Rick: If the defense continues to improve, then home field isn’t as big of a deal as opposed to a few weeks ago. The Patriots have had great success at home, but have also lost winnable home games in the postseason over the last few years. New England has the team to win anywhere, but a game in Denver would probably be the toughest test for them. You would have to hope that it would be cold in the Rockies in January because of Peyton Manning’s record in cold weather games. However, I think we saw last week that the Patriots have a better chance at winning in Denver than Denver does at going into New England and winning should these two teams meet in the playoffs again.
Kyle: I think Sunday showed that the AFC Championship game in Foxboro against Denver would be vastly different from a game played in Denver. You could see the Broncos’ offense struggled with the crowd noise (how many times have people written that about the fans at Gillette?) as Manning was unable to orchestrate the offensive movement and audiblize like he does in the silence of Mile High (I know that’s not the name, but it’s better than the corporate name). Also, if you have watched the Broncos’ defense, especially their pass rushers, at home, they know that teams are using a simplified, silent snap count. It’s pretty easy to get pressure when you have essentially a running start. They were neutered by being on the road. Look at Denver’s three toughest games, at Seattle (loss), at the Jets (a scare), and at New England (an ass whuppin’) and the common theme runs through- they aren’t the same team away for home.
Raj: Yes, yes, yes!! If everything goes the way people expect it to go, Manning Brady XVII will happen. And if it that’s the case, I do not have confidence in the Patriots to get it done in Denver. If they play in Foxboro, I will be content. Of course, if the Patriots don’t clinch homefield and some team can knock the Broncos out on round 1, that would be pretty cool too. But what are the odds of that? That’s why it’s critical that the Patriots clinch the homefield
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Derek: Would it be nice? Absolutely. Is home-field advantage something the Patriots NEED? No. The Patriots are certainly capable of holding their own against a Broncos team they just drubbed 43-21, regardless of where the playing field is located. What the Patriots NEED is a healthy Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Darrelle Revis. Give me that and I’ll take the Patriots on any field.
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