The New England Patriots are riding a defensive wave through the playoffs, and it's not just impressive - it's downright disruptive. Through two postseason games, they've surrendered just 448 total yards and forced six turnovers, a stretch of dominance that’s powered them into their first AFC Championship Game appearance since 2018. But while the entire unit deserves credit, the engine behind this playoff surge is the defensive front.
Led by Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Harold Landry III, and K’Lavon Chaisson, the Patriots’ pass rush has been relentless. Nine sacks, 70 pressures, and 13 quarterback hits in two games - that’s not just production, that’s a statement.
These guys have been living in opposing backfields, dictating the tempo, and making life miserable for quarterbacks. But now, they face their biggest test yet: the Denver Broncos’ offensive line, one of the most well-rounded and physical units in the league.
Let’s be fair - the Patriots’ first two playoff opponents, the Chargers and Texans, were dealing with banged-up offensive lines. That’s not to take anything away from New England’s defensive line, but context matters.
Now comes Denver, a team that’s built its identity around trench play since Sean Payton took over in 2023. Payton prioritized building a wall in front of his quarterback, and he got it.
Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers were brought in to bolster a group already anchored by Garett Bolles, Quinn Meinerz, and Luke Wattenberg. The result?
One of the best protection units in football.
This line helped keep Bo Nix upright all season, allowing just 23 sacks - tied for the fewest in the NFL. Bolles and Meinerz earned Pro Bowl nods, and even without Wattenberg in the Divisional Round, they held off a fierce Buffalo Bills pass rush, giving up zero sacks and just four quarterback hits. That’s not just good - that’s elite.
So, the challenge for New England is clear: can this defensive line, as dominant as it’s been, disrupt a unit that’s been nearly impenetrable?
There’s a wrinkle here. Denver will be starting Jarrett Stidham at quarterback, not Nix.
Stidham hasn’t thrown a pass since 2023, but he’s been in Payton’s system for three seasons and knows the playbook inside and out. He’s not flashy, but he’s capable.
In his four career starts, he’s shown he can manage a game. But make no mistake - if the Patriots can force Denver to lean on Stidham’s arm, they’ll take that trade every time.
That starts with controlling the line of scrimmage and shutting down the run. The Patriots have been strong against the run all season, ranking sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (101.7).
But there’s a caveat - they’ve given up 100-plus rushing yards in seven of their last eight games. That’s a trend that can’t continue if they want to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.
Denver’s ground game, while not elite, has been effective - 16th in the league at 118.7 rushing yards per game. With a backup quarterback under center, expect them to lean on that more than ever. That puts the pressure squarely on the Patriots’ front to shut it down early and often.
Robert Spillane’s return has helped stabilize the middle, and Williams has been a force. But this game will be won or lost in the trenches.
If New England can make Denver one-dimensional, it plays into their hands. If not, and the Broncos can stay balanced, Stidham won’t have to play hero - and that’s a problem.
On the flip side, the Patriots’ offense has been inconsistent, and their offensive line hasn’t done them any favors. That’s concerning, especially against a Broncos defense that led the NFL in sacks this season with 68. Whether New England has their starting quarterback or not, they’re going to need help from their defense to keep this game within reach.
In the end, it’s simple: the Patriots’ defensive line has been the heartbeat of this playoff run. If they can rise to the occasion one more time and win the battle up front, New England has a real shot at returning to the Super Bowl. But if they get stonewalled by Denver’s offensive line, the road ends here.