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

[KCSVEN]

Only way Pats lose is on turnovers. Only way the Bills would lose to Broncos is turnovers, so it can happen.
Other chance is Stidham plays out of his mind somehow. Otherwise, Pats should win a 3rd playoff game by more than 1 score.

 

[Mack Herron]

He's likely to get some of that. I'm not talking trash with anyone here, by the way. I have no idea what will happen. It's the most interesting game I can remember, with all the oddities. I hope like heck we win. But I sort of feel we're playing with the house's money, at this point.

I do think that those here who are expecting a blowout are going to be much more tense Sunday than they expected. It's going to be a keep it close until someone makes the first mistake kind of game.

Another thing to throw out there - we activated JK Dobbins today. Not sure how much he will be able to help, but our offense completely changed when he went down.

Drake is unflappable as far as I can see. But he is reluctant to give up on a play and pocket awareness has always been a concern of mine. What is new is the quality of the pass rush and the performance of the rookies, with Campbell working back from injury and time off. The Broncos present another good D and have seen the film. Turnovers will bite us if they cannot correct it.

 

[farn]

Is it me? or does Allen's HS GF look much hotter than his Hollywood wife?

Both are very pleasant to look at. Crying Mr Allen is also fun to look at. For different reasons.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I think Drake will have a much more productive game. Chargers had bookend d ends and Texans even more so. He wasn't able to slide right or away from it like he did with Myles Garrett. He couldn't even move up in the pocket. Denver has one elite rusher and a bunch of good guys. He should have more time and I think we'll be able to run

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Drake is unflappable as far as I can see. But he is reluctant to give up on a play and pocket awareness has always been a concern of mine. What is new is the quality of the pass rush and the performance of the rookies, with Campbell working back from injury and time off. The Broncos present another good D and have seen the film. Turnovers will bite us if they cannot correct it.

Great pass rush no doubt.
Good against the run on the year.
Bad against the run Saturday.
183 yards given up to Buffalo.
May have been a fluke, but would be incredibly surprised if we don't test it to find out.

 

[TheRainMaker]

We unfortunately have to look at those awful Broncos uniforms on Sunday. They need to go back to their 1997 combo.

Look for the Pats to wear the silver pants.

 

[Mack Herron]

I think Drake will have a much more productive game. Chargers had bookend d ends and Texans even more so. He wasn't able to slide right or away from it like he did with Myles Garrett. He couldn't even move up in the pocket. Denver has one elite rusher and a bunch of good guys. He should have more time and I think we'll be able to run

Stevenson has been outstanding of late, but Henderson has gone the other way. Now when Stevenson leaves the game, so does our rushing attack. Hopefully they can get more production out of folks not named Stevenson.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

He's likely to get some of that. I'm not talking trash with anyone here, by the way. I have no idea what will happen. It's the most interesting game I can remember, with all the oddities. I hope like heck we win. But I sort of feel we're playing with the house's money, at this point.

I do think that those here who are expecting a blowout are going to be much more tense Sunday than they expected. It's going to be a keep it close until someone makes the first mistake kind of game.

Another thing to throw out there - we activated JK Dobbins today. Not sure how much he will be able to help, but our offense completely changed when he went down.

that’s easily the most important matchup is Campbell and whoever might be helping him vs Bonini. If Denver gets heavy pressure with just 4 and can force a few turnovers thats their best shot at taking this. Drake like most elite qbs is excellent against the blitz so itll be tough for Denver if they need to pressure that way. The patriots left side of the OL has been susceptible thus far against other top pass rushers so that could be a concern area for us, but also the patriots like denver are a very well rounded team and have found other ways to win when the offense hasn’t been its best.

Great year for Denver sports regardless of what happens. Broncos have made it at least to the final 4 and the Avs I believe were on a historic pace for single season points until a couple games ago(they might still be i dunno), but still crushing it.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Broncos schedule includes:

•Ward’s first career start with Titans
•Jake Browning Bengals
•2x Chargers, one with Trey Lance
•2x Chiefs, one with a third string QB
•2x Raiders
•Eagles
•Jets
•Giants
•Texans with Mills playing most of the game
•Mariota Commanders

The top 10 offenses they faced are the Colts, Cowboys, Jaguars & Bills. They all scored atleast 24 points & averaged 29.3 PPG. Despite their soft schedule they are 10th in EPA. While their pass rush is elite they have multiple weaknesses at LB & the secondary.

