As the New England Patriots gear up for their AFC Championship showdown against the Denver Broncos in Denver, the team”s historical struggles in road playoff games have surfaced. Since January 1987, the Patriots have faced the Broncos in four playoff games on the road and have not secured a victory, going 0-4 in those matchups.
During a recent interview on Boston sports radio station WEEI, second-year quarterback Drake Maye addressed the looming concerns among fans regarding this troubling history. Maye conveyed his confidence, stating that he is not preoccupied with the franchise”s past failures.
“It”s a great place to play,” Maye remarked about Denver, according to Conor Ryan of Boston.com. “I know the fans are great, and I know they”ve got a great team. They”ve got some great players. And I know the altitude is a little different for us and some of the skill players running around. But I think the big thing is it”s a different team. It”s a new team — the past is in the past. And I think we”re living in the present and not worried about really anything else. We”re worried about Sunday”s game and control what we can do as the team that we are this year: the 2025 Patriots.”
Former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady faced similar challenges, losing road playoff games against the Broncos in 2006, 2014, and 2016. However, optimism surrounds this year”s Patriots team, particularly given their perfect 8-0 record on the road in the recent regular season.
Compounding the situation for the Broncos, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is expected to start after starting quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle during an overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills. As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook has listed the Patriots as 5.5-point favorites for the conference title matchup.
On Monday, head coach Mike Vrabel revealed that New England had considered acquiring Stidham last offseason. Maye shared that he received a message from Stidham before the season began. “I know that Jarrett”s a great player,” Maye said. “He texted me before the season, Jarrett did. It just shows what type of guy he is. He wished me the best of luck. So, I wish him the best of luck, and looking forward to seeing how he does. Hopefully, we come out with a win.”
If the Patriots” defense can apply pressure on Stidham early in the game, Maye may find himself playing a crucial role in leading New England to a Super Bowl appearance come February.
