Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky had a few choice words for the New England Patriots defense after their 28-16 win over the Houston Texans. "If you're Houston, you win that game with 31 other quarterbacks," Orlovsky said on Monday morning. This statement suggests that he believes the game was largely won by quarterback C.J. Stroud's poor play, rather than any standout performance from the Patriots defense.
Orlovsky highlighted two particularly egregious turnovers - a pick six and a fumble - which he estimated added 10 points to Houston's score. He acknowledged that New England made some crucial plays in critical moments, including Drake Maye's touchdown on fourth down and a well-placed pass to Stefon Diggs. However, Orlovsky emphasized that it was Stroud's subpar play that ultimately decided the game.
The Patriots' defense has been one of the most impressive units in the league this season, ranking third in points allowed per game (17.8) entering the playoffs. In two playoff games so far, they've given up just 9.5 points per game.
For their part, players on the team are embracing their reputation as a "slept-on" group on defense. "It fueled the whole defense," said defensive lineman Milton Williams. "Ain't nobody been talking about our defense all year. We'll see what they've got to say today." Stefon Diggs added that he and his teammates play with a chip on their shoulder when everyone is counting them out.
The Patriots' next test will be against the Broncos in the AFC title game, but for now, Orlovsky's comments serve as a reminder of just how dominant the team's defense has been this season.
Orlovsky highlighted two particularly egregious turnovers - a pick six and a fumble - which he estimated added 10 points to Houston's score. He acknowledged that New England made some crucial plays in critical moments, including Drake Maye's touchdown on fourth down and a well-placed pass to Stefon Diggs. However, Orlovsky emphasized that it was Stroud's subpar play that ultimately decided the game.
The Patriots' defense has been one of the most impressive units in the league this season, ranking third in points allowed per game (17.8) entering the playoffs. In two playoff games so far, they've given up just 9.5 points per game.
For their part, players on the team are embracing their reputation as a "slept-on" group on defense. "It fueled the whole defense," said defensive lineman Milton Williams. "Ain't nobody been talking about our defense all year. We'll see what they've got to say today." Stefon Diggs added that he and his teammates play with a chip on their shoulder when everyone is counting them out.
The Patriots' next test will be against the Broncos in the AFC title game, but for now, Orlovsky's comments serve as a reminder of just how dominant the team's defense has been this season.
Interesting that Dan Orlovsky is saying Houston won the game with other QBs lol... it kinda makes sense tho. C.J. Stroud had some cringeworthy moments out there 
. The Patriots' D is straight fire 
! I love how they're embracing being underrated too, it's like they're fuel for their own greatness 
. Milton Williams said it best, "Ain't nobody been talking about our defense all year"... well now everyone's buzzing 
. I mean, sure, the Patriots' defense was incredible, but you can't deny that C.J. Stroud had some serious issues out there today 
. Those two turnovers were huge and it's hard to imagine Houston winning with anyone else at QB. On the flip side, the Pats made some big plays when it mattered most and it's awesome to see them play with a chip on their shoulder after being counted out all season 
. The Broncos better bring their A-game for the AFC title game or they'll be in for a long day 
it was def not solely on cj strouds shoulders... i mean, patriots D is straight fire 
that cost his team 10+ points. it's def not a slight against the patriots defense, just a balanced view of the game. and bravo to milton williams for owning up to their reputation as "slept on" squad 
Ranking third in points allowed per game is no joke 
. And it's great that players like Milton Williams and Stefon Diggs are embracing their underdog status - it just goes to show how much heart they have 
️
. The Pats' D has been on fire all season and I'm not sure anyone can stop them now... 
Just watched the game and I'm still shaking my head 
about that pick six 
! Dan Orlovsky is right tho 
, C.J. Stroud's play was straight trash 
! The Pats defense was on 
️, but that one turnover killed 'em 
. Love how the players are owning it though 
"slept-on" group? More like "underrated" 
. On one hand, you can't deny that C.J. Stroud had some rough days out there 
. But on the other hand, it's easy to forget that the Patriots defense has been carrying their team all season 
. But what really gets me is when players like Milton Williams say the defense feeds off the underdog narrative 
. I'm just wondering if there's an ulterior motive at play here? Is it possible that Orlovsky's comments are trying to psyche out the Broncos in the AFC title game? 
Let's not forget, folks, sports politics always make for good drama 
if C.J. Stroud can't even lead his team to victory against the Pats, it's not like their D was that bad 
10 points from turnovers alone? that's a lot of swingin' in the wind 
they've been grinding all year long, making plays when it counts, and nobody's giving 'em love 
Milton Williams and Stefon Diggs are totally hyping up their team with that "slept on" mentality 
gotta keep the momentum going, especially if they wanna take down those Broncos in the AFC title game 
I feel like Orlovsky's words are kinda harsh on Stroud, you know? 
He's not exactly being a hater or anything, but it does sound like he thinks Houston would've won if Stroud had just played better