Fans react to Patriots win that sends them to the AFC Championship
FOXBOROUGH, Mass (WJAR) — The New England Patriots braved a mid-winter snowstorm Sunday to secure a 28-to-16 divisional round victory over the Houston Texans, punching their ticket to the AFC Championship game in Denver.
As snow coated the field at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots overcame a slow start to pull away from Houston in the second half.
While the weather created uncomfortable conditions for both teams, the atmosphere in the stands remained electric as New England fans watched their team advance.
"I was a little bit nervous coming in at the second half, because the Texans defense and offense was cruising," Nick Lafratta, a fan from Hingham, said. "But I never doubted the Patriots."
The victory was especially meaningful for those who traveled long distances to witness what soon became a winter classic.
Bill Clark of Natick attended the game with his grandchildren, who made the trip up from Virginia after winning a set of tickets.
"We picked the right game to come up and see," Clark said.
With the Texans eliminated, the Patriots now turn their attention to a road matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Fans are already looking forward to the challenge, notably the chance to face former Patriots draft pick Jarrett Stidham, who is expected to start for Denver following an injury to Bo Nix.
"We're going to play Stidham. He was drafted by the Patriots," Bobby DiMillio of West Roxbury said. "And he's probably panicking right now saying, 'Oh my God they're coming.'"
The upcoming AFC Championship game will determine which team represents the conference in the Super Bowl.
For the fans in Foxborough, Sunday's snowy victory will be remembered as a special chapter in Patriots playoff history.
