Texans battling history as Patriots loom

Bill O'Brien the head coach of the Houston Texans admits his side is up for a challenge in facing the new England Patriots (AFP Photo/ANDY LYONS)Los Angeles (AFP) - The Houston Texans must cast off the weight of history as they attempt to halt the New England Patriots' march towards another Super Bowl appearance this weekend.

The Texans travel to Foxborough on Saturday for a divisional playoff game against a Patriots team who are firm favorites to advance to the AFC Championship game.

Houston have never won at Gillette Stadium, have only ever beaten the Patriots once and were trounced 27-0 at the same venue during the regular season.

Their last two meetings with the Patriots have been lost by…