The Denver Broncos are one win away from the Super Bowl — but they’ll have to do it without Bo Nix. Chris Harris Jr. and Brandon Krisztal break down the emotional Divisional Round win over Buffalo, the sudden shift to Jarrett Stidham as the starter, and what changes — and what doesn’t — as Denver prepares to host the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. Former Patriots captain and Super Bowl champion Devin McCourty joins the show to go Behind Enemy Lines, sharing insight on Stidham’s time in New England, the Patriots’ defensive identity, Drake Maye’s rise, and how this matchup could ultimately be decided. From coaching confidence to film breakdowns, injury updates, and score predictions, this episode captures the magnitude of the moment — and what it will take for Denver to punch its ticket to the Super Bowl.
The Broncos’ Divisional Round win over the Bills delivered one of the biggest moments in franchise history — and one of the biggest emotional swings. Chris Harris Jr. and Brandon Krisztal react to the aftermath of the victory and the immediate news that Bo Nix is out for the season, forcing Denver to turn to Jarrett Stidham with a Super Bowl berth on the line.
Chris explains why the locker room’s confidence in Stidham is genuine, how his preparation throughout the season now comes into focus, and why the Broncos aren’t scaling back their offensive approach. Brandon adds perspective from the coaching staff and defensive players who’ve seen Stidham perform in practice all year.
Former Patriots safety and Super Bowl champion Devin McCourty joins the show to go Behind Enemy Lines, offering firsthand insight on Stidham’s early years in New England, the Patriots’ rapid rebuild under Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye’s development, and how New England’s defense compares to Denver’s pass rush and secondary.
The episode also features a Film Room segment with Chris Harris Jr., breaking down key plays from the Bills game, coverage technique, late-game decisions, and what must improve against the Patriots. Injury updates, matchup advantages, NFC Championship picks, and final score predictions round out a complete AFC Championship preview from every angle.
00:00:03:00 - 00:00:26:16
Brandon Krisztal
It's championship weekend in the NFL. We're down to the Final four. But let's be honest, in Broncos Country it's really just down to the final two. Is all anybody around here is worried about. And Chris Harris junior and I will break down the NFC championship and everything surrounding it. Football Fridays starts now.
00:00:26:19 - 00:00:53:20
Brandon Krisztal
Chris we are just two days away from what is going to be now a cold kickoff. They're talking about temperatures in the low 20s or even the teens. Not too windy. Not any real moisture. Precipitation, snow, anything freezing rain. But it'll be a little cold nonetheless. How fired up are you that your Broncos, for the first time since you beat the Patriots, are playing these Patriots in the AFC title game on Sunday here in Denver.
00:00:53:22 - 00:01:07:09
Chris Harris Jr.
Oh that's a huge game. Great opportunity. You know we've we've had a great history of pretty much dominating the Patriots in Denver. So hopefully they're able to continue on that streak. Man it's an exciting time in my.
00:01:07:11 - 00:01:41:16
Brandon Krisztal
All right. So let's go back to to Sunday before we look ahead. And you know we've covered it. You talked about it with Ryan Harris and Shelby Haslett earlier in the week. But obviously we have a little bit different audience. And so I'm curious, take me through the kind of roller coaster emotions for you to go from seeing the Broncos pull off the exciting overtime win over Josh Allen on the Bills on Saturday, and then I looked at it exactly one hour, or maybe 58 minutes from when the game ended, or an hour and two minutes, whatever it was, it was like the game ended at 614 and John was in there at 716.
00:01:41:18 - 00:01:51:24
Brandon Krisztal
The news was officially official that Bo Nix was done for the year. Just an hour after his team had the biggest win of his certainly pro career, if not of his entire life.
00:01:51:27 - 00:02:10:04
Chris Harris Jr.
I was definitely hyped. And then, you know, then seeing that on the, you know, you kind of get the that alert, you know, on my phone and, and say Bo Nix was out and, just completely just, you know, shocked me. He had a great season. And this is the matchup everybody's been waiting on. You know, this is the same draft class.
00:02:10:06 - 00:02:30:03
Chris Harris Jr.
