With the much-anticipated Super Bowl this weekend, it’s important to remember the two games that qualified the two teams that will be competing for the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy. Let’s discuss the American Football Conference and National Football Conference championships, both of which took place on Sunday, January 25th.
The Denver Broncos faced off against the New England Patriots for the AFC championship, with both teams boasting an identical (14-3) record. The Denver Broncos were going into the game with a disadvantage as their star quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle in the playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. So the Denver Broncos had their backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham play in his place.
Meanwhile, the Patriots went into the game with a healthy first string quarterback, Drake Maye. However, the Broncos had the home-field advantage as the game was played at Empower Field in Denver. The field would impact the game as players were subject to wind chills and it began to snow during the second half.
The Broncos started strong with a touchdown and a one-point conversion in the first quarter, however the Patriots would catch up and the game was tied 7-7 by halftime, which is when the weather began to become frigid. The Patriots would eventually win the game with a field goal, leaving the game’s final score at 10-7. This game has symbolized a “return to glory” for the Patriots as the team is back in the Superbowl after the last few seasons being considered lackluster.
The NFC championship saw the Los Angeles Rams face off against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen field in Seattle. The Seahawks had a slightly better record going into the game with it being (14-3) as opposed to the Ram’s (12-5) record.
However, the Rams had experience with their 37 year old quarterback Matthew Stafford already having a Super Bowl Ring with the Rams. Meanwhile, the Seahawks had Sam Darnold, a quarterback who has been on various different teams: the Jets, the Panthers, the 49ers, and the Vikings. This is his first year with the Seahawks, raising skepticism on his ability to win.
However, Sam Darnold proved the doubters wrong with him scoring three passing touchdowns and completing passes at a high rate. And despite the Rams having an elite offense, the Seahawks’ defense persevered and won the game 31-27.
With the Patriots and the Seahawks heading to Santa Clara to play in the Superbowl, the Seahawks are generally favored to win. On the victor of the Super Bowl, Luke Stahley commented, “I think the Seattle Seahawks will win as they have an elite defense.” But anything can happen as both teams have an identical record and have played very well throughout the season.
