How Did The New England Patriots React To Win Over Texans?

Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Amendola

“We scored more points and I think we played better as a team and all way around, special teams, defense played great and it was cool.”

What changed having TE Rob Gronkowski back out there?

“We just did our base stuff and just having him out there. He’s such a great football player. He makes a good mismatch on linebackers and he’s really a good football player. Having him out there is great.”

Is it emotional to have him out there, to the kind of attitude that he brings?

“Absolutely, he’s a great player and every time he is on the field he makes plays and we are happy to have him.”

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How did you hold J.J. Watt in check tonight?

“I haven’t seen the film, but he is a great player and every time he is on the field you gotta account for him. I saw him out there with that club, so yeah.”

Tom Brady

What did you think about how the Patriots responded tonight?

“It was a good team win. A lot of guys contributed. We fought hard, I think our defense played incredibly. Offensively we did enough. I think we took advantage of some opportunities and didn’t make any really big mistakes so that was pretty important. I got the ball in the end zone when we had the chance, so just keep plugging along.”

How big of a boost was it to see how well the defense was playing?

“Yeah absolutely. I think it is part of complementary football, you have to play to your strengths and certainly the defense the last four of five weeks has been incredible. So it’s good when they are on the field. Usually, you don’t think about that, our defense has done such a great job in the short field and the muffed punt and the fourth down stops, so they just did a great job.”

Did you get a little extra excited when you learned Gronkowski was going to be playing this game?

“Yes, he made great plays during the game too. He is just a huge influence on what we do offensively and he really toughed it out so I am proud of him. He had a big touchdown catch. He is obviously a big part of what we do. It is good having him out there.”

Does having TE Rob Gronkowski out there calm you down, especially in the red zone?

“Well offensive football is always trust and anticipation and it is certainly that way with Gronk. He is just a great player, a great teammate, blocking, pass protecting obviously passing game – short, intermediate and deep. He takes advantage of a good matchup. He is a great player.”

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When did Gronkowski come into your vision and how did the play develop?

“We were trying to get him back there so I rolled right further than normal, I don’t know what happened on the play, but I kind of got flushed, I knew where he was heading and he had a linebacker on him so I thought I’d give him a chance and usually he comes down with those. That was a great play.”

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