Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston spoke to the Kansas City media Sunday as the team prepares for its regular-season opener this Thursday night against the New England Patriots.
When asked about how to beat quarterback Tom Brady, a big smile came to Houston’s face.
“Hit him,” he laughed. “The ball comes out so fast. He’s a smart guy, so my main thing as a defense is don’t lose confidence in what you got going on because he’s going to make plays. It’s Tom Brady. You just have to stay together through four quarters.”
The last time Houston and the Chiefs traveled to Foxborough was two seasons ago, when the Chiefs lost to the Patriots in the divisional round.
At that point, Houston was in the midst of bad knee injuries, and he said Sunday he forced himself to play. But it was clear Houston was only a shell of himself in that game, and he came out after just eight snaps.
Heading into this game, he explained, it’s a world of difference.
“I’m night and day different,” he said. “I’m 100 percent better than what I was.”
In addition to being truly healthy, what excites Houston the most about this game is it serves as a true measuring stick.
Foxborough is one of the toughest places in the league to win, and the Chiefs really couldn’t be facing a better opponent to start the season.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to not only see where we’re at, but just our mindset,” he added. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere, it’s going to be live.
“It’s pretty much like a playoff atmosphere when you go there, so it’s good to see where we’re at mentally and on the field. It’s going to be a big test for us.”