpredictable.

If Pop is healthy, he is a far better threat at this time than a rookie Chism. The "if" is big though.

.

 

[PatsFan2]

If Douglas' hamstring has improved, I would disagree with that strongly. Alot of people are ignoring that this guy has been slowed for a reason. Boutte looked healed last game, but he's been affected by that same thing too. Hamstring injuries are wildly unpredictable.

If Pop is healthy, he is a far better threat at this time than a rookie Chism. The "if" is big though.

.

If they're going doubling S Diggs one of these other Guys should be open. It would be nice IF he had a game like he did against the Saints.

 

[yukon cornelius]

Let's not forget though that defenses slow down in snow.

Run blocking is easier than pass blocking on snow

 

[shmessy]

If they're going doubling S Diggs one of these other Guys should be open. It would be nice IF he had a game like he did against the Saints.

Once again - you continue to ignore the fact. Douglas was HEALTHY in that earlier New Orleans game. Hamstrings need time.

Last Sunday night against the Chargers, he had the most catches and yards since the December 1 game against the Giants. It seems that his hammy is getting better. That kind of trajectory bodes well for the next game.

Look at the game of football with some context.

.

 

[dliverey44]

Lots of folks were grumbling about the "overweight" Onwenu earlier in the season. But he's been really reliable - you simply don't hear his name during pass pro, which is what you want. In that play he miraculously blocked two rushers sequentially. And Bradbury, with a reputation as a center who couldn't block against power, has been similarly consistent.

Earlier in the year I was ready for them to let Owenu go if he was not willing to take a pay cut, but now I am not as sure.

 

[mgteich]

Going just by the numbers, the Texans are in the top 5 or so of most main Defensive categories, while Pats are ~5 spots lower.
But, Pats are in the top 10 (even top 5) in most main Offensive categories, and Texans are around 15-20.

Verdict - Our defenses are closer in strength than our offenses - where Pats hold greater margin.
Barring unlikely breaks like defensive TD's, or multiple errors/TO's that allow explosive plays, this seems like a:
Pats 17 - Texans 16 type of game.

right
one mistake on offense away from losing

 

[Zuma]

“Yeah, I feel like there’s stuff you can help with. You’ve been around. I’ve been there for freaking 10 months,” Taylor said. “I would say, yeah, there’s stuff I can help them out with, but there’s only so much they let me know over there. I didn’t play like that anyway, but I made sure I paid attention. There’s definitely stuff that I can help them with, especially going against that offense. Just going against them in practice every day. So, I feel like I can offer a lot for the Patriots to help us win this game.”

“It’s been a crazy situation,” Taylor said. “Just being with a team for a season and then getting let go before the first playoff game. It’s been tough. But getting the call from New England and talking with my agent and talking to the guys around here, it’s definitely been a wake-up for me just to be able to be back in the playoffs and have the opportunity to be elevated to help this team win. So I feel like in my book that’s a plus for me.”

 

[Hawaiipatsfan2]

If they're going doubling S Diggs one of these other Guys should be open. It would be nice IF he had a game like he did against the Saints.

I hope McD tries to get Boutte matched up with Stingley as much as possible. Boutee knows his game as well as anyone. They’ve been battling since Highschool days. Battled all throughout collage daily, and clearly boutte knew how to play him last year.

 

[PatsFan2]

I hope McD tries to get Boutte matched up with Stingley as much as possible. Boutee knows his game as well as anyone. They’ve been battling since Highschool days. Battled all throughout collage daily, and clearly boutte knew how to play him last year.

Yeah I remember that long TD by Boutte: the beginning of that connection. Don't forget Kyle Williams either let's get Stingley tired Nine Route his @ss.

 

[Triumph]

This has a Jacksonville at NE 2017 AFCCG feel again. Pats will have to match their defense intensity if Houston stall's NE offense. You don't want to get behind with the Texans defense.

I was thinking the exact same thing.

Pats need to play with the lead and turn the tables on Stroud. Make him execute the plays to win. You're only allowed so many offensive series per game.

 

[Hawaiipatsfan2]

Yeah I remember that long TD by Boutte: the beginning of that connection. Don't forget Kyle Williams either let's get Stingley tired Nine Route his @ss.

 

[Hammer of Thor]

The New England Patriots and the Houston Texans announce the following player injuries and practice participation.
Thursday, January 15, 2026

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS​

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
No Players Listed.
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Anfernee Jennings - Knee
LB Harold Landry - Knee
T Morgan Moses - Knee
T Thayer Munford Jr. - Knee
FULL PARTICIPATION
CB Alex Austin* - Wrist
CB Christian Gonzalez - Concussion Protocol
TE Hunter Henry - Knee
RB Terrell Jennings* - Concussion Protocol
DL Khyiris Tonga - Foot
* denotes player currently on injured reserve.

HOUSTON TEXANS​

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
DE Denico Autry - Knee
T Trent Brown - Ankle
WR Nico Collins - Concussion
WR Justin Watson - Concussion
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Azeez Al-Shaair - Knee
T/G Tytus Howard - Ankle
G Ed Ingram - Shoulder
RB Jawhar Jordan - Ankle
CB Kamari Lassiter - Ankle/Knee
DT Sheldon Rankins - Elbow
FULL PARTICIPATION
LS Austin Brinkman - Knee
T Aireontae Ersery - Thumb
S Jaylen Reed - Forearm

Injury Report: Patriots vs. Texans

 

[Gumby]

Pretty good. You just need to replace the black chess pieces with flat black discs.

 

[Triumph]

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots 2026 Divisional Round opening odds

Who should you take in this Sunday’s divisional playoff round?

www.battleredblog.com

 

[n1997y]

I think he's urinating on you and your opinions... Much like the rest of the board.

Just having fun. Sometimes situations make it too easy. AJ’s drop, for instance. I confess, I just cannot pass up a cheap shot. Nothing personal, I really love PF2’s enthusiasm.

 

[Triumph]

Thayer Munford Jr. might save Drake Maye’s life vs. the Texans

Thayer Munford Jr. may be the least-known player on the Patriots’ roster. He may also be the key to New England’s survival against the Texans.

www.patspulpit.com

 

[fnordcircle]

We edge the Texans offense

 

[n1997y]

Go take a cold shower!

 

[Triumph]