Trip ‘cool experience’ for New Hampshire native Griffin
Growing up in Londonderry, New Hampshire, Texans tight end Ryan Griffin was a passionate fan of the New England Patriots.
Griffin and his friends would watch the games on television from the start of the Tom Brady era and the tradition-rich dynasty the Patriots quarterback launched with coach Bill Belichick. Living roughly two hours from Gillette Stadium, the 6-6, 265-pound tight end is embracing this moment, as the Texans prepare to square off with the Patriots in an AFC divisional-round playoff game Saturday night.
“Me and my friends would be out playing in the snow at halftime when Tom and them were playing,” said Griffin, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Wednesday. “It’s going to be a cool experience. I watched every single game, but I never got to go.”
A former sixth-round draft pick from Connecticut and a former all-state selection at Londonderry High School, Griffin acknowledged that he’ll probably take a moment or two to soak up the atmosphere of the game as he plays against the team he grew up rooting for.
“Maybe I will, maybe I will,” Griffin said. “I deserve it, to be honest. I’m not going to let the opportunity pass me by, and I’m looking forward to taking down the Patriots on Saturday night.”
Griffin has purchased 27 tickets to the game so his family and friends can attend.
“It’s going to be pretty awesome,” Griffin said. “Before and after the game, it will be pretty special,” Griffin said.
Griffin and fellow tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz could have central roles for the Texans in this game after being shut out 27-0 in September by the Patriots. Griffin has caught a career-high 50 passes for 442 yards and two touchdowns, while Fiedorowicz has 54 catches for 559 yards and four scores.
The Patriots utilized a two-deep safety coverage scheme to limit the impact of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during the first meeting.
“They took away Hop in that first game and played a lot of two-man coverage and man underneath,” Griffin said. “We’re going to have to make some plays. We both know that and are looking forward to it.”
Safety Demps back practicing
Texans veteran strong safety Quintin Demps returned to practice Wednesday, a boost to the NFL’s top-ranked defense.
Demps aggravated a hamstring injury in the first half on Saturday against the Raiders and didn’t finish the game.
Demps acknowledged he’s improving and trending toward playing.
“I’m still day-to-day,” he said. “We will know soon. No question, divisional playoff game, for sure.”
Hopkins listed as limited
Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins was added to the injury report as limited with a knee injury.
Hopkins hadn’t previously been listed on the report.
He is expected to play Saturday night.
The following players were limited Wednesday: offensive guard Jeff Allen (ankle), Pro Bowl defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (elbow, wrist), strong safety Quintin Demps (hamstring), cornerback Johnathan Joseph (calf ), outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (knee) and outside linebacker John Simon (chest).
Demps expressed optimism about his status, saying he’s improving each day. Simon missed the Texans’ game against the Raiders and their regular-season finale.
Meanwhile, Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount didn’t practice due to an illness.
Texans proud of Broncos hire
Shortly after former Texans secondary coach Vance Joseph landed the Denver Broncos’ head coaching job as the replacement for Gary Kubiak, his hiring was met with approval at NRG Stadium.
Texans veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph played for Vance Joseph and learned a lot from him during his tenure on Kubiak’s coaching staff in Houston.
A 44-year-old former Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph signed a four-year contract.
“I’m extremely excited for him and proud of him,” said Joseph, no relation to the new Broncos coach. “One of the guys that definitely helped me out in my career and brought me on board here. I’m sure he’ll do a great job there, deserving of it. I’m proud of him.”
Strong expected back for offseason
Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong is rehabbing after undergoing a clean-up ankle surgery in December, when he was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
Strong is expected to make a complete recovery for the offseason training program and spring practices.
Strong suffered a serious sprained ankle earlier this season against the Detroit Lions.
A third-round draft pick from Arizona State, Strong finished the season with just 14 catches for 131 yards and no touchdowns. He was supplanted on the depth chart by rookie wide receivers Will Fuller and Braxton Miller.
Butler has ties to Bills coach
Texans secondary coach John Butler has long-standing connections to new Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, ties dating back to their days playing football at LaSalle College High School in Philadelphia.
With McDermott’s friendship and respect for Butler, a highly regarded assistant coach for the NFL’s top-ranked defense, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Butler emerged as a strong option for the Bills’ defensive coordinator position.
Butler has drawn praise for his work with the Texans’ secondranked pass defense.
Butler interviewed for the 49ers’ defensive coordinator job last offseason.