Patriots Pregame Thread Pre-Game thread - 2025 AFC Championship at Denver Broncos

Mack Herron · Jan 21, 2026

SlowGettingUp said:
Davis at practice in a non-contact jersey (Phase 4 of the protocol). That is great news - key step to coming off the protocol. Makes it very likely indeed he is playing on Sunday.

It would have cost nothing to have Hollins come off IR (21 day practice window gets you past the Super Bowl) - that tells me he isn't coming back this season.

They did this for Farmer today and Jennings previously.

I’m not a math major, but I get 25 days till the Super Bowl technically. But if he has to practice for a few days before playing, which seems obvious, then there was nothing to lose. But if you know the guy isn’t well enough to practice, which must be the case, then there is also nothing to gain by opening the window so why bother?

Triumph · Jan 21, 2026

PatsFan2 said:
Stiddy is consistent Canton Massachusetts watch out.

If the unthinkable happens and Denver moves on and LAR wins, but Stafford gets hurt.

Jimmy G and J Stidham would face off in the Super Bowl

Triumph · Jan 21, 2026

What's going to happen is Pats and Rams win.

Maye vs Stafford in the Super Bowl. Winner is the MVP.

Toofy · Jan 21, 2026

I don't think hollins might play this season.

Or might play in Superbowl . I feel Vrabel wants everyone to play and practice like hollins is not there. Especially Chism ...

Hope davis clears protocol ...

jimnance · Jan 21, 2026

Zoomnbyu said:
Only two things could make that day better for me. Winning $Billion+ lottery and I'll hold back the other as some might find it ugly.

O

Hammer of Thor said:
Here’s a thought exercise— who had been the most successful “big ticket” external free agent signing the team has ever made? I want to emphasize the “big ticket” aspect - meaning signing a big name guy at the top of his game for big money. Not talking about Rodney Harrison (who might be their best external FA signing ever) who was considered past his prime, or Mike Vrabel (another contender for that) who was viewed as a role player who turned himself into an All-Pro later.

Thinking the candidates might be something like:
- Rosevelt Colvin
- Adalius Thomas
- Darrell Revis
- Stephon Gilmore
- Matthew Judon
- Milton Williams

I’m sure there are others. Williams is making a case for being near or at the top of the list.

Can't remember if Corey Dillon was a trade or fa. He would have to be#1 right now if it was fa. Though Williams is close to catching him.

Zoomnbyu · Jan 21, 2026

jimnance said:
O

Can't remember if Corey Dillon was a trade or fa. He would have to be#1 right now if it was fa. Though Williams is close to catching him.

I'd agree with AI

Top Contenders for "Worst"

Adalius Thomas (LB, 2007): Signed as a premier pass-rusher, he underperformed, clashed with coaches, and was cut after three seasons, marking a significant financial and personnel bust for the era.
Antonio Brown (WR, 2019): A high-profile, volatile acquisition, Brown played just one game, generating drama and ending quickly due to serious allegations, making him arguably the worst impact signing.

Other Notable Disappointments

Jonnu Smith (TE, 2021): A large contract ($50M/4 yrs) that didn't translate to production, with struggles under different offensive coordinators leading to his release.
Juju Smith-Schuster (WR, 2023): Expected to replace Jakobi Meyers, he disappointed with low yardage and inconsistent play before an injury ended his season, failing to match his predecessor's output.

BobDigital · Jan 21, 2026

Triumph said:
What's going to happen is Pats and Rams win.

Maye vs Stafford in the Super Bowl. Winner is the MVP.

That be fun... But i think everyone knows it will be Seattle. They are the best team this year. Just how it is. Offense, defense, special teams. They are well coached, balanced and don't tend to make mistakes and tend to force them. I am admitting it, they are better than our Pats. But the best team doesn't always win and it matters how much you are the best by.

The Pats have made a strong case IMO to be the clear #2 team ever since the Rams have started coming down to earth. And our D is healthy right now and playing the best ball they have all year. Add in Stevenson playing like a man possessed and that gap to me seems absolutely tiny at the moment, where a 6 weeks ago even if i thought we were #2 there would have been a substantial gap. This Pats team is peaking at the right time.

Futures have the Pats as +3 vs the Rams. I highly disagree health being equal right now. Right now I would argue the exact opposite. Pats -3... maybe -3.5. I think they are legit that much better right now.

As for the Seahawks they are minus -3.5 to -4.5 vs the Pats... which is crazy as that is almost exactly the same as the Rams. Who is clearly playing down and the Seahawks who are playing great ball all around.

The fact that the Seahawks are -2.5 to -3 on the Rams WITH HFA is an absolute joke. And I am tired of pretending it's not. That is -6.5 all day IMO.

As for Pats vs Seahawks on a neutral site... virtually a pick em. I'd give the Seahawks -1 to -1.5.... only cause i think a pick em is just not true. But that is basically nothing. So while i think the Seahawks are the better team. That is how close I believe it to be. Little worse than a coin flip.

