Edge Pressure, Maye’s Poise, and Finish: Patriots-Texans Divisional Preview

New England heads to Houston for a Divisional Round showdown against a Texans defense that ranks among the league’s best on yards, points and takeaways. The Patriots’ three keys are: (1) Protect the edges to blunt Houston’s fierce pass rush from Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. and minimize turnovers; (2) Maye’s Day—protect him, spread the ball to his receiving corps (Boutte, Douglas, Williams) and use tight ends and backs to attack underneath as Houston pressures downfield; (3) Effort and Finish—reproduce the the improved defensive performance vs. the Chargers, pressure Stroud, limit explosive plays, and finish drives even with a potential Nico Collins absence.