The Arena BATTLES Over The AFC Championship

Lee asserts the Broncos' defense will be the key to victory, predicting three turnovers from Drake May through sack fumbles, tipped balls, and interceptions. He highlights the D-line's ability to stop the run and create pressure. On offense, the return of center Luke Wattenberg and running back JK Dobbins is expected to restore the run game's efficiency, which averaged 128 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry in weeks 1-10.

Lee states, 'Our defense going to create three takeaways. We got this turnover train rolling.' (0:30) and 'the return of Luke Watenber... and the return of JK Dobbins, that's going to have our run game back to where it was weeks 1 through 10 when we averaged 128 yards per game.' (1:19)

The altitude and crowd noise in Denver are presented as significant factors that historically hinder visiting teams, particularly the Patriots. This environment is expected to make third downs 'hell' and disrupt snap counts, contributing to the Broncos' historical success against the Patriots at home.

Lee notes, 'why the Patriots are 0 and 4 when they come to Denver is that altitude... them third downs is going to be hell. Don't even try to go for it on fourth down cuz you're not going to be able to hear the snap count.' (3:06)

Cody argues that for the Patriots to win, Drake May must protect the football, citing his five turnovers in the last two playoff games (six fumbles, two interceptions). He also emphasizes the critical need for the offensive line to protect May against Denver's league-best pass rush, which sacked May 10 times and pressured him on nearly 50% of dropbacks in recent playoff games.

Cody states, 'They have five turnovers in their last two playoff games... He has six fumbles overall in these last two playoff games.' (7:13) and 'They gave up 47 sacks this year on May. That was fourth most in the NFL. Denver has the best pass rush in the league.' (9:29)

Skip highlights the historical rarity and extreme pressure of a quarterback like Jared Stidham, who has never been a long-term starter, being thrown into an AFC Championship game. He contrasts Stidham's situation with other backup quarterbacks who succeeded in the playoffs (Roger Staubach, Nick Foles, Jeff Hostetler), noting they either had prior starting experience, Super Bowl wins, or played multiple games before the championship.

Skip explains, 'what's happening with Jared STDM has never happened before where you throw a quarterback who's never been a longtime starter into the championship game with all the marbles on the table.' (17:29)

Skip challenges the perception of Denver's defense as elite, arguing that since their week 13 bye, they have been 'basically sucked.' He cites statistics like 14th in points allowed and specific game performances, including giving up 419 yards to Marcus Mariota and 34 points to Jacksonville, as evidence of their vulnerability.

Skip states, 'since the by-week, your defense has basically sucked... You're 14th in points allowed.' (19:39) and references games against Washington (20:03) and Jacksonville (20:40).