Fans prepare for Patriots vs Texans game at Gillette
FOXBOROUGH, Mass (WJAR) — The New England Patriots now know who they will play if they win Sunday's divisional round matchup, but a looming snowstorm and a tough Houston Texans defense are making that "if" the central focus at Gillette Stadium.
A victory would punch New England's ticket to Denver for the AFC Championship, but regardless of the outcome, Sunday marks the final Patriots home game of the season.
Fans from both sides gathered Saturday at Patriot Place, expressing confidence that their respective teams would battle through the expected snow.
While the Patriots have a storied history of success in winter conditions, headlined by Adam Vinatieri's legendary kicks, the Texans do not share the same track record.
"They come from southern Texas. From a dome to New England," said Ryan Dykas, a Patriots fan from Taunton. "It's supposed to snow Sunday, so they better layer up and get warm because it's going to be a tough one."
The visiting "Traveling Texans" appeared undeterred by the forecast, as the group of about 100 Houston fans gathered at Six String at Patriot Place on Saturday afternoon to rally ahead of the game.
"We want to congratulate the Patriots on a nice season, but I think it's going to be over tomorrow," Daniel Rodriguez of Houston said.
While New England fans cited the cold as a home-field advantage, Houston supporters argued that they had a more significant edge.
"They're not used to playing the Texans defense," Bobby Esquivel of San Antonio said.
Matt Renteria, also of Houston, echoed that sentiment.
"We really don't matter about the snow tomorrow," Renteria said. "We're just going to come in and give them a good game and take that 'W' at the end of the day."
One point of concern for Houston has been ball security.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud struggling with several miscues last week, leading to questions about how he will handle a slick, snowy football.
"No concerns," Houston fan Brian Stromile said. "We had our one bad game; now we're going to have a good game this time."
The matchup marks the first true playoff snow game in Foxborough since the "Tuck Rule" game against the Oakland Raiders in 2002.
While Texans fans hope for a different fate than the Raiders, some admitted the New England chill had already set in.
"The atmosphere is good so far," Esquivel said. "The weather? Yeah, I'm already trying to go back home."
Renteria noted he was relying on extra layers to stay in the stands.
"Thank God for undergarments," he said. "Without these, I'd be hurting."
Stadium crews worked through Saturday night prepping parking lots and stadium grounds for the incoming storm.
If the weather trends continue, team officials and fans alike expect a game that will be remembered for years to come.
