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Patriots links 1/15/26: Drake Maye: ‘Any coverage, there’s always voids’

Patriots links 1/15/26: Drake Maye: ‘Any coverage, there’s always voids’
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TEAM TALK

LOCAL LINKS

  • Nick Goss posts his Patriots-Texans tale of the tape: Keys to victory, prediction and more. 1. Continue to generate consistent pass rush. /Click for commentary.
  • Alex Barth previews the Houston Texans. Houston brings in a formidable defense and an offense that has talent but hasn’t always played up to expectations.
  • Jerry Thornton writes the Texans aren’t the matchup anyone wanted, but this is the matchup we need. “This is about history. It’s about legacy. It’s about Drake Maye, his offensive line, his skill guys, and Josh McDaniels making their mark on the world. It’s shutting up all the scoffing, dismissive, pearl-clutching skeptics in the football glitterati who’ve suddenly become obsessed with “strength of schedule” for the first time in their lives. …“
  • Ian Logue hears from Mike Vrabel on how he’s forging the Patriots selfless identity, turning ‘standing around’ into relentless effort.
  • Nick Goss notes Drake Maye made his first career start vs. the Texans. Sunday he will face them for the second time, now as elite MVP-caliber QB.
  • Andrew Callahan explains that the Patriots will need Josh McDaniels’ best to beat the Texans.
  • Doug Kyed and Andrew Callahan report the positive news that Christian Gonzalez was present for the start of Wednesday’s practice in a non-contact jersey and participated in initial drills, indicating he is already in the fourth phase of the NFL’s five-phase concussion protocol.
  • Keagan Stiefel relays Texans’ head coach DeMeco Ryans with his assessment of Drake Maye.
  • Phil Perry’s Patriots Mailbag: Where to exploit Texans D, pressuring Stroud and more.
  • Darren Hartwell highlights Robert Kraft on The Quick Snap podcast (with ex-Patriots David Andrews and Brian Hoyer) opening up about firing Mayo, the Patriots’ turnaround and more.
  • Taylor Kyles and Mike Kadlick react to the Patriots signing former Texans DE Darrell Taylor to the practice squad. Taylor was waived by Houston last week and, according to NFL Network, has a strong possibility of being elevated for the remainder of the playoffs. (9 min. video)

NATIONAL NEWS

  • Doug Farrar (Athlon Sports) Patriots’ key to playoff success: Show C.J. Stroud pressure he doesn’t expect.
  • Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Patriots favored by 3 vs. Texans. ‘Both the Texans’ and Patriots’ defenses were dominant in the wild card round, so neither QB is likely to have an easy day on Sunday.‘
  • Michael Kadlick (SI) ‘I don’t give a shit’: Patriots LT Will Campbell had blunt response to online critics
  • MMQB Staff...
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