Mile High Report
It’s the calm before the storm. On Sunday, the Denver Broncos will host the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The winner punches their ticket to Santa Clara, while the loser will have all offseason to analyze how and where they fell short. In order for the Broncos to be victorious on Sunday, these are three players I believe need to perform well.
Last Saturday against the Buffalo Bills, standout edge rusher Nik Bonitto had two huge plays that resulted in turnovers that helped the Broncos advance. This weekend, they will need the fourth-year pro to continue his career year and find a way to help disrupt the Patriots’ offense.
Quarterback Drake Maye has had a phenomenal season. However, the Patriots’ offensive line has given up a lot of sacks. Even Maye’s biggest supporters concede him holding onto the ball too long has been an issue. While the second-year signal caller performed very well in the regular season, but his production has tapered off going against two strong defenses to start his playoff journey.
I’m optimistic Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph will come up with a great game plan and find a way to disrupt New England’s passing offense. Bonitto and the rest of the defensive front seven will play a huge role in that. Asking for multiple turnovers or even one is a big ask, but I’d settle for Bonitto’s prowess coming off the edge and rattling Maye on a consistent basis good enough. Heck, maybe he can even get him to throw a rare interception.
Veteran quarterback Jarrett Stidham squares off against the franchise that drafted him seven seasons ago. That’s one big story angle for this weekend’s game. Throughout the week, Head Coach Sean Payton and Stidham’s teammates have given him a lot of praise and vowed confidence in his abilities. Even Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels, who spent multiple years coaching him, lauded his intelligence, arm strength and character.
As I’ve mentioned throughout the week, the Broncos don’t need a Herculean effort from Stidham. And it’s definitely not a game where it’s all on his shoulders. It’s a team game. Truth be told, they need him to be efficient and avoid mistakes. That’s still a tough ask—especially considering how great the Patriots’ defense has performed down the stretch.
Even so, I remain optimistic that he can perform well. Jaleel McLaughlin and RJ Harvey will have to help support Stidham by being effective running game. If they can do that, I expect Stidham to be able to convert on third downs and help move the chains. He is a strong intermediate passer with a good arm. But Denver will also need to protect him well which brings me to my third and final player to discuss as a key to Sunday’s game.
In his ninth season with the Broncos, offensive tackle Garett Bolles arguably has put together best season...
