"The Patriots are just minutes away from playing in their first AFC Championship since the 2018 season, and this time it's on the road in Denver. The weather is far different from what's going on back in Foxborough, making it a more level playing field for the Broncos, who are hoping the altitude will work in their favor."
"While talking about the Patriots' honorary captain for the game, three-time Super Bowl Champion kicker Adam Vinatieri, Vrabel made it clear just how important kickers are to the game. It's hard to overlook how this could be a message for rookie Andy Borregales, who has become an integral part of the Patriots' performance this year, and will surely be called upon in the championship game."
"Kickers are good teammates when they make their kicks, and that certainly was Adam. It was very calming to know that if it ever came down to it, that he would be there to make a kick when we had to have it."- Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) January 25, 2026"
The Patriots travel to Denver for their first AFC Championship game since 2018, facing altitude and cold that may narrow the home-field edge. A mostly inexperienced New England roster, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye and several young or rookie starters, carries major postseason pressure. Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix remains sidelined with a broken foot, shifting emphasis to defense and special teams after a subpar Patriots offensive outing. Coach Mike Vrabel highlighted the critical role of kickers and invoked Adam Vinatieri as an example, signaling added responsibility for rookie kicker Andy Borregales in the championship.
Read at Musket Fire
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]