Foxborough, Massachusetts – The New England Patriots’ 28–16 victory over the Houston Texans not only sent New England to the AFC semifinals, but also pushed the team into the center of a national television controversy. The Patriots controlled most of the game, punished their opponent’s mistakes, and closed it out with familiar playoff poise. However, the joy of victory was quickly overshadowed by shocking comments made immediately after the game.
During the postgame analysis on CBS, J.J. Watt ignited public backlash by implying that the Patriots benefited from “referee favoritism,” even using the phrase “buying a playoff spot.” Watt focused on a fourth-quarter sequence in which C.J. Stroud launched a deep pass that fell incomplete. According to him, a Texans receiver appeared to be interfered with (PI), yet no flag was thrown.
Watt went on to describe that a sideline official “reached for his flag but couldn’t pull it out,” then ruled the pass incomplete, suggesting the official was “too embarrassed” to make the call. The commentary clip quickly went viral on social media before being removed by CBS, further fueling outrage across Patriots Nation. For many New England fans, the take exaggerated a single play while completely ignoring the game flow the Patriots controlled.
Amid the wave of controversy, Tom Brady — the greatest icon in Patriots history — stepped forward to defend his former team. “New England doesn’t buy wins or respect. Everything here is earned through preparation, contact, and sacrifice over 60 minutes,” Brady emphasized. His words spread rapidly, becoming an emotional rallying point for fans and earning strong support from former Patriots players.
What actually happened on the field made it clear the outcome could not be blamed on officiating. Stroud endured a disastrous night with four interceptions in the first half alone, finishing 20-of-47 for 212 yards and repeatedly putting the Texans at a disadvantage. The Patriots capitalized with disciplined execution and suffocating defense. The 28–16 win is indisputable — and as Brady made clear, in New England, playoff spots are earned, never bought.
