Here are four key takeaways for the New England Patriots as they prepare to face their AFC title game foe, the Denver Broncos:
**Backup QB Jarrett Stidham will lead the charge**: Due to a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos will have to rely on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham to guide them through the critical game. The Patriots have familiarity with Stidham, having selected him in the 4th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite his limited experience, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has a book on Stidham and should be able to adjust their strategy to exploit any weaknesses.
**Denver's defense remains a formidable test**: The Broncos' stingy defense will undoubtedly pose significant challenges for the Patriots' offense. Denver's elite defensive unit has been a key factor in their success this season, with quarterback Bo Nix serving as the catalyst for many of those victories. The Broncos boast some of the league's top pass rushers, including Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper, who will test New England's offensive line and limit opportunities for Drake Maye to find open receivers.
**Denver doesn't force turnovers**: While it would be ideal for the Patriots to create turnovers to flip momentum in their favor, Denver's defense has not been particularly prolific in this department. The Broncos have only recorded 10 interceptions and four fumble recoveries on nine forced fumbles during the regular season. This trend may continue if Stidham is able to avoid taking unnecessary risks and limit New England's chances for big plays.
**Historical context could work against the Patriots**: For all the Patriots' success in recent years, they have struggled in the playoffs when forced to play on the road at Empower Field at Mile High. In their most recent appearances in the AFC title game (2013 and 2015), both were defeated by Peyton Manning and the Broncos. While Denver may not have a similar matchup against a similarly talented team this time around, history could play a role in determining the outcome of Sunday's contest.
**Backup QB Jarrett Stidham will lead the charge**: Due to a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos will have to rely on backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham to guide them through the critical game. The Patriots have familiarity with Stidham, having selected him in the 4th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite his limited experience, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has a book on Stidham and should be able to adjust their strategy to exploit any weaknesses.
**Denver's defense remains a formidable test**: The Broncos' stingy defense will undoubtedly pose significant challenges for the Patriots' offense. Denver's elite defensive unit has been a key factor in their success this season, with quarterback Bo Nix serving as the catalyst for many of those victories. The Broncos boast some of the league's top pass rushers, including Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper, who will test New England's offensive line and limit opportunities for Drake Maye to find open receivers.
**Denver doesn't force turnovers**: While it would be ideal for the Patriots to create turnovers to flip momentum in their favor, Denver's defense has not been particularly prolific in this department. The Broncos have only recorded 10 interceptions and four fumble recoveries on nine forced fumbles during the regular season. This trend may continue if Stidham is able to avoid taking unnecessary risks and limit New England's chances for big plays.
**Historical context could work against the Patriots**: For all the Patriots' success in recent years, they have struggled in the playoffs when forced to play on the road at Empower Field at Mile High. In their most recent appearances in the AFC title game (2013 and 2015), both were defeated by Peyton Manning and the Broncos. While Denver may not have a similar matchup against a similarly talented team this time around, history could play a role in determining the outcome of Sunday's contest.
And yeah Denver's defense is crazy tough - those pass rushers are no joke! But what really gets me is that Patriots have familiarity with Stidham, yet they're still counting on him to outsmart the Broncos' defense. Can't say I'm confident in their chances... and why do teams always seem to struggle on the road in playoffs? 
Jarrett Stidham is defo gonna be like wow we didn't see that comin!! 
and Josh McDaniels is the best coach eva!! 
Denver's defense is so strong but i think patriots can still take them down 
. And what about their offense going up against Denver's D? They gotta be worried that they're gonna get dismantled. Plus, if Stidham makes one mistake, it's over for the Broncos 
. Not saying they can't win or anything, but I'm just saying... Patriots fans better wake up and smell the coffee 
️. Those guys can get to you fast. And let's be real, New England's been struggling on the road in the playoffs, it's like they have a personal vendetta against Mile High 
. I'm not saying they can't win, but I think people are underestimating Denver. Oh, and by the way, isn't it Bo Nix who's out for the season? Not Drake Maye... just saying 
. Stidham might have an edge because Patriots know his system, but that doesn't mean he's gonna come out on top. Broncos' defense is a legit challenge, btw 
. Can't wait to see how the Pats adjust their gameplan... or if they'll just wing it and hope for the best 
. And don't even get me started on the whole "history could work against them" thing 
. Come on, NFL, can we have a real game without relying on ancient matchups? 
... that's like, a recipe for success right there! 
Plus, the Broncos have that crazy history against New England in the playoffs... it's like they're calling out the Patriots to come and try 
- he'll figure something out! 
The Broncos' defense is looking pretty solid 
and if they can limit turnovers, it's gonna be a real challenge for New England to get anything going 
It's gonna be a nail-biter game, that's for sure! 
plus their D has been super stingy this season, they're not gonna let the patriots just waltz in there and win. and btw patriots offense struggles against elite pass rushers, they're gonna have a hard time creating big plays