New England Patriots Receiver Downplays Matchup Against Texans Star Cornerbacks
As the New England Patriots prepare for their AFC Divisional Round clash with the Houston Texans, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is expressing a level of confidence that borders on dismissive. Despite facing one of the NFL’s most formidable defensive units, Boutte suggested Thursday that the Patriots have little to fear, providing what could easily become bulletin board material for a motivated Texans squad.
New England Patriots Boutte Downplays Texans’ Defensive Prowess
The Houston Texans’ defense has been a cornerstone of their success this season. The unit ranks No. 3 overall at Pro Football Focus, boasting the No. 2 pass rush and the No. 4 coverage grade in the league. They are also second in the NFL in forcing turnovers, an identity built on opportunistic and physical play.
However, when asked about the challenge Houston presents, Boutte downplayed their complexity and talent.
“We’re gonna do the same things we’ve been doing, honestly,” Boutte said after practice. “At the end of the day, we want to make them adjust to how we play. They’re not too complicated on defense, not too many looks. We’ll get a good tell of what they’re doing. Just being us.”
His comments were particularly pointed when discussing the Texans’ secondary. Houston features a standout cornerback duo in two-time All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. When asked if this was the toughest defense the Patriots have faced, Boutte was unequivocal.
“I wouldn’t say one of the toughest,” he stated. “At the end of the day, we know we are going to get man coverage and we gotta beat it.”
Boutte welcomed the physical matchup, embracing the one-on-one battles he expects to see on Sunday. “I think they’re just physical cornerbacks but at the end of the day, I am physical, too,” he added. “I mean, that’s a matchup I like every day of the week. So, just ready for Sunday.”
Contrasting Tone from Patriots Leadership
Boutte’s nonchalant assessment stands in stark contrast to the praise offered by his head coach, Mike Vrabel. The New England Patriots’ coach acknowledged the talent and tenacity of the Houston defense, showing deep respect for their style of play.
“They have great talent, great scheme, they play hard and I respect how hard they play,” Vrabel said. “They’re not only talented, but they have a play demeanor that I can appreciate… they play to the football. They chase the football and they get a lot of hats to the football. They create turnovers. They play physical.”
Setting the Stage for a Contentious Matchup
While Boutte’s confidence is a positive sign for the Patriots’ offense, his remarks add an extra layer of intrigue to the game. The Texans have built their reputation on a tough, grinding defensive identity, and they are unlikely to take kindly to being labeled as “not too complicated” or not “one of the toughest.”
In a high-stakes playoff game where every mental edge matters, Boutte may have just handed the Houston defense all the motivation it needs. Whether his confidence is justified or serves as fuel for an already dangerous opponent will be a key storyline to watch this Sunday in Foxborough.
