The Denver Broncos didn’t get the matchup they wanted, and they’ll have their hands full next Sunday in the AFC Championship Game when the New England Patriots come to down after thrashing the Houston Texans, 28-16.
The game itself was a slopfest of turnovers that was played in snow and a wintry mix, and it's probably not at all representative of how the Patriots will probably play, unless of course the Colorado weather replicates the conditions both teams had to deal with in Foxboro today.
One Bronco who’ll recognize this opponent will be quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who will take over for Bo Nix after Nix shockingly broke his ankle on one of the final plays of Denver’s 33-30 overtime win against the Buffalo Bills.
Stidham was drafted by New England in the fourth round back in 2020, and he’ll be facing a surprisingly fierce defense that took advantage of the conditions to harass Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud into four interceptions.
But there may be opportunities for the Denver defense to force some turnovers as well. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has had occasional problem with ball security all year when he’s hemmed in the pocket, and Houston was able to force four Maye fumbles, two of which were recovered by the Texans.
New England was in control of the game most of the way due to Houston’s offensive ineptness, but it took forever for the Patriots to put it away. The Texans’ defense kept this one fairly close until late, when Maye’s third touchdown pass of the game to Kayshon Boutte gave the Patriots a twelve-point lead that turned out to be the final score.
Some other things the Broncos will need to worry about: Running back Rhamondre Stevenson was an absolute load for New England against Houston today, and it was his return from an early eye injury that re-triggered the static Patriots offense in the second half.
Broncos coach Sean Payton will also have to devise an offensive game plan to account for New England’s pass rush. The Patriots mixed up pressure looks and getting a pass rush from just four lineman, and Stroud was unable to come up with answers, especially with receiver Nico Collins out with a concussion and tight end Dalton Schultz exiting early in this one due to a calf injury.
It should be an entertaining game if the Broncos can force turnovers, however. They were able to do it with the Bills, and that’s their best hope when it comes to pulling out an upset win next Sunday.