FOXBORO, Mass. (WHDH) – The Patriots are kicking their playoff push into high gear as they head to Denver where they will compete in their third consecutive AFC Championship game.
Many fans were preparing for the game around Gillette Stadium and looking forward to the matchup with Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.
The Patriots beat Denver in November, and Brady has won ten of the 14 games he’s played against offenses lead by Manning.
“It's awesome. It's Ali vs. Frazier man. These are matchups that don't happen that often,” Patriots fan Gary Kline said.
Brady and Manning might be the two of the best quarterbacks of all time, but the game isn’t played one-on-one.
“It’s the Patriots vs. the Broncos at the end of the day,” Patriots Special Teams captain Matthew Slater said.
With 4 TD's in the playoffs so far LeGarrette Blount is giving fans new reasons to cheer for the Patriots as a team.
“Blount force trauma. We're going to beat them up and run the ball, and that's how we're going to win the Superbowl,” Kline said.
Other fans agree and look forward to seeing Blount play in Denver Sunday afternoon.
“He’s a proven runner now after two games and I think that’s what they have to stick with,” Harry Davis said.
No matter what the offensive formula, fans know the team needs good defense and good special teams play to win.
“I think Brady's going to do what he did in '01. Keep them short passes, short game, relay on the running. Blount is just incredible,” Patriots fan Darren Shea said.
The Patriots will play the Broncos at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the winner will go to the Superbowl which is to be played on Feb. 2 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.