The New England Patriots heard the noise - and they responded in the most Patriots way possible: with a statement win and a defense that looked like it had something to prove.
Heading into Sunday’s divisional-round matchup against the Houston Texans, the narrative around the league was leaning heavily toward Houston. Multiple ESPN analysts picked the Texans to advance, and that didn’t go unnoticed in the Patriots’ locker room.
But when the snow settled at Gillette Stadium, it was New England who stood tall with a 28-16 win - and a ticket to the AFC Championship Game in Denver on Jan. 25.
Stefon Diggs: “We play better with a chip on our shoulder”
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who’s no stranger to playoff football, acknowledged the chatter and used it as fuel.
“Hopefully they do that again this week,” Diggs said postgame, referring to the pregame predictions favoring Houston. “That’s another good defense we’re about to go see.
Playing with a chip on our shoulder - I think we’re one of those teams that plays better that way. When everybody counted us out.”
Diggs didn’t pretend the Texans weren’t a formidable opponent. In fact, he gave them credit: “That’s a good football team, and I understand that vantage point.” But the Patriots, he emphasized, focused on their preparation and let their play do the talking.
And talk it did.
Defense dominates in snow-globe showdown
In a game that featured eight total turnovers, it was New England’s defense that stole the spotlight - and the football - repeatedly. Texans rookie quarterback C.J.
Stroud, who had been poised and efficient all season long, was picked off four times before halftime. That kind of defensive statement doesn’t just happen - it’s the product of a unit that’s locked in, well-coached, and clearly motivated.
“We were hearing them talk all week,” said defensive tackle Milton Williams after the win. “Ain’t nobody talking about our defense.
We’re going to see if they’re going to talk about our defense now. Them boys are going home.”
Williams wasn’t just venting - he was celebrating a defensive performance that turned the tide of a playoff game. And in the postseason, turnovers are gold.
Four interceptions in one half? That’s the kind of effort that can carry a team deep into January.
A different role heading into Denver
This week, the Patriots won’t be sneaking up on anybody. With the Denver Broncos forced to start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham after Bo Nix went down with a broken ankle, New England is heading into the AFC title game as 5.5-point road favorites, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
But don’t expect the Patriots to lose that underdog mentality just because the oddsmakers flipped the script.
“We got a lot of guys over here with a chip on their shoulder,” Williams said. “We go out there every time we step on the field and try to prove that.”
That mentality - gritty, defiant, and relentless - is exactly what’s gotten them this far. And with a defense playing lights-out, a veteran receiver like Diggs leading the charge, and a locker room that thrives on being doubted, the Patriots aren’t just moving on. They’re making noise.
Denver, you’re on the clock.