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FOXBOROUGH- The Patriots proved that they have the resiliency necessary win football games this time of year. It is not always going to be pretty. It will not always look good. What matters is that you win and that is what the Patriots did yesterday.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel echoed that sentiment after the game against the Texans.
“I think, again, there’s times where it doesn’t look great, and we know going against a great defense, which I mean that’s what they are, it’s hard. There’s some tough sledding. There’s some plays that don’t look great. It’s a fast, talented defense, and we talked about that coming in. But in the end, I felt like we just kind of stuck around. We always talk about how it only takes one play. Early on, that might have been Pop [DeMario Douglas] and Marcus [Jones]. K.C. [K’Lavon Chaisson] caused that touchdown that Marcus took back, or Kayshon [Boutte] in the second half and Drake [Maye] giving him the ball. So, it just takes one play, and I think that sparks us.”
The offense in particular proved to be resilient yesterday. They went up against arguably the best defensive front in the NFL and while it was a struggle at times, Drake Maye and company made enough plays to score 21 points and help the team win the game.
Maye was sacked five times and lost two fumbles but he kept fighting and he kept coming back, something that was not lost on his teammates.
“He is who he is for a reason” said Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell.” “Nothing can make him flinch, I’ve said it before, and I like our chances anytime he’s in the game. He’s just a heck of a player, even better leader. Wouldn’t want anybody else commanding the huddle.”
Maye did not flinch and being able to face the challenges by both the Texans defense and the weather was big for the Patriots. It proved that this team has championship mettle. Stefon Diggs said after the game that the team learned a lot about itself.
“I think we learned a lesson a lot about ourselves, about our adversity. We talked a lot about it during the week, that a fight ain’t a fight until you meet resistance, until they swing back, and they definitely were swinging back the whole time. So, being able to weather the storm and come out with a W, I just feel like I’m thankful.”
The lesson learned against the Texans will serve the Patriots well as they prepare for the Denver Broncos and the hostile environment they will face next week. The Patriots are 0-4 all-time in the playoffs in Denver. Factor in the elevation and the Patriots will be up against it. One thing we have learned about this team this season however is that when they are backed into a corner and up against it, they respond.
“It’s a challenge” said Patriots tight end Hunter Henry. “When that place is rolling, it’s going to be extremely loud. I know it’ll be an environment. They’ll be ready to go. The elevation can be an issue, but just staying hydrated, moving around a lot, we’ll be all right in a way. But I know the environment will be a lot, it’ll be loud and we’ll have to match that intensity. So, it’s a big opportunity and I know all the guys will be excited for it.”
It will be a challenge but the Patriots resiliency has served them well this season and it will come in handy once again next week when they face arguable their toughest challenge of the season.
Despite that, defensive tackle Milton Williams says it is all about keeping everything in perspective ahead of the AFC Championship game. He would know. He was on the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team last season.
“It’s big. I just told them, ‘Don’t make it bigger than it is, we’re just playing football. Go out there and do what we’ve been doing, do your job, and stay consistent. The rest will handle itself.’”
It is that mindset that will once again guide a Patriots team that has exceeded all expectations this season. A team that has been consistent and resilient.