The Texans have been impressive this season, ranking first in the NFL for yards allowed per game (277.2) and second in points allowed (17.4), only behind the Seattle Seahawks. They demonstrated their dominance by restricting Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers to a mere 175 total yards in a commanding 30-6 victory in the wild-card round. 🏈 Maye recognizes the challenge but is ready to adapt his strategy to stay safe while making plays.
Interestingly, the Texans’ defense does have a vulnerability in the run game, allowing an average of 93.7 rushing yards per game. Although this ranks as the fourth-best in the league, they have allowed over 140 rushing yards to teams like the Raiders and Buccaneers earlier in the season. Maye, who finished as the Patriots’ leading rusher in their recent playoff win, plans to leverage this weakness while also being cautious. 🏃♂️
When discussing his strategy, Maye stated, “If somebody on defense is going to hit me hard, I’m just gonna go down,” highlighting his awareness of when to take risks and when to prioritize safety. He understands the Texans’ ability to disrupt plays, mentioning their linebackers’ talent in delivering significant hits. 🛡️
Maye has faced the Texans before, experiencing a challenging game in 2024 where he was sacked four times and threw two interceptions, despite throwing for 243 yards and three touchdowns. As he continues to evolve as an MVP candidate, he knows the Texans have been effective against mobile quarterbacks, making this matchup even more critical for his performance. 🏆
