As the New England Patriots gear up for a high-stakes playoff clash against the Houston Texans this Sunday, one familiar voice is keeping a close eye on Foxborough - and it just so happens to be the most iconic one in franchise history.
Tom Brady, the man who helped define two decades of Patriots dominance, weighed in on the team’s postseason push during an appearance on FS1’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd. And while he’s no longer under center, it’s clear Brady still has a vested interest in how things unfold for his former squad.
“When you look at their schedule, the quality of competition hasn’t been what some other teams may have had,” Brady noted. “Now, that doesn’t matter because that’s not the Patriots’ fault. You play who’s on the schedule.”
That’s classic Brady - acknowledging the doubters while reinforcing the idea that New England has earned its playoff spot. And after a commanding 16-3 win over the Chargers in the Wild Card round, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in Foxborough.
“I thought the Patriots played awesome last week,” Brady said. “The Patriots had a great game.”
He’s not wrong. That victory wasn’t just a win - it was a statement.
The defense swarmed, the offense controlled the tempo, and for the first time in a while, the Patriots looked like a team with real postseason bite. Now, as they prepare to face a Texans team loaded with defensive talent, Brady expects the home crowd to bring the energy - and the cold weather to bring a little extra edge.
“The fan base, they’ve been waiting for this since I left,” Brady said. “It’s going to be rocking.
Foxborough, it’s a tough place to play. It’s gonna be cold.
But this defense of Houston is ridiculous, and they can put a lot of pressure on you.”
That last point is no exaggeration. Houston’s defense has been one of the league’s most disruptive units, capable of flipping a game with a single series. But Brady sees a key X-factor for New England: rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and the man helping guide him - offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
“Drake’s played phenomenal,” Brady said. “He’s thrown the ball so well, so accurate.
Downfield throws are awesome. His escapeability, his ability to move in the pocket, his relatability with his teammates.
There’s so much to love about him as a player, and that’s why the Patriots are in this position.”
That’s high praise coming from the NFL’s all-time passing leader - and someone who knows a thing or two about commanding the huddle in playoff pressure-cookers. Maye has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and with McDaniels back in the fold, the rookie has a trusted voice in his ear as he faces one of his biggest tests yet.
It’s also worth noting the broader context here: This is Mike Vrabel’s first season as head coach, and already, he’s got the Patriots playing disciplined, physical football - the kind of identity that’s long been synonymous with success in New England. But as Brady pointed out, simply making it to this point isn’t the goal.
“There are very high expectations in Foxborough,” Brady said. “Believe me, they’re thinking one thing: that they’re gonna go in there and kick some butt. But Houston’s gonna have a lot to say about that.”
So here we are. A rookie quarterback, a first-year head coach, and a fanbase hungry for a return to championship relevance. The Patriots have already turned heads this season, but now comes the real test - against a Texans team that’s fast, physical, and fully capable of spoiling the party.
Brady may be watching from the broadcast booth instead of the sideline, but make no mistake - Foxborough still knows how to bring the fire. And if Maye and the Patriots can rise to the occasion, Sunday could mark another unforgettable chapter in a franchise that’s seen plenty of them.