The New England Patriots are heading into a high-stakes showdown this Sunday, and standing in their way is one of the stingiest defenses in football - the Houston Texans. Ranked No. 3 overall by Pro Football Focus, Houston’s defense has made a habit of making quarterbacks uncomfortable and wideouts disappear. But if you ask Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte, he’s not buying the hype.
“I think with him at quarterback, anything is possible,” Boutte said Thursday, referring to rookie QB Drake Maye.
That’s not just lip service. Boutte’s confidence in Maye is rooted in what they’ve already built together - a growing chemistry that’s been on display all season. And while the Texans’ defense has been a nightmare for plenty of offenses, Boutte isn’t losing sleep over it.
“I wouldn’t say one of the toughest,” he said when asked about preparing for Houston’s defense. “At the end of the day, we know we’re going to get man coverage.
We’ve gotta beat it. It’s that simple.
They’re not too complicated on defense. Not too many different looks.
We get a good tell at what they’re doing. But just being us.”
That’s a bold stance - but it’s not without merit.
Boutte has quietly put together a strong season. In 14 games, he’s racked up 551 receiving yards and found the end zone six times.
He’s been a steady, reliable target for Maye, especially in pressure situations. That connection was on full display during last Sunday’s playoff win over the Chargers, where Boutte hauled in all four of his targets for 66 yards - including a couple of key grabs that helped keep the offense moving.
Now, with the Texans looming, the Patriots will need Boutte to keep that momentum rolling. Houston’s defense is physical, fast, and fundamentally sound.
But they’re also relatively straightforward in their approach - a lot of man coverage, not a ton of exotic looks. That plays into the hands of a receiver like Boutte, who thrives on timing and route precision.
One key factor to watch: how Houston deploys standout cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. If the Texans commit him to shadowing Stefon Diggs - which would make sense, given Diggs’ ability to take over a game - that could open the door for Boutte to see more favorable matchups. And if Maye continues to show the poise he’s displayed down the stretch, there’s a real opportunity for Boutte to be a difference-maker.
For a Patriots offense that’s still finding its identity, Boutte’s confidence - in himself, in his quarterback, and in their ability to beat man coverage - could be exactly what they need to keep their playoff run alive.