Each AFC Championship recreation for the reason that 2011 season has featured both the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs of New England Patriots, however even through the Tom Brady days the Pats by no means had any pleasure at Mile Excessive.
Is that this Patriots dynasty reborn?
There’s a variety of similarities between life underneath Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye and the last word dynasty of Brady and Invoice Belichick – this play-off run with two brutal defensive clashes is one among them.
It has been an enormous turnaround in New England, successful 16 video games this season after simply eight wins mixed within the earlier two campaigns.
They have been the most important spenders in free company but additionally had the second-most rookie begins this season, so an overhaul that left simply 16 gamers left from the 2023 roster clearly has the appropriate steadiness.
It is true the Pats had a straightforward common season schedule, however they’re going to must win it the exhausting manner as – after dealing with the Chargers, Texans and now Broncos – Maye will develop into the primary quarterback to beat three top-five defences in a single post-season if victorious.
If he does, there will probably be but extra proof the Pats are again.
Can Broncos win Tremendous Bowl with back-up QB?
Head coach Sean Payton has taken just a little longer to show issues round, understandably given Denver’s wage cap points. The most important expense on their wage cap this season is the $32m of useless cash nonetheless left on Russell Wilson’s ill-fated contract.
Simply a few hours after beating the Payments in a thriller, Denver have been deflated when information that quarterback Bo Nix had damaged his ankle got here via.
Nix’s total stat strains might not leap out at you, however main his crew to a 12-2 report in one-score video games tells you every part.
The large query now could be whether or not Payton can devise a technique to win with back-up Jarrett Stidham, who will play for a spot within the Tremendous Bowl 749 days since he final threw a cross within the NFL.
The 29-year-old was, mockingly sufficient, drafted by New England and seen as Brady’s successor at one level, however though he has extra appearances for the Pats (8) than Broncos (7) his profession subsequent took off in Foxborough.
He has simply 4 profession begins, with one win, and hasn’t thrown a single cross prior to now two seasons – enjoying only one snap this season which was a kneeldown.
He’s the primary quarterback to start out a Convention Championship recreation with out throwing a cross that season, and though Payton has insisted he is able to go it is a large fear for the hosts.
