New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots will travel to Denver to face the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday; however, one key player will not be playing.
Broncos quarterback Box Nix suffered a season-ending break in his ankle during Denver’s 33-30 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. The Broncos selected Nix in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the same year the Patriots picked Drake Maye. Maye commented on not being able to face Nix in their upcoming matchup.
“Heartbreaking for the player he is, the guy he is. Praying for Bo,” Maye said on Sunday. “I know he’ll bounce back. He’s a great player in this league.”
Nix had a significant impact in the Broncos’ victory over the Bills, throwing for 279 yards and throwing three touchdowns, with just one interception. Nix led Denver on a game-winning overtime drive.
Denver is expected to start former Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who participated in just one game this season. Stidham has a 1-3 record as a starting quarterback and hasn’t won a game since 2023.
Even though the Broncos will be relying on a backup quarterback, they still boast one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Patriots will need to find ways to prevent Denver’s defense from creating easy turnovers that would give the offense favorable field position.
