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Patriots running back Shane Vereen dived for first down in the first quarter.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski pulled in a long pass reception from Tom Brady during the first quarter but landed out of bounds and hurt his left forearm.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff

Texans receiver Andre Johnson made a catch in front of Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib during first quarter action.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub rubbed his eyes as he walked off the field during the first half.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff

Vereen put a spin move on the Texans' Danieal Manning during first quarter action.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Gronkowski landed on his left arm and seemed to reinjure it in the first quarter. He did not return to the game.

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Wes Welker caught a pass in the second quarter in front of Kareem Jackson.

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The crowd cheered as Vereen celebrated his second quarter touchdown.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski was the last man to beat but managed to make the tackle on Texans returner Danieal Manning.

Elise Amendola/associated press

Vereen was tackled by Texans strong safety Glover Quin during the first half.

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Texans running back Arian Foster celebrated after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter.

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Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich sails through the air as he brings down Texans running back Arian Foster from behind.

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Arian Foster was knocked off of his feet during this play.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd danced in the end zone after a 5-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff

Tom Brady celebrated with Brandon Lloyd after the touchdown catch.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich took to the air for a little extra yardage after his third quarter interception.

Matt Campbell/European pressphoto agency

Patriots running back Stevan Ridley ran over Kareen Jackson for a touchdown in the third quarter.

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Patriots quarterback Tom Brady fired a pass en route to 344 passing yards.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe staff

Patriots defender Justin Francis tackled Arian Foster after a 2-yard gain during fourth quarter action.

Elise Amendola/Associated press

Kareem Jackson could not restrain Stevan Ridley as he crossed the goal line for an 8-yard touchdown.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Andre Johnson pulled in a pass for the 2-point conversion after a Texans touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

For Arian Foster, disappointment set in as the night moved on.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard successfully disrupted a pass for Texans receiver DeVier Posey.

Jessica Rinaldi/REUTERS

DeVier Posey made this touchdown catch in front of Aqib Talib during the fourth quarter.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Vereen headed into the end zone after he hauled in a 33-yard pass from Tom Brady for a touchdown.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Brandon Lloyd (left) celebrated with Vereen after Vereen hauled after the 33-yard touchdown catch.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Tom Brady saluted fans after setting a new NFL record with his 17th career playoff victory.

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Bill Belichick saluted fans after the win.