"The New England Patriots step into the AFC Championship game in a very rare position: they are on the road in one of the league's toughest environments, facing the one seed, and they are the favorites to win. Mike Vrabel's boys are coming off two solid playoff wins, but both came at home, and they were far from underdogs in each matchup."
"Denver, in Mile High and fresh off an overtime win against Josh Allen's Bills, is being counted out by many, with backup Jarrett Stidham taking the reins. Let me warn Patriots fans, however: this game is not over before it starts. These Broncos, led by one of the NFL's most experienced head coaches, have an elite defense and enough talent on offense to mask the expected quarterback drop-off."
"New England's number one priority must be to make him uncomfortable in the pocket. In years past, his top weakness has been getting sacked. Nix, in comparison, does a great job at avoiding both sacks and turnovers; Vrabel's defense has to jump on this difference. Create nonstop pressure, fly to the ball, and make as many impact plays as you can."
The Patriots enter the AFC Championship as rare road favorites against the top-seeded Broncos after a last-minute Bo Nix injury elevated New England's status. New England won two playoff games at home and must still earn a win in Denver's hostile environment. The Broncos will start backup Jarrett Stidham but remain dangerous behind an elite defense, experienced head coaching, and enough offensive talent to cover a perceived quarterback downgrade. The Patriots' defense must create pressure, force turnovers, and exploit Stidham's sack tendency. New England must execute three keys, especially disrupting Stidham early, to advance.
Read at Inside The Star
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