As the Patriots gear up for the AFC Championship showdown against the Broncos, one of their most consistent units this season-special teams-is preparing for the kind of challenge that doesn’t show up on tape: the unknowns of playing in Denver.
For special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer, that preparation starts well before kickoff. He’s one of the first out on the field, scanning the conditions, gauging the altitude, the wind, the turf-anything that might affect how his unit performs. It’s a routine he’s honed all year, and it doesn’t change just because the stakes are higher.
“You get a couple hours,” Springer said. “We’re out there early.
We’re the first group out there, so we get plenty of time to kind of make those decisions, have that dialogue. We’ve been doing this since Day 1.
So we kind of already have an understanding once we get out there.”
That early recon mission is critical in Denver, where the air is thinner, the ball travels differently, and special teams can become a game-swinging factor. Whether it’s adjusting kickoff depth, gauging hang time on punts, or anticipating how the ball might bounce on the turf, Springer and his crew know they’ll need to read and react quickly.
It’s not just about scheming-it’s about feel. And few units in the league have shown the kind of week-to-week consistency the Patriots’ special teams have this season. From disciplined coverage to timely returns, they’ve been a steady hand in all three phases of the game.
But in a place like Denver, even the most prepared teams have to be ready for the unexpected. That’s where Springer’s early groundwork comes in. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential-especially in a game where field position, a well-placed punt, or a perfectly executed kick could tip the balance.
The Patriots have leaned on their special teams all season. Sunday in Denver, they’ll need that unit to be more than just reliable-they’ll need them to be sharp, adaptable, and ready for whatever the Mile High atmosphere throws their way.