Denver Broncos Prepare for AFC Championship
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — As the Denver Broncos gear up to face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship this Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High, the team looks to replicate the success of Super Bowl 50, where defense played a crucial role in their victory. The Broncos (15-3) will need their defensive unit to step up once more, particularly with a backup quarterback slated to make his first start in over two years.
Quarterback Situation
This comes after starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle during a thrilling overtime win against the Buffalo Bills, a game that showcased Denver’s resilience as they triumphed 33-30 in a high-stakes nail-biter.
Stepping in for Nix is Jarrett Stidham, a journeyman QB with minimal recent playing time – he has only thrown one pass in the last two years and has a record of one win across four career starts over six seasons. Coach Sean Payton expressed confidence in Stidham’s readiness for the challenge ahead. However, Stidham’s task is made more daunting by the absence of key receivers Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant, both sidelined by injuries sustained during their postseason victory last week.
In light of their injuries, Marvin Mims Jr. emerged as a reliable target, catching all eight passes thrown his way, including a pivotal touchdown.
Defensive Performance
Denver’s defense, however, has been a shining beacon of hope, stepping up dramatically after Payton called for more turnovers heading into the playoffs. In their previous game against the Bills, the defense forced five turnovers, transforming the game and holding quarterback Josh Allen to four critical mistakes, a stark contrast to his clean playoff performance in recent seasons.
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto stood out, recording a strip sack and becoming one of only three Denver players to force multiple fumbles in a playoff game. Notably, the Broncos’ defense ended the game with a +4 turnover differential, contributing significantly to their playoff success.
Concerns and Statistics
Despite their defensive dominance, the Broncos’ running game struggled significantly, with Nix leading the team as the top rusher with just 29 yards. The overall ground game produced minimal yards, raising concerns about their ability to effectively move the ball against a challenging Patriots defense. Injuries also continue to plague the receiving corps, with Bryant suffering his second concussion in a month and Franklin pulling a hamstring early in the matchup against Buffalo.
Important statistics to note as the Broncos prepare include kicker Wil Lutz’s perfect game with four field goals and three extra points, tying for the second-most field goals in a Broncos playoff game. Nix matched franchise legends John Elway and Peyton Manning by throwing three touchdown passes against the Bills, a feat that underscores the urgency and intensity of the playoff atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
Next, the Broncos set their sights on avenging past playoff encounters against the Patriots, who have not won any of their four playoff games in the Mile High City. With both teams finishing the regular season with comparable records, Denver secured the top seed in the AFC due to their performance against common opponents. As they level up for this face-off, the Broncos aim for a shot at either the Seattle Seahawks or the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 60 on February 8th, with the hope that their stout defense can carry them once again into the championship spotlight.
