The Denver Broncos are preparing for their first AFC Championship Game appearance in ten years, set to face the New England Patriots on Sunday. With a 15-3 record, the Broncos are aiming for a spot in Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
Head Coach Sean Payton commented on the significance of the game: “You’re playing another good football team, and you know what’s at stake and you know what’s next. It’s exciting.”
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton reflected on the team’s achievement: “When you look at it from that perspective, it’s such a blessing to be one of four. It’s something that this team has earned, and I don’t think that anybody takes it for granted at all. I think everybody is embracing the moment, embracing this opportunity. We have a locker room that’s full of guys that are ready to take advantage of what’s in front of us. We have a huge opportunity in front of us.”
The Broncos will start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham after losing Bo Nix to injury during their Divisional Round win over Buffalo. The team remains confident despite this setback, having secured 13 comeback wins and holding a 12-2 record in one-score games.
Tackle Mike McGlinchey emphasized the team’s resilience: “Certainly, we are a team that’s been battle-tested. We’ve handled adversity every step of the way that we’ve come across it, and [I’m] incredibly confident moving forward in our team.”
Stidham’s performance will be under scrutiny as he faces a strong Patriots defense. Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II expressed confidence in Stidham: “I’ve seen a lot of confidence. He’s got a type of mojo with him, a type of confidence with him, that you rarely see. I’m excited for him for his opportunity. He’s got everything it takes to shine on this level, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Stidham has previously demonstrated potential during late-season games with other teams and performed well during preseason action for Denver.
McGlinchey added about Stidham: “He’s been waiting for this moment for the entirety of his career. He’s more prepared than anybody would be in this situation, and he can ball. He flat out can play quarterback. We’ve seen it every single day at practice. We’ve seen it in training camp. We’ve seen it in the preseason. I have no doubts that he’s going to go out there and play his butt off.”
The Patriots’ defense has allowed just 3.4 yards per play during these playoffs—one of the best marks since 2000—and has limited opponents to fewer than 20 points across two postseason games.
Stidham said about his approach: “I think what I always go back to — in any game, regular season, preseason, the AFC Championship — it’s still the same game… I’m not treating my preparation any differently… I’m just going to go out there and play and be myself…”
Payton stated he is not concerned about Stidham’s readiness: “I say this respectfully, and I told the team this: I said, ‘I’m not worried about ‘Stiddy’ in this game. I’m worried about everyone else, all right, and how we play.’ That really is the truth.”
Denver’s defense will also be tested against Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. The Broncos set a franchise record with 68 sacks during the season and forced five turnovers against Buffalo last week.
Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph praised outside linebacker Nik Bonitto’s ability to force turnovers: “That’s huge, that’s huge… That’s changed his game… We want the ball, and the ball’s the game… He has been great all year, but man, he is finding the football. That’s key.”
Protecting possession will also be important; New England forced six turnovers over its last two playoff games while Denver turned over only once against Buffalo.
Payton commented on turnover importance: “Currently we’re plus-four… The significance of it [is high] in a game that’s pretty quick… oftentimes these games can be lost, not won.”
Throughout their season—including setting an NFL record for most comeback wins—the Broncos have repeatedly made crucial plays late in games.
Bonitto said after last week’s win: “I feel like we were ready for this moment… There was no wavering… We knew we could still win this game…”
Denver enters Sunday’s matchup seeking another resilient performance as they try to secure their first Super Bowl trip since their last championship run.
