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Cheerleaders perform during Patriots-Packers game
The New England Patriots Cheerleaders performed during the Patriots preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, August 13, 2015.
Julian Edelman. Jan, 10, 2010. AFC Wild Card Round. Ravens 33, Patriots 14.Edelman made an auspicious playoff debut despite a New England loss. He accounted for the Patriots' two scores, catching TD passes of six yards and one yard, and finished with six receptions for 44 yards.
Dont'a Hightower. Jan. 13, 2013. AFC Divisional Round. Patriots 41, Texans 28. Hightower made two tackles in his playoff debut.Â
Nate Solder. Jan. 14, 2012. AFC Divisional Round. Patriots, 45, Broncos 10.Solder got the start at right tackle and helped the Patriots pile up 509 total yards (363 passing, 146 rushing). He kept the pocket clean for QB Tom Brady, who was not sacked and tossed a franchise playoff record six TD passes.
Alan Branch, DL -Â The veteran defensive tackle reportedly welcomed a new son into the world last week. Back to work, Branch has been the key force in an impressive New England run defense that hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown since Oct. 30 in Buffalo. Branch and Company will focus on shutting down Lamar Miller to put the postseason pressure squarely on the lackluster Texans passing game.
Jadeveon Clowney, DE -Â The former No. 1 overall pick is healthy and in the midst of a breakout season that includes a game-changing interception to help beat the Raiders. He can make plays all over the front as both a pass rusher and well-rounded defender. Any theories of a Houston upset have to include an impact performance from this first-time Pro Bowler.
Whitney Mercilus, LB - Though he plays in the shadow of J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, Mercilus is a second team All-Pro who led Houston with 7.5 sacks in the regular season and had two in last weekend's win over the Raiders. The veteran is part of arguably one of the best linebacker groups in the NFL, one that makes plays against both the pass and the run for the No. 1 defense.
Lamar Miller, RB -Â The Texans tried to run the ball, probably too much, in the Week 3 shutout loss in Foxborough. Though it's unlikely to be a successful plan of attack, they may try to do so again with Miller, who had 31 attempts on Wild Card Weekend. New England's run defense, tied for No. 3 in the league, should be ready for the 1,000-yard rusher.
