Defense makes statement, carries Patriots into AFC title game - ESPN

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots had respect for the No. 1-ranked Houston Texans defense entering Sunday's divisional-round playoff game. At the same time, they believed their own defense deserved a similar level of respect.

«They're really good for a reason, but our guys are prideful men,» Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said after a 28-16 victory at snowy Gillette Stadium that was spearheaded by five forced turnovers. «They deserve the recognition that they're going to get. They're a top-5 defense for a reason, as well.»

The swarming defensive performance — which tied the franchise postseason record with four interceptions — helped the Patriots advance to the AFC Championship Game next Sunday against the host Denver Broncos (3 p.m. ET).

It marks the Patriots' 16th trip to the conference championship game and their first since appearing in eight straight from 2011 to '18 — when Bill Belichick was the coach and Tom Brady the quarterback. This year's team, which has authored one of the most surprising turnarounds in the NFL after back-to-back four-win seasons, is led by Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye.

But Sunday against the Texans, with Maye sacked five times and losing two fumbles, the Patriots leaned mostly on their defense.

«Props to our defense, they played great,» said Maye, who finished 16-of-27 passing for 179 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception on an end-of-half Hail Mary. «It was tough. Battle of the elements. We knew they were going to be a good defense. Our defense helped us all night.»

In a reflection of how the Patriots' defense felt overlooked in the matchup, safety Jaylinn Hawkins celebrated with Vrabel in the tunnel after the game as he asked the question, «Who's the best defense?»