ViperGTS · Jan 21, 2026

patfanken said:
So, I took a different tact and tried to think of what I would do to make things easier for Stiddy and take advantage of what he does best and negate what the Pats do best on defense. And ironically, I came up with something that I ALWAYS come up with when I want to screw with a good defense, and that is TEMPO!

The Pats have allowed exactly ONE TD (on a 27yd drive) this entire playoff. They have been able to do that by running a multiple scheme of different sets and combinations of man and zone coverages, combined with disguising my defensive fronts, rushes and blitzes. In doing so, I have suffocated my opponents run game and created consistent pressure in the passing game through stunts and blitzes. They have made 2 good QB's look like they were "seeing ghosts" by the end of the game.

All those things are exactly what I DON'T want my QB to experience. I want his reads to be simple and easily read. I want the ball out quickly and I don't want him pressured. I want to DICTATE to the Pats what they can and cannot do on defense and the only way to do that with any consistency is to run a hurry up offense. Keep those oxygen deprived players on the field and not let them sub. Don't let the defense get set and limit their ability to disguise their defenses. Thus keep their looks basic and easier to read and run my offense.

THIS is a way to win with a guy who hasn't thrown a regular season pass in 2 years but has burned us all year in practice. This will surprise the Pats and allow Stiddy to get off to a good start and build confidence. Remember we don't want to shorten the game, we want to make it LONGER. Because the long it goes, the more Denver's UNFAIR advantage gets to manifest. So we want to have our offense run as many plays as possible, so it isn't so much the clock, it's all about the number of plays.

Anyhow that's what I would do if I were dealt Peyton's hand.

Makes sense, but can a QB who hasn't seen live action in 2 plus years run up tempo? Can't see how that would be easy without making a ton of mistakes. Plus the Pats D can morph into different looks even if it's up tempo.

Game speed is a real thing and he hasn't been hit in a very long time. Really hit I mean.

PP2 · Jan 21, 2026

patfanken said:
So, I took a different tact and tried to think of what I would do to make things easier for Stiddy and take advantage of what he does best and negate what the Pats do best on defense. And ironically, I came up with something that I ALWAYS come up with when I want to screw with a good defense, and that is TEMPO!

The Pats have allowed exactly ONE TD (on a 27yd drive) this entire playoff. They have been able to do that by running a multiple scheme of different sets and combinations of man and zone coverages, combined with disguising my defensive fronts, rushes and blitzes. In doing so, I have suffocated my opponents run game and created consistent pressure in the passing game through stunts and blitzes. They have made 2 good QB's look like they were "seeing ghosts" by the end of the game.

All those things are exactly what I DON'T want my QB to experience. I want his reads to be simple and easily read. I want the ball out quickly and I don't want him pressured. I want to DICTATE to the Pats what they can and cannot do on defense and the only way to do that with any consistency is to run a hurry up offense. Keep those oxygen deprived players on the field and not let them sub. Don't let the defense get set and limit their ability to disguise their defenses. Thus keep their looks basic and easier to read and run my offense.

THIS is a way to win with a guy who hasn't thrown a regular season pass in 2 years but has burned us all year in practice. This will surprise the Pats and allow Stiddy to get off to a good start and build confidence. Remember we don't want to shorten the game, we want to make it LONGER. Because the long it goes, the more Denver's UNFAIR advantage gets to manifest. So we want to have our offense run as many plays as possible, so it isn't so much the clock, it's all about the number of plays.

Anyhow that's what I would do if I were dealt Peyton's hand.

That is how I think Payton will approach it too as well. His big thing will be to not allow us to substitute too much. But this will mean he can't substitute as well.

Vrabel is definitely conscious of this and he will have a lot at his disposal to slow down the game: burning all timeouts, the option to challenge a play. He will have the players do a lot of little things, such as not picking up and/or handing the ball to the refs, talking, arguing with the refs, and if necessary, someone will go down with a torn ACL or severe sprain that miraculously cures after five minutes of writhing.

TheRainMaker · Jan 21, 2026

Hammer of Thor said:
Here’s a thought exercise— who had been the most successful “big ticket” external free agent signing the team has ever made? I want to emphasize the “big ticket” aspect - meaning signing a big name guy at the top of his game for big money. Not talking about Rodney Harrison (who might be their best external FA signing ever) who was considered past his prime, or Mike Vrabel (another contender for that) who was viewed as a role player who turned himself into an All-Pro later.

Thinking the candidates might be something like:
- Rosevelt Colvin
- Adalius Thomas
- Darrell Revis
- Stephon Gilmore
- Matthew Judon
- Milton Williams

I’m sure there are others. Williams is making a case for being near or at the top of the list.

I don't disagree with any of those on the list. Thomas was elite for one year, then was disgruntled after his forearm injury. Colvin was still solid despite his major hip injury. Revis lost a step, but he was reliable unlike Talib. Gilmore was a beast. Judon was the biggest bargain signing of them all. Williams is TBD.

jimnance said:
Can't remember if Corey Dillon was a trade or fa. He would have to be#1 right now if it was fa. Though Williams is close to catching him.