You know, a lot of people. But you know, Drake Maye ahead of Bo Nix and some people put Bo Nix ahead of him. So it was a great opportunity for them guys to do it out and see who's going to take the throne in their class. But, I think, you know, he he had a great second season and they have a lot to look forward to for next year.
00:02:30:05 - 00:02:52:10
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. And obviously Bo Nix coming back fully healthy. We're gonna have a long, hopefully very productive career here in Denver. And you saw it's such a weird kind of timeline where everyone is reacting and I'm going, let's go. Teammates and people around the league, but specifically teammates. But we've got your back to you got to turn the page.
00:02:52:13 - 00:03:07:19
Brandon Krisztal
And who knows if I mean the 24 hour rule gets thrown out the window. I think at that point everyone probably locks back in. I'm not saying people didn't go to dinner and enjoy the fact that they're a game away, but I'd be willing to bet there wasn't too much partying, if you will Saturday night for the Broncos.
00:03:07:19 - 00:03:26:21
Brandon Krisztal
I'm sure the staff, especially on the offensive side, jumps back in and who knows, we should actually use some digging to Jarrett Stidham. Go to the facility Saturday night or was he in there Sunday morning with with the offensive staff? Keyshawn kind of talked about that. But you know it's that turning the page and and so it's just weird to see everybody have Bo's back.
00:03:26:21 - 00:03:29:06
Brandon Krisztal
But then now it's Diddy time.
00:03:29:09 - 00:03:49:03
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah. You know and you have to give the the backup some confidence right. The belief. And when you have the defense that he has coming into this game, a team that carried a lot, it's hard over the past week. Bernardo's coming off that edge in the secondary. He's making plays. You got a chance, with, with Stidham.
00:03:49:03 - 00:04:12:20
Chris Harris Jr.
And you know Stidham the guy that he has experience in this league. He's he's played good football before. Has he not you know take snaps and you know a long time. Yeah. But you know he's a he's professional. He's some that he's working every day and preparing. And just in case Bo Nix does go down and like I've been reading, he said his nothing and his preparation has changed.
00:04:12:22 - 00:04:21:21
Chris Harris Jr.
He's continue to do the same thing every week. And hopefully he just stays consistent and, you know, brings a different level to the game.
00:04:21:24 - 00:04:49:17
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. You talk about his teammates coaches having confidence in him. You know it was obviously to a man that everybody's talking about their belief in in city. So I think that there's a a bunch of, you know, a bunch of clips out there from everybody that was everyone got a microphone put in their face, camera in a microphone put in their face, was asked about, you know, your reaction to the Bo injury and then, about city.
00:04:49:17 - 00:05:02:11
Brandon Krisztal
So let's start with, with his head coach. You, as we would expect, I don't think they're dialing this game plan back. He's going to let him go out and try to run his offense and score points. Cuz you're going to need you to win this game here. Sean Payton.
00:05:02:13 - 00:05:15:17
Speaker 3
That's his personality. He's going to he's going to rip it, you know, and that that'll be our approach. I mean, hey,
00:05:15:19 - 00:05:28:18
Speaker 3
He, he's got this calm demeanor that I think suits him well. He's played in big games, college. And.
00:05:28:20 - 00:06:05:24
Speaker 3
You know, I said this at the start of the season, I felt like our two, was inside the best 32. And I think everyone feels that way, but that's that's why that that sign was important. You don't know when it, like when it's happening, you know, but, I'm glad it happened. And I'm glad you know, that that acquisition took place.
00:06:05:26 - 00:06:07:22
Chris Harris Jr.
Stidham, can you hear me?
00:06:07:24 - 00:06:08:15
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah.
00:06:08:17 - 00:06:25:01
Chris Harris Jr.
Oh, yeah. He has confidence instead. You know, he chose him. And, he even paid him, you know, brought him back as a valuable pieces to the team as being a valuable backup. And you never know when that's going to happen. When we won a Super Bowl, it happened to us. And, Brock had to carry the load.
00:06:25:01 - 00:06:47:21
Chris Harris Jr.
So, same thing. Just this is his time, and you never know. Like you said, you never know when these accusations are going to come into play, but now it's coming up for, for, for front and center. And we're going to see what Sterling's made of. He has a great opportunity to take himself from being a backup, to be being in that starter quality conversation heading into next season.
