Going into the week 14 clash with the Houston Texans, most New England Patriots fans were wondering how the offense could put up points on the Texans.  42 points and 419 yards later, most Pats fans were wondering where this defenses fearsome reputation had come from. 

Well, having a Tom Brady led offense isn't a bad place to start.  It also helps if you've got one of the best head coaches in the history of the game, who was also a pretty decent defensive coordinator too.  Bill Belichick gets defense, and that means he can see through the reputation, and find out how he can beat it. 

“It’s not a myriad of formations and different personnel groupings and all that.  They basically have the same guys on the field for a high percentage of the time.  This isn’t the most complicated team we’ve ever seen but what they do, they do well,” Belichick said. “ They have a lot of multiples and variables but it’s contained within the system.  They do it every week; you have to deal with it every week.”  Source

Belichick has much experience in beating Wade Phillips.  He hasn't lost to him since 2005, and in their three most recent encounters, he has taken teams with great reputations to Bill Belichick, and Belichick has done the business. 

I think the message here is clear.  They might have great personnel, but the system isn't.  Go no huddle, and tire them out.  It's that simple.  It's tried and tested, and handily, is what the Patriots do best.