Zak Kuhr Relishing Opportunity as Patriots Defensive Play Caller

The Pats’ defense delivered its strongest performance of the season in the wild-card win over the Los Angeles Chargers, allowing just three points and 207 total yards. The key to that success was an aggressive, blitz-heavy approach orchestrated by acting defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr, who has taken over play-calling duties while Terrell Williams undergoes cancer treatment. From early pressure to disguised coverages, the Patriots consistently disrupted Justin Herbert and exploited a struggling Chargers offensive line.

Kuhr emphasized that while the aggressive plan worked against Los Angeles, it is not a one-size-fits-all formula. He described defensive play-calling as a weekly balance, dependent on personnel and opponent tendencies rather than a fixed philosophy. The Patriots blitzed Herbert on 20 of 44 dropbacks—a risky decision given Herbert’s strong regular-season numbers against the blitz—but strong execution and matchup advantages allowed the defense to overwhelm the Chargers.

Looking ahead to a matchup with the Houston Texans, a similar approach could be on the table, though nothing is guaranteed. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been solid but not elite against the blitz this season, and Houston’s offensive line has been mediocre, suggesting potential vulnerabilities the Patriots could again target. While Stroud is more mobile and perhaps better supported than Herbert was, the statistical profile offers some encouragement for New England.

Kuhr also highlighted the importance of disguising defensive looks as a way to slow down fast-processing NFL quarterbacks. With so much film available late in the season, disguises can buy the defense a critical split-second by forcing quarterbacks to reassess post-snap. Ultimately, regardless of scheme or pressure rate, the Patriots’ main objective against Houston will be to disrupt Stroud’s timing, because, as Kuhr bluntly noted, Stroud is “deadly” when kept clean in the pocket.