00:06:47:23 - 00:07:10:24
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. One of the things that John Payton told us on Monday on his conference call was that Vance Joseph will get aggravated because Stidham was running scout team and lighten up their first team defense. And then GM kind of back that up. And he's like this Mafia is running the other team's offense better than their quarterback. Talking about guys like Jake Browning for sure the Chiefs back up Trey Lance and I'm sure several others in between.
00:07:11:02 - 00:07:22:09
Brandon Krisztal
And so here here's V.J. because I asked him at the end, you know, they give you the last question, he's about to get off. And I was like, oh, wait, Sean said that that Jared, I'll make you mad. Here is Vance's reaction to that.
00:07:22:12 - 00:07:43:18
Speaker 3
No, no, no, that's good, because, I mean, he's he's a competitive dude, you know? So every practice this is his time to get his reps for the week, you know, so I don't have him like this just kind of just, you know, give us the ball. Right? I mean he is playing football. So his reads are are free to make you know he's checks are free to make.
00:07:43:18 - 00:08:04:03
Speaker 3
You can change protection. So you know he's allowed to play football. And that's important for our, our entire offense, you know. So it's never scripted for him, you know? So sometimes it's hard because he's making plays against us and I get pissed about it. But it's fun to watch. You know, obviously, you know, he's a good player and I'm happy for him.
00:08:04:05 - 00:08:26:04
Brandon Krisztal
And then, you know, real quick final thing, because, we've got a special guest coming up here is Nick Benito. Kind of the same thing I said. Hey, PJ said, it pisses him off. What what what have you seen from standing in practice? Shots at the back. Yeah. Aggravated. City's lit up. The defense made plays in advance. Just confirmed that it sometimes.
00:08:26:07 - 00:08:30:17
Brandon Krisztal
What have you seen from city that gives you and Broncos coming up.
00:08:30:19 - 00:08:54:23
Speaker 3
What do you do. Yeah I mean like we see all the time in practice on the scout team when we got to go against them. Just the confidence in his throws that that he makes and just the swagger that he walks around with. I know there's not anybody more prepared for him for this game. I know he's been waiting on this opportunity, so, it's not going to be surprising at all to see how he plays on on Sunday.
00:08:54:26 - 00:09:13:19
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah. I mean, they see him in practice every week as him being the scout team quarterback. And he's been going against those guys and getting that practice, getting those reps against that fast defense. And he should be prepared after seeing those guys every week. You know, the Patriots got a solid defense. But it's not the Broncos I don't believe it's at the Broncos level.
00:09:13:22 - 00:09:22:09
Chris Harris Jr.
So he's been able to get those great reps all season to stay in tune. And you know hopefully it comes alive this weekend.
00:09:22:11 - 00:09:42:01
Brandon Krisztal
You know Chris sometimes things work out where somebody who's prominently associated with the team that you're playing, whether it's a former player, someone who covers them is available to to be able to talk to us. And then it also helps that this next guy we're bringing on is going to be on the Super Bowl coverage, where you and I would love to see him a little sad that his Patriots aren't there.
00:09:42:07 - 00:10:11:12
Brandon Krisztal
But also we talk about stadium practice. He was there from day one when the Patriots drafted Jarrett Stidham in the fourth round back in 2018 to potentially become the Tom Brady heir apparent. Devin McCourty nice enough to to join us here. We're about to go behind enemy lines.
00:10:11:14 - 00:10:12:12
Brandon Krisztal
D Mac.
00:10:12:15 - 00:10:12:29
Devin McCourty
Yo what's.
00:10:12:29 - 00:10:13:15
Chris Harris Jr.
Happening.
00:10:13:15 - 00:10:15:04
Devin McCourty
Yeah what's up.
00:10:15:07 - 00:10:35:01
Brandon Krisztal
Former teammate Chris Harris 2016 Pro Bowl teammates there together. And the Mac goes straight from winning a bunch of Super Bowls. Right on to the Sunday Night Football set. More or less. But yeah. Can we hit that rewind button first? You were there when he got there. Obviously Tom Brady's not losing his job to Jarrett Stidham.
