NFL Playoffs: Brady and the Patriots again dismantle the Texans

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots once again affirmed they are the team to beat in the AFC. It seems no matter what happens during the regular season, this team turns it on in the post season. The rematch with the Houston Texans was supposed to be a tightly contested battle of two incredibly talented teams. Tom Brady was tied for most career playoff wins going into this game. He was tied with his boy hood idol Joe Montana. Well after this game they were no longer tied. Brady broke the tie in very convincing fashion.

Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) leaves the field after the AFC divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans almost returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The Texans were unable to convert the great field position into 6 and ended up settling for a field goal. Against the high octane Patriots offense field goals are not going to do it. So Tom Brady takes just 6 plays to go 65 yards for the Patriots first score. The Pats then add a field goal and another touchdown in the 2nd quarter to take a 17-3 lead. Toward the end of the 2nd quarter the Texans decided to get back into the game.

Arian Foster scores on a one yard plunge, well at least it looked like he scored. Then at the end of the 2nd quarter Graham adds a long field goal to make it 17-13 Patriots at halftime. The 3rd quarter was all New England. This is where we were able to see the greatness that is Tom Brady. He is not the most talented quarterback but he is the best quarterback. Being a Panther fan, nothing pains me more that to admit that. No one is able to will his team to victory like Brady is. He is willing to stand in the pocket and take hit after hit just to deliver the ball on time and on target. So at the end of the 3rd Patriots up 31-13.

There was more of Brady and the Pat’s to start the 4th, scoring on a nice pass play. Then Schaub and company try to make it a game scoring twice in the 4th quarter. They got the score as close as 38-28 but the Patriots prove again to be too much for the Texans. The Pats end the scoring on a Gostkowski field goal. Final score 41-28 Patriots. The real difference in the game was the rushing attack of the Pats. Most people would have thought the Texans would have the upper hand when it comes to running the ball but the defense of New England did an excellent job of bottling up the Houston Backs. The defense shown by the Patriots will need to step up again next week versus the Ravens.

The AFC Championship will be a rematch of  the week  matchup between the Ravens and the Patriots which the Ravens won 31-30. This time Brady will be at home however. It should be a very good game and I am personally looking forward to watching. In that one I don’t have a team I’m rooting for per say but I will be curious to see the chess match between Ray Lewis and Tom Brady. It could be a game for the ages.

God Bless!

Follow me on Twitter @JoeRiollano