The Houston Texans are riding high after their wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, and safety Calen Bullock didn’t shy away from making a bold statement. “The whole world knows” Houston has the best defense, Bullock said postgame - and whether you agree or not, there’s no question this unit has been playing with serious swagger.
But don’t expect the New England Patriots to be intimidated. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who’s been a key contributor for New England all season, made it clear this week that the Patriots aren’t backing down from the challenge.
“Number one ranked defense, whatever you want to say,” Boutte said Thursday when asked about Houston’s defense. “But I mean, we’re a good offense too.
We’re not going to discredit ourselves. Just keep doing the same things we’ve been doing, honestly.”
That quiet confidence has defined Boutte’s approach all year. The LSU alum isn’t one to get caught up in the noise - not even when facing a Texans defense that’s earned plenty of praise for its physicality and discipline. When asked if Houston ranks among the toughest defenses he’s had to prepare for, Boutte didn’t flinch.
“I wouldn’t say one of the toughest,” he said. “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 last line - “just being us” - says a lot about where this Patriots offense is mentally right now. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re sticking with what’s worked: smart execution, clean routes, and trusting their playmakers to win their matchups.
And Boutte has been one of those playmakers. He led all receivers in New England’s wild-card win over the Chargers with four catches for 66 yards - not eye-popping numbers, but timely and efficient.
That’s been his calling card all season. Despite missing three games, he still finished second on the team in touchdown grabs (six) and third in receiving yards (551).
He’s emerged as a reliable target, especially in key situations.
As the Patriots prepare for a heavyweight clash with a Texans defense that thrives on physical man coverage and forcing quarterbacks into tight-window throws, Boutte’s confidence could be a difference-maker. He’s not underestimating Houston - far from it - but he’s also not buying into the hype.
This matchup is shaping up to be a classic strength-on-strength battle. Houston’s defense is fast, aggressive, and fundamentally sound.
New England’s offense is young, explosive, and playing with house money. Something’s got to give.
And if you ask Kayshon Boutte, he’s betting on his side to keep doing what they’ve been doing.