00:10:35:08 - 00:10:53:26
Brandon Krisztal
But they thought enough to bring him in in 2019. And so you were around him for his whole time there in New England before Josh traded for him in Vegas. So what do you think about Jarrett Stidham getting getting this nod. We can get your Bo Nix thoughts too. But just about city getting this start in such a huge spot.
00:10:53:29 - 00:11:10:06
Devin McCourty
Yeah I think the first thing is it's not going to be too much for him anyway. He got there as a rookie. He will come out there obviously running the scout team. He be talking trash. He will throw at guys whether it was Gilmore or something and talk trash about it like he loved the camp, always had a smile.
00:11:10:13 - 00:11:27:13
Devin McCourty
It was to me it was something that stuck out. Like sometimes rookie quarterbacks come in there. They're trying to be perfect. They're trying to do exactly what's on the car. Like even if he threw an interception in practice, he would come to us and be like, hey, I'll do that interception on purpose. They told me to give you guys some confidence going into a big week.
00:11:27:13 - 00:11:46:06
Devin McCourty
He just always had that aura about him. So I think that's why we hear guys talking about them the way that they are. Because his energy, his attitude, I think defensive guys are sitting there saying, hey, we know if we play to our capability and we can go out there and dominate, they believe that Stidham can go win them the game on the offensive side.
00:11:46:06 - 00:11:53:08
Devin McCourty
So I get why they have confidence in him because I saw that when he was a rookie right.
00:11:53:11 - 00:12:13:28
Chris Harris Jr.
And now man the page has been able to turn it around right Denver to also you know ten year drought for getting back to this point. How did how did the Patriots you know change the change the atmosphere in that building. You know losing a Jarod Merrill he's a true patriot right. How do they make a fast change.
00:12:13:28 - 00:12:22:05
Chris Harris Jr.
Was it Josh McDaniels coming in with the offense. Was it just verbal and implemented his defense? How do we get such a fast change.
00:12:22:07 - 00:12:41:12
Devin McCourty
Yeah I think they do what a lot of teams struggle to do. They hit and free agency obviously when you're bad they won four games. You know each season the last two years. So you got top picks are you. You drive Drake mad. You drive well Campbell. And you're drafting in the top of each round. And they drive some good players this year.
00:12:41:12 - 00:12:59:18
Devin McCourty
Craig Watson plays a lot for him. But you go out there you sign Miller Williams to a big contract. He pays off and you sign Carlton Davis to a big contract. He pays off Jason Harrell. Landry like all of these different guys Morgan Moses has been the right tackle all year. It's hard for teams to go in free agency.
00:12:59:18 - 00:13:18:07
Devin McCourty
Stefon Diggs and say these are our guys. And for them all to work out and play a big part in your season, that rarely ever happens. I think you take that along. With Vrabel coming in, and I know it's been a big thing about should you hire brand new head coaches, or should you go back and get a guy who's been fired?
00:13:18:09 - 00:13:35:05
Devin McCourty
I think we saw with Mike Vrabel going in there, he knew exactly what he wanted to do as a head coach. He knew what it looked like when he was in Tennessee, the things he liked, the things he didn't like. I think when he came to New England, I think he was very straightforward for me to sign here as a head coach, I need you to do X, Y and Z.
00:13:35:05 - 00:13:47:12
Devin McCourty
And I think we saw the Patriots commit a lot of money to free agents, commit money to a building, a new facility. They're all in. And I think the players feel that. And they truly believe in Mike Vrabel.
00:13:47:14 - 00:14:04:03
Brandon Krisztal
And we know them. I mean, as we started by talking about city, but we saw what draft Bo Nix and what Sean Payton was able to get out of them. Changed the trajectory of the Broncos franchise, I think more quickly than than it had been over this last decade. Like Chris, Chris mentioned Drake Maye going as high as he did.
00:14:04:06 - 00:14:21:21
Brandon Krisztal
You know, you saw some people when he's come out in the draft, Devin say that he's going to get a GM fired. Well, clearly that's not the case. So I guess in some ways he kind of got a head coach fired. But I think there are extenuating circumstances. But did you see Drake Maye going from, you know, talent but not sure exactly what he'll be right off the bat.
00:14:21:23 - 00:14:33:17
Brandon Krisztal
They only won four games. He showed flashes to perhaps in a couple weeks at NFL honors the NFL MVP or certