The Denver Broncos secondary is gearing up for a significant challenge as they face New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in the AFC Championship game. Following a dramatic overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills, where nickelback Ja”Quan McMillian made a pivotal interception, the Broncos” defensive backfield is under pressure to deliver once more this Sunday at Empower Field.
Maye, a finalist for the NFL MVP award, has enjoyed an impressive second season. Drafted third overall out of North Carolina in 2024, he has established himself as one of the league”s most accurate passers. His completion percentage of 72% and an average of 8.93 yards per attempt set new franchise records for the Patriots. Additionally, he leads the NFL with a passer rating of 113.5.
“He”s playing at a high level for a young guy,” said Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. “His footwork and quick reads make him capable of making every throw. It”s a really efficient offense that”s hard to stop.”
Maye”s arsenal includes star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who is considered a potential Hall of Famer. Diggs is one of the few players not retained on New England”s roster the previous season, contributing to the team”s remarkable turnaround from a 4-13 record to 14-3. He has recorded his seventh career season with over 1,000 receiving yards.
Diggs and Maye have developed one of the most effective quarterback-receiver partnerships in the league, boasting an 80.5% completion rate on targets that exceed 100 attempts this season. Broncos Pro Bowl cornerback Pat Surtain II, who is expected to match up against Diggs, emphasized the importance of limiting the receiver”s impact.
“Diggs is still shifty and has strong hands,” Surtain noted. “He can create separation, and it shows on film how valuable he is to their offense.”
This season, Surtain has maintained his reputation as one of the league”s top cornerbacks, allowing just 5 yards per target with a completion rate of 54.1%. Despite a partial pectoral tear that sidelined him for three games, he has excelled, particularly in dime coverages, where he leads the NFL in limiting yards allowed per snap.
On the opposite side, fellow cornerback Riley Moss has faced challenges this year, leading the league in penalty yards due to defensive pass interference. However, he has also demonstrated resilience, spending significant time in tight coverage. Moss anticipates being targeted frequently against the Patriots” potent passing game.
“The entire world knows that I might get picked on,” Moss stated. “It”s going to be exciting and a good challenge. I look forward to it.”
In addition to Diggs, Maye”s primary targets include tight end Hunter Henry, wide receiver Mack Hollins, and running back TreVeyon Henderson. Although Hollins was placed on injured reserve with an abdominal injury, he has begun practicing again.
Maye is particularly adept at deep throws, leading the NFL with a substantial increase in Expected Points Added for passes exceeding 20 air yards. The Broncos, however, excel at defending against deep passes, having allowed the lowest completion percentage in that category during the regular season.
As the Patriots aim for their 40th playoff victory in franchise history, Joseph anticipates that Maye will utilize play-action to counter the Broncos” aggressive pass rush, frequently targeting Henry and Henderson in the process.
“Our corners are top-notch — Pat is the best in football, in my opinion, and Riley is consistently competitive,” Joseph mentioned. “Opponents may look for favorable matchups against linebackers and safeties.”
As the game approaches, Surtain highlights the need for the secondary to create turnovers, echoing McMillian”s game-changing interception from the previous week.
Maye threw eight interceptions during the regular season, but has been careful in the playoffs. The Broncos” chances of overcoming the Patriots significantly improve if they can secure at least one interception, as statistics show New England”s remarkable success when they do not turn the ball over.
“We believe that our defense can change the game and make crucial plays,” Surtain affirmed. “Turnovers are key in deciding the outcomes, especially at this point in the season. A pick or two would certainly help us on Sunday.”
