The Patriots’ defense was all over Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud on Sunday, picking him off four times in the team’s 28-16 win. It will be the Patriots’ first AFC Championship appearance since 2018.
THE PATRIOTS ARE HEADING TO THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE 2018 SEASON 👏 pic.twitter.com/m9gn12uuiL
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The Patriots defense was all over the Stroud. They had three sacks, nine quarterback hits, and four picks which included a pick-six from Marcus Jones. It was the most picks Stroud had thrown in a game all season.
The Texans defense did get after Drake Maye, getting five sacks and forcing a pick, but it was not enough. Maye still finished with 179 passing yards and three touchdowns, which included a one-handed touchdown catch from Kayshon Boutte to ice the game.
The Patriots will now play the Broncos, who are coming off a 33-30 overtime win against the Bills. Star quarterback Bo Nix is ruled out with an ankle injury, so backup and former Patriots’ quarterback Jarret Stidham will be starting.