He was a trade. 2nd round pick for a 30 year old RB is something you'd never see today. That one year in 2004 was worth it as they rode him to the Super Bowl. I would've rather had the Pats use the pick for Ben Watson in a trade up for Steven Jackson that year. Jackson would've transitioned nicely to take over for Dillon by 2006.

SlowGettingUp · Jan 21, 2026

Mack Herron said:
But if he has to practice for a few days before playing, which seems obvious, then there was nothing to lose.

I guess there is actually a cost in returning him too early if the Super Bowl is still a possibility for him. You have to make a go/no-go decision on whether to put him on the roster, and you might want to leave that decision to the very last minute before the game.

Triumph · Jan 21, 2026

Mack Herron · Jan 21, 2026

Toofy · Jan 21, 2026

Mack Herron said:

So will Jennings and farmer be elevated ?

mapu and landry will probably not play. Can we get the Houston edge rushers. We need more on defense to prevent gassing of players. 5 wide receivers in diggs Boutte, williams , pop and Chism should be good and help save 1 spot for game day. Not sure if Westover will play.

SVN · Jan 21, 2026

mgteich · Jan 21, 2026

Toofy said:
So will Jennings and farmer be elevated ?

mapu and landry will probably not play. Can we get the Houston edge rushers. We need more on defense to prevent gassing of players. 5 wide receivers in diggs Boutte, williams , pop and Chism should be good and help save 1 spot for game day. Not sure if Westover will play.

For me, I think that Jennings could take Johnson's #3 RB roster spot.

If Farmer is healthy, Minor could easily be cut and a PS player elevated to play STs.

NFL Mystique · Jan 21, 2026

Sub-zero windchills on Sunday in Denver. Mid to low 20's.

tupashakur19 · Jan 21, 2026

patfanken said:
So, I took a different tact and tried to think of what I would do to make things easier for Stiddy and take advantage of what he does best and negate what the Pats do best on defense. And ironically, I came up with something that I ALWAYS come up with when I want to screw with a good defense, and that is TEMPO!

The Pats have allowed exactly ONE TD (on a 27yd drive) this entire playoff. They have been able to do that by running a multiple scheme of different sets and combinations of man and zone coverages, combined with disguising my defensive fronts, rushes and blitzes. In doing so, I have suffocated my opponents run game and created consistent pressure in the passing game through stunts and blitzes. They have made 2 good QB's look like they were "seeing ghosts" by the end of the game.

All those things are exactly what I DON'T want my QB to experience. I want his reads to be simple and easily read. I want the ball out quickly and I don't want him pressured. I want to DICTATE to the Pats what they can and cannot do on defense and the only way to do that with any consistency is to run a hurry up offense. Keep those oxygen deprived players on the field and not let them sub. Don't let the defense get set and limit their ability to disguise their defenses. Thus keep their looks basic and easier to read and run my offense.

THIS is a way to win with a guy who hasn't thrown a regular season pass in 2 years but has burned us all year in practice. This will surprise the Pats and allow Stiddy to get off to a good start and build confidence. Remember we don't want to shorten the game, we want to make it LONGER. Because the long it goes, the more Denver's UNFAIR advantage gets to manifest. So we want to have our offense run as many plays as possible, so it isn't so much the clock, it's all about the number of plays.

Anyhow that's what I would do if I were dealt Peyton's hand.

Agreed, this can also backfire pretty quickly if you have two three and outs . This keeps your defense out on the field longer, mitigating your pass rush advantage as well as the ability to be staunch against the running game.

jdlboot14 · Jan 21, 2026

I would have preferred for Pats to get beat in CG rather than lose in the SB... if we lost to the Bills or Jags or someone, giving us a good year with understandable room to grow. But now, it'd take a colossal disaster to lose with Stiddy which would be much worse.

But IF we do win, I am quite sure we'll loose in the SB to either Rams or Hawks. And that will stink.
Because the AFC was not very good this year, and either of those NFC teams seem like a cut above... they are not the historic chokers like Chargers & Texans.

DoubleDeluxe · Jan 21, 2026

jdlboot14 said:
I would have preferred for Pats to get beat in CG rather than lose in the SB... if we lost to the Bills or Jags or someone, giving us a good year with understandable room to grow. But now, it'd take a colossal disaster to lose with Stiddy which would be much worse.

But IF we do win, I am quite sure we'll loose in the SB to either Rams or Hawks. And that will stink.
Because the AFC was not very good this year, and either of those NFC teams seem like a cut above... they are not the historic chokers like Chargers & Texans.

Rams lost to the Panthers and Falcons in the reg season, 2 teams we beat. We can beat them.
Hawks lost to TB, a team we beat.
Can't say what will happen based on other games, but we can beat either of those teams.
Stafford is great, but he's had a lot of shaky moments.
Darnold is Darnold, could implode at any given moment.

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