Overview
- The Patriots host the Texans on Sunday in a win-or-go-home Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium.
- Josh McDaniels called the matchup “a hell of a game” and “an enormous challenge,” emphasizing that the focus remains on beating Houston rather than the family storyline.
- The staffs share deep connections, with Texans OC Nick Caley, OL coach Cole Popovich, ST coordinator Frank Ross, and GM Nick Caserio all formerly with New England, while Ben McDaniels oversees Houston’s passing game and receivers.
- The on-field contrast is stark: New England averaged 28.8 points per game in the regular season, while Houston’s defense allowed 17.2 points per game.
- Players noted the brothers’ similarities and competitiveness, and coach Mike Vrabel downplayed any schematic advantage from shared familiarity between the staffs.