Five Key Matchups: AFC Championship Game
Take a look at five of the key matchups for the AFC Championship Game set for Sunday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Quarterback Peyton Manning connected on 25 of his 36 attempts for 230 yards and two touchdowns in the Broncos Divisional Round win against the Chargers. He'll be looking for another efficient outing Sunday with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
In the first meeting between the Broncos and the Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw for 344 yards and three touchdowns but the Patriots relied heavily on the ground game in their last three games. Several Broncos have said this week that they are still prepared for Brady to come out throwing.
Running back Knowshon Moreno had a career night in the Week 12 meeting between the Broncos and the Patriots as he ran for 224 yards on 37 carries. Patriots linebacker and leading tackler Dont'a Hightower will aim to prevent a repeat performance.
In the Divisional Round, Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount ran for 166 yards and four touchdowns. The Patriots have run the ball with efficiency in their last three games but Terrance Knighton and the defensive line will look to end that streak.
Defensive end Chandler Jones leads the Patriots with 11.5 sacks this season. Left tackle Chris Clark will be tasked with making sure he doesn't pick up any more sacks in the AFC Championship Game Sunday.
