Four Takeaways As Patriots Clinch AFC Championship Game Berth

Four Takeaways As Patriots Clinch AFC Championship Game Berth

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Key Points:

  • The New England Patriots advanced to the AFC Championship with a 28-16 win over the Houston Texans, setting up a game against the Denver Broncos.
  • Quarterback Drake Maye has shown inconsistent performance in the playoffs, with concerns about his turnovers and struggles against strong defenses, necessitating improvement for the Patriots to contend for the Super Bowl.
  • The Patriots' defensive pressure has been effective against weaker offensive lines but may face challenges against Denver’s top-ranked offensive line, potentially requiring riskier blitz strategies.
  • Offensive lineman Will Campbell's struggles, particularly on the left side, were evident in the Texans game, raising questions about his future role and the possibility of offseason changes.
  • Despite doubts and low expectations, the Patriots’