Patriots beat Texans 41-28, Ravens up next

By Barry Wilner

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Jan. 13 2013 6:07 p.m. MST

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New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) pulls in a 47-yard pass from Tom Brady as Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson chases him during the first half of an AFC divisional playoff NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Elise Amendola, Associated Press

Summary

Tom Brady became the winningest quarterback in postseason play, throwing for three touchdowns Sunday to beat Houston 41-28 and lift the New England Patriots into the AFC championship game.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Tom Brady became the winningest quarterback in postseason play, throwing for three touchdowns Sunday to beat Houston 41-28 and lift the New England Patriots into the AFC championship game.

Brady got his 17th victory, surpassing his childhood hero, Joe Montana, by throwing for 344 yards. Seldom-used running back Shane Vereen scored three times, twice on receptions.

If Brady can lead the Patriots (13-4) past Baltimore (12-6) in next Sunday's conference title game, then win the Super Bowl, he'll equal the 49ers' Hall of Famer for NFL championships.

The Patriots and Ravens are meeting for the AFC title for the second straight year. Baltimore, which stunned top-seeded Denver in double overtime Saturday, lost 23-20 at Gillette Stadium last January.

Houston (13-5) performed far better than in a 42-14 loss here last month. But the Texans couldn't slow down Brady.

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