Tom Brady insisted on Monday that he had confidence in his New England Patriots wide receivers after the Super Bowl champions’ offence stalled once more against the Houston Texans.

A furious Brady was seen barking orders at his teammates during New England’s 28-22 loss in Houston on Sunday, telling players that they needed to be “faster, quicker, more explosive”.

The sideline dressing down came during a sputtering offensive display for New England. Brady did not throw a touchdown pass until the final seconds of the third quarter.

Brady told Boston WEEI radio’s The Greg Hill Show on Monday that he had no problem with Patriots receivers Phillip Dorsett, N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers.

“A quarterback’s responsibility is to lead and motivate,” Brady said of his sideline pep talk. “We’re trying to motivate people and get people to play their best. Guys are trying. I have no problem.

“I love playing with Phillip Dorsett. I love playing with N’Keal,” Brady said.

“We’re working hard and trying to do the right thing, and sometimes it’s been good. Other times, we obviously still have work we still have to do. That is just part of playing football.

“Sometimes people have it figured out early and some people, we’re trying to figure it out as we go. That’s just part of it. That is just part of what we’re dealing with.”

Although Sunday’s loss means the Patriots have fallen behind the red-hot Baltimore Ravens in the race for homefield advantage during the playoffs, Brady said New England were not hitting the panic button.

“By no means . . . we’re not 2-10. We’re 10-2,” Brady said.

The Patriots have had to field a new-look receiving team this season.

Star tight-end Rob Gronkowski retired at the end of last season, while new recruit Antonio Brown was released after only one game following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Another receiving option, Josh Gordon, was released in October, meaning the Patriots are relying on rookie receiver Harry and undrafted free agent Meyers, in addition to Dorsett and veteran Julian Edelman.