Vrabel credited the defense for keeping the Patriots in the game, as New England held Houston to 241 total yards and forced five turnovers. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud went 20-47 with four interceptions and three sacks, and Houston managed only 48 rushing yards. 🛡️💪
Offensively, Drake Maye delivered when needed, throwing for 179 yards and three touchdowns on 16-27 passing. The running game added 105 yards, led by Rhamondre Stevenson with 70 on 16 carries. Maye opened the scoring with a 28-yard pass to DeMario Douglas on a fourth-down play, and Stefon Diggs added a 7-yard TD late in the first half. 🔥🏈
Vrabel acknowledged there were ugly moments and stressed they faced a great defense, but credited the team for “only takes one play” to flip a game. New England went 3-for-14 on third downs, had 13 first downs, and three fumbles (two lost), with the offense sometimes struggling to gain traction. 🧭😬
In the second half, Maye connected on a 32-yard TD to Kayshon Boutte to stretch the lead, and Boutte finished with three catches for 75 yards. Vrabel highlighted the late trust in Boutte and the overall growing chemistry, underscoring that the team will need to keep evolving for the AFC Championship. 🥇🕊️