The offense has to play better. It’s one thing to struggle against one of the best defenses in the last few years with multiple all-pros. They shouldn’t struggle vs. a second tier defense IMO.

 

[obgod3]

I hope the Pats win but I wouldn’t mind a Seattle/Denver SB…that wound is deep.

 

[festy1986]

There probably has been no starting quarterback in AFC championship history with less experience than Jarrett Stidham. His biggest asset is that almost no game footage of him playing quarterback exists.

McDainels knows more than enough about him to pass along.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Stevenson has been outstanding of late, but Henderson has gone the other way. Now when Stevenson leaves the game, so does our rushing attack. Hopefully they can get more production out of folks not named Stevenson.

Will they continue the delayed handoffs. I think we might see more outside runs.. maybe 50/50 in and out instead of all behind the guards

 

[DomCasual]

that’s easily the most important matchup is Campbell and whoever might be helping him vs Bonini. If Denver gets heavy pressure with just 4 and can force a few turnovers thats their best shot at taking this. Drake like most elite qbs is excellent against the blitz so itll be tough for Denver if they need to pressure that way. The patriots left side of the OL has been susceptible thus far against other top pass rushers so that could be a concern area for us, but also the patriots like denver are a very well rounded team and have found other ways to win when the offense hasn’t been its best.

Great year for Denver sports regardless of what happens. Broncos have made it at least to the final 4 and the Avs I believe were on a historic pace for single season points until a couple games ago(they might still be i dunno), but still crushing it.

Yeah, thanks - Denver sports have been crazy. Avs have had some goaltending issues the last handful of games. But Blackwood is back and getting re-acclimated to the grind. This has got to be a Cup year for them. Their window isn't going to stay open forever. I'm a huge Nuggets fan, too. If they get their injuries figured out, they have a good shot at OKC. I really need someone to beat OKC. I can't stand the way they play. And the Rockies...uh.

 

[jimnance]

Yeah, thanks - Denver sports have been crazy. Avs have had some goaltending issues the last handful of games. But Blackwood is back and getting re-acclimated to the grind. This has got to be a Cup year for them. Their window isn't going to stay open forever. I'm a huge Nuggets fan, too. If they get their injuries figured out, they have a good shot at OKC. I really need someone to beat OKC. I can't stand the way they play. And the Rockies...uh.

Jokic is hands down the best player on the planet- and has been for several years.
Nuggets are always a threat to win it all.
Which is good for you because I honestly done give Broncos much of a chance vs Patriots- and that's if Nix was actually playing.
Pats are not the Bills- for one thing we also have a top 5 defense. But a far superior offense. Patriots D was missing several key players for much of the season, notably Milton Williams who was one of the best DTs in the NFL when he played. When he played, Patriots had # 1 rushing defense in the league and top 5 D overall.
When Williams and Christian Gonzalez both played this year? Patriots are 16-0.
But Denvers D is legit and you're at home.
Payton is very good coach. Those things keep you from getting blown out.(probably)
But I see Patriots controlling this game, winning by 10 pts or so

 

[Mack Herron]

Will they continue the delayed handoffs. I think we might see more outside runs.. maybe 50/50 in and out instead of all behind the guards

The pitch right has been unstoppable. Even more threatening if Hollins returns.

 

[Uptown]

 

[Zoomnbyu]

I live part time in Nebraska if anyone needs help.

 

[Give Kraft A Hand]

This will be a very tough game. I’m optimistic but this will not be easy much like any game in Denver.

 

[raduray]

When do they fly out? Don't they need some time to get acclimated to the altitude?

 

[ViperGTS]

When do they fly out? Don't they need some time to get acclimated to the altitude?

Nope a day does nothing. It takes a couple weeks to get acclimated.