The New England Patriots are heading back to the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 2018, and they got there with a gritty 28-16 win over the Houston Texans. But as the confetti settles in Foxborough, there’s a cloud hanging over the defense - and it comes in the form of Carlton Davis III’s health.
Davis exited Sunday’s Divisional Round victory in the fourth quarter with a head injury, and his status for next weekend’s showdown with the Denver Broncos is now up in the air. That’s a tough blow for a Patriots defense that’s leaned heavily on the veteran corner all season - and especially in this game.
Before leaving, Davis was making his presence felt in a big way, picking off CJ Stroud twice in a performance that helped set the tone for New England’s defense. Those were his first interceptions of the season, and they couldn’t have come at a better time. The 29-year-old has been a steadying force in the secondary since arriving in Foxborough on a three-year, $60 million deal in 2025, and in 17 games this year, he’s racked up 59 tackles while anchoring the back end of Mike Vrabel’s defense.
Now, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the Patriots are hoping Davis can clear concussion protocol in time to suit up in Denver. His availability could be a major swing factor against a Broncos offense that’s found its rhythm late in the year.
Davis’ journey to New England included a stop in Detroit and six seasons in Tampa Bay, where he was originally drafted 63rd overall in 2018. But it’s in New England where he’s carved out a crucial role in a defense that’s starting to peak at the right time.
And speaking of peaking - how about Drake Maye? The rookie quarterback had his ups and downs in Sunday’s win, but he made the big throws when it mattered.
Maye finished 16-of-27 for 179 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while also battling through brutal weather conditions that included snow, rain, and a slippery football that led to four fumbles - two of which the Texans recovered. One of those turnovers set up Houston’s first touchdown, giving the Patriots a brief scare.
But the defense picked up the slack. Marcus Jones returned one of Stroud’s four interceptions for a touchdown, and the Patriots’ secondary turned in one of its most opportunistic performances of the season. Vrabel’s team has now won nine straight Divisional Round games - a streak that speaks to the franchise’s playoff pedigree and ability to rise to the moment.
This will be New England’s 16th appearance in the AFC Championship Game, and while the coaching staff and roster have changed since their last trip in 2018, the expectations haven’t. The Patriots are back in the thick of the Super Bowl hunt, and they’re doing it with a balanced team that’s learning how to win in January.
All eyes now turn to Denver. The Broncos are surging, the stakes are massive, and the Patriots may have to go into that battle without one of their defensive anchors. If Davis can’t go, it’ll be a next-man-up situation - but make no mistake, his presence could be the difference between another Super Bowl appearance and a long offseason of what-ifs.