The New England Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl, and they did it the hard way. In a gritty, defensive slugfest, they edged out the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship Game to punch their ticket to Levi’s Stadium on February 8.
Standing between them and another Lombardi Trophy? The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off a high-octane 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game.
This Super Bowl matchup brings a fascinating contrast in styles. The Patriots, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, have leaned heavily on their defense all season-and that trend continued in the AFC Championship. Their offense hasn’t lit up the scoreboard, but it’s done just enough, and when paired with a defense that’s been among the league’s most consistent units, it’s been a winning formula.
Still, not everyone’s buying into the Patriots’ Cinderella run.
On ESPN’s First Take, former Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty asked analyst Stephen A. Smith if New England is being overlooked heading into the big game. Smith didn’t mince words.
“Are the Patriots being slept on? Yes, they are,” Smith said.
“I’m sleeping on them. They won’t win the Super Bowl.
It was a nice run. It was really, really nice.”
Smith acknowledged the Patriots’ defense as legit-hard to argue with that after they held Denver to just seven points-but he raised serious doubts about the offense’s ability to keep up with Seattle. And he’s not alone in that skepticism. The Seahawks’ defense has been stout, and their offense, led by a dynamic rushing attack and a quarterback who’s shown poise in big moments, has proven it can go toe-to-toe with anyone.
There’s also been talk about New England’s path to the Super Bowl. Smith pointed out that the Patriots benefitted from a favorable postseason draw, including wins over the Chargers, Texans, and Broncos. He didn’t hold back in his assessment.
“You got lucky in the playoffs,” Smith said. “But it ends now.
I’m telling you right now, I’m snoring. I’m talking about, give me a pillow, let me take a nap.
I’m not worried about y’all winning this Super Bowl at all.”
The Patriots, of course, have heard this kind of talk before. For a team that’s built its identity around toughness, discipline, and defense, doubt from outsiders is nothing new.
And while Drake Maye hasn’t put up eye-popping numbers, he’s shown flashes of the poise and decision-making that made him a top draft pick. The question is whether he-and this offense-can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
Seattle, meanwhile, comes in with momentum and a roster that’s built for this moment. Their win over the Rams showcased their offensive versatility and resilience, and their defense has the kind of speed and physicality that could give a young quarterback fits.
So, are the Patriots being slept on? Maybe.
But they’ve earned their spot in the Super Bowl, and they’ve done it by playing their style of football-gritty, physical, and opportunistic. Whether that’s enough to overcome a well-rounded Seahawks team remains to be seen.
What we do know is this: come February 8 at Levi’s Stadium, we’re in for a battle.