For the first time since 2015, the Denver Broncos are preparing to play in the AFC Championship Game. The team will host the New England Patriots this weekend, marking their return to championship weekend after a decade.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton described the significance of this moment for the team. “We’re one of four teams that are still practicing right now,” Sutton said. “Everybody else is at home enjoying their offseason. 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’ last appearance in an AFC Championship Game resulted in a close win over New England and an eventual Super Bowl title.
This year, Denver faces additional challenges as they move forward without starting quarterback Bo Nix due to injury. Cornerback Pat Surtain II spoke about how the team is responding: “We’ve just got to find a way,” Surtain said. “… We didn’t make it this far just to come this far. We realize we have a lot on the horizon to look forward to, and this is championship football now. So, we’ve got to lock in and buy into the process.”
Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized preparation as essential for success against what he called “a real good football team.” He said, “There’s nothing like it when it’s just [the time] ticking, and you’re wanting to make sure you’ve looked at every bit of film, that you haven’t missed anything,” Payton said. “You’re playing another good football team, and you know what’s at stake and you know what’s next. It’s exciting.”
Few players on Denver’s roster have previously played this deep into the postseason; for many it’s their first experience with an AFC Championship Game.
Tight end Evan Engram shared his anticipation: “I’ve been watching these games from my couch my entire career,” Engram said. “… I can’t wait.”
Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto added: “It’s a real special opportunity. … We’ve got to fully take advantage of this moment.”
Sutton also mentioned how important continuing their season is for building memories with teammates: “This is one of those memories that we get a chance to go out there and make,” Sutton said.
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham will make his first postseason start on Sunday with a Super Bowl berth at stake. He acknowledged what’s ahead for himself and his teammates: “We’re playing in the AFC Championship,” Stidham said. “We’re one of the last four teams playing. What’s not fun about this? So, we’re going to go out there, give it the best we got, and hopefully come out victorious.”
