Patriots attribute success to Belichick

FOXBORO, Mass. (WHDH) -- The Houston Texans may be relative new comers to the post season, but they have won a playoff game in back-to-back seasons.

“We’ve seen them and they look pretty good…They’ve been in the playoffs the last two years. Lost their quarterback at the end of the year last year, still won a playoff game. Won 12 regular-season games this year. Won a playoff game already, so they’ve done a pretty solid job,” said New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

It’s hard to compare the two franchises -- in the Texans brief 12-year history, the Patriots have been to the playoffs 10 times, all under Belichick. A credit to the Pats head man in his Patriot way.

“He works us hard, but he puts in the work himself. I think he’s great at breaking down film and getting the message across to us what we have to do to beat teams,” said Logan Mankins.

“He’s a great teacher. The way that he teaches the game it’s almost like I’m not being coached, I’m actually being taught,” said Brandon Lloyd.

The players learn quickly that the success is made possible by a relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Every year I’ve been here he’s told us from the start of the season…Wherever we got last year is going to be harder to get there and if we want to improve that’s going to be even harder, we’ve got to work even harder,” said Devin McCourty.