Even when Tom Brady was still leading the offense and Bill Belichick was calling the shots, the Patriots were doubted, discredited, and often overlooked every season. Despite their incredible success, it was widely believed they couldn't sustain it, especially after going 10 years without a Super Bowl win.
But, of course, we know that didn't last long, as they won three more Super Bowls to cap off a 20-year dynasty, so it should be a surprise to no one that this year's Patriots' team is being overlooked, too.
Clearly, they're not as talented or widely known as the rosters during the dynasty years, but they have accomplished a lot in 2025 that nobody believed they could. That's especially true of their efforts against the Texans on Sunday, as all the conversation centered on Houston's impenetrable defense, with little said about New England's roster.
The defensive showdown in the divisional round proved a point, and Mike Vrabel didn't take long to tell the world that the defense took it personally in the days leading up to the game, and that helped them play at an elite level to guarantee a trip to the AFC Championship.
Patriots' defense has a point to prove during the postseason
While speaking to reporters after the win, Vrabel was explicitly asked whether the defense felt overlooked amid all the discussion surrounding the Texans' roster.
In more words than just 'yes,' the head coach confirmed they certainly did, and based on how well they played on Sunday, it lit a fire so hot that they won't be feeling slighted going into Denver this week.
Mike Vrabel asked if the Patriots' defense 'felt slighted' by all the talk about the Texans' defense this week: "Yeah. I'm sure they're gonna tell you that...they're really good for a reason, they've shown it each and every week. But our guys are prideful men and they want to…
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) January 18, 2026
Based on how they've played over the past two weeks, it's easy to tell that they are extra motivated to prove a point, and so far, they've done that.
In their win over the Chargers, the defense recorded six sacks, six tackles for a loss, 11 quarterback hits, five passes defended, and a fumble recovery. They were just as impressive against the Texans, recording three sacks, six TFL, nine quarterback hits, 14 passes defended, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and a fumble recovery.
They have become one of the defenses to fear in the postseason, and it is expected to be another slug fest against a Broncos' defense that has been hyped just as much as the Texans next Sunday.
Hopefully, the Patriots can keep their defense performing at an elite level because that would make their trip to the Super Bowl much easier.