The big game is almost here, and for the first time since winning Super Bowl 53, the New England Patriots are back in the game. New England will look to win the franchise's seventh Super Bowl. To do that, they will need to defeat the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl 49.
After two consecutive seasons of going 4-13, the Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo and hired Mike Vrabel, who has helped turn this team around. Under Vrabel, the Patriots claimed the AFC East crown, finishing the 2025 campaign with a 14-3 record.
In the opening rounds of the playoffs, the Patriots beat the Los Angeles Chargers and the Houston Texans to return to the AFC Championship Game. Through the first two contests, the strong play of Zak Kuhr's defense was the highlight. For a spot in the Super Bowl, the Patriots had to go through the Denver Broncos, who'd be down starting QB Bo Nix.
The Patriots would ultimately come through with a 10-7 victory, securing their spot in the Super Bowl. With the big game only days away, Broncos players still seem to have strong feelings about the contest itself.
Broncos Players Suggest Patriots Aren't Deserving AFC Champions
At the NFL Pro Bowl, Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had some thoughts on the big game, per Guerilla Sports.
""Best of luck to both of those teams... everyone knows the Broncos should've been in there but it's alright.""Courtland Sutton
Sutton wasn't the only player sharing their thoughts on the game, with star cornerback Pat Surtain offering a telling prediction for the Super Bowl.
""35-7 Seattle.""Pat Surtain
It's understandable why these Broncos players are upset with the result, as they were without their starting quarterback. That's the unfortunate reality about sports, though. Games are routinely decided due to injuries and bad calls, but no matter what, the game continues. Denver had its chance, and the Broncos came up short. Those are the facts, regardless of these opinions.
One game stands in the way of the Patriots once again being crowned Super Bowl champions, with just the Seahawks standing in New England's way. The Patriots shouldn't need any further motivation to get the job done this Sunday. However, Mike Vrabel and company likely won't be upset to see these Denver players providing New England with additional bulletin board material leading up to the weekend.