Patriots vs. Texans weather: How slick Foxboro conditions has played a factor in turnover-filled playoff game

Jake Mozarsky

•
Patriots vs. Texans weather: How slick Foxboro conditions has played a factor in turnover-filled playoff game image

In a battle dominated as much by the elements as the X’s and O’s, a relentless Foxborough snowstorm has transformed Gillette Stadium into a swirling white canvas, dictating a grueling, turnover-heavy first half.

While both the Patriots and Texans boast top-tier defensive units — with Houston entering the postseason ranked first in total defense and New England closely behind — the slick, freezing conditions have proved to be the more formidable opponent. The heavy precipitation has led to a chaotic flurry of fumbles and intercepted passes as even elite ball-handlers struggle to maintain their footing and grip. There were five total turnovers in the first 30 minutes, and the teams were lucky that there weren't more.

The impact of the weather was felt immediately, forcing both Drake Maye and C.J. Stroud into uncharacteristic mistakes during a sloppy opening two quarters. As the snow continues to accumulate on the turf, these two defensive powerhouses have found their jobs made significantly easier by the environment, leaving the outcome to whichever side can best survive the slippery conditions in the second half.

Here's more on how the weather is affecting both sides in New England.

LIVE: Patriots vs. Texans updates, highlights from NFL playoff game

Weather for Patriots-Texans

In Foxborough, it was 33°F and cloudy with a feels-like temperature of 28°F at the time of kickoff. While current conditions are cloudy, a heavy snowstorm is forecast for both Monday afternoon and evening, with a 76% chance of snow during the day and a 92% chance overnight.

Though, snow has been piling down since warmups. It hasn't covered the feel, but the conditions have played a role for sure. Both Maye and Stroud have had fluttering passes, underthrows and turnovers in a gloomy New England.

MORE: Latest weather updates for Patriots-Texans playoff game

Patriots vs. Texans turnovers

Weather isn't the sole factor for the turnover-heavy first half, but it has played a role in a battle between two elite defenses.

Both Stroud and Maye had a turnover in the first quarter, with Stroud throwing his first interception of the game on an overthrow to Christian Kirk.

Maye turned it over on the next drive, with the ball getting punched out before he was down.

When the Texans had a 10-7 lead, Stroud threw another interception, which ended up being the first pick-six of his career. 

It kept getting worse for the Texans quarterback. Though his third interception wasn't fully his fault, it was a huge turning point in a second quarter dominated by New England. This turnover went through the hands of Xavier Hutchinson and right into the hands of New England's Craig Woodson.

Right before the second half, Stroud threw his fourth interception. Once again, the ball was underthrown and Carlton Davis came down with it for his second interception of the game.

Both Houston and New England have top scoring defenses in the NFL, and the first half has been ruled by turnovers. It's the Patriots who have been the main beneficiary, and that's why they lead by two scores.

The second half started no different. After the Texans cut the lead to one possession, the defense forced Maye's second lost fumble of the game.

The Patriots defense got the ball right back, with Woody Marks fumbling for the eighth turnover of the game in the red zone.

MORE: Revisiting Stefon Diggs' Texans career

Staff Writer