When was the last time the Broncos and Patriots reached the Super Bowl?

It got snowy, tactical, and absolutely tense, but the AFC Championship Game finally gave us a winner, so we know which team is going to the Super Bowl. Both the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos gave it their all but only one could win the game.

It was the Patriots the ones that ended up with their hands raised after winning 10-7 at Mile High. The last time the Pats made the Super Bowl was back in the 2018 season, in a 13-3 win against the Los Angeles Rams. However, the roster is incredibly different now, as they had Tom Brady and Bill Belichick back in the day.

As for the Broncos, their last Super Bowl appearance was in the 2015 season against the Panthers. They won that game thanks to their defense. Now, even if they got super close, the Super Bowl drought will continue at least for one more year, making it more than a decade from their last appearance.

The Patriots rebuild was incredibly quick

The last two years, the Patriots finished 4-13. The only positive was they found Drake Maye as a promising rookie last year. Then they hired Mike Vrabel as head coach and brought Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator, and then, the rebuild was on.

The Patriots trusted Maye, brought a certified wide receiver in Stefon Diggs, drafted an electric running back to compliment Rhamondre Stevenson’s power, and had a very good defense. Now, with good football play and the luck of having an easy schedule and even lucky draws in the postseason, they are back in the Super Bowl. By the way, even if luck was by their side, it’s still an impressive feat and the team doesn’t have to apologize for the cards dealt to them.

see also

The most unbreakable records in NFL history: Legendary milestones that may never be surpassed

The Broncos have a tough road ahead to end their Super Bowl drought

It’s been 11 years since the Broncos went to a Super Bowl, and it’s hard to imagine this team will be back to this stage next season. They will still be a serious team to face, but the fact is their division is too hard to overcome. Kansas City will be back, the Chargers will be healthier and other teams in the AFC will bounce back too. Hence, it will be hard for them to get back here.