UNCONVENTIONAL REVIEW: This has been an almost unfathomably fulfilling first season of the Vrabel/Maye tandem, and what the 2025 Patriots have pulled off, even with the biggest game yet to be played, has already earned its own standalone chapter in franchise lore. Chad Finn has more on the improbable run.
TIME TO CELEBRATE: The Patriots rarely seemed satisfied with their accomplishments throughout this season, but inside Empower Stadium’s visitors’ locker room Sunday night, fresh off their AFC Championship, the team finally seemed to relish the moment. Nicole Yang has more on the scene.
IT WAS GOOD ENOUGH: The Patriots’ defense throttled the Broncos’ offense and their backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Rhamondre Stevenson churned out tough yards to move the chains and milk the clock. Most importantly, the Patriots made the big plays, while the Broncos wilted in the snow. Ben Volin analyzes the win.
DELIVERING AGAIN: Until he takes a snap with a chance to win Super Bowl LX, Maye will never make a bigger play than the one that clinched Sunday’s victory. Tara Sullivan writes that his daring 7-yard run spoke to everything about the evolution of a quarterback who continues to do whatever it takes to win.
GLORIOUS TURNAROUND: Regardless of the outcome in two weeks, Dan Shaughnessy believes this is a good time to take stock of what the Patriots have done for New England in this century.
GRINDING IT OUT: On a day where a January snowstorm and a ferocious Denver defense made Maye and the passing game look pedestrian (10 for 21 for 86 yards, and five sacks), Stevenson was a difference maker. Christopher Price has more on the running back.
UP NEXT: After facing three stout defenses throughout the postseason, the Patriots might be up against their toughest one yet in the Super Bowl. Nicole Yang has a look at the Seahawks, who captured the NFC championship by
defeating the Rams, 31-27.
INFECTIOUS ENERGY: Mack Hollins was the Patriots’ leading receiver with two catches for 51 yards. He had the team’s longest play of the day with a 31-yard reception late in the third quarter. Christopher Price has more on the receiver's return from injury.
AS IT HAPPENED: As has been the case all season, the Globe provided live updates throughout Sunday's win. Here's how the AFC Championship unfolded.
A NEW ERA: Maye will be the second-youngest starting QB in Super Bowl history and the youngest since Dan Marino in 1985. Amin Touri has the postgame reaction from the young signal caller.
HISTORY ON THE LINE: Vrabel has the chance to do something no one has done before: win the Super Bowl as both a player and head coach for the same franchise. Emma Healy has Vrabel's postgame comments.
PICTURE THIS: Globe photographers Danielle Parhizkaran and Barry Chin were in Denver for the AFC Championship. Check out some of their photos from Sunday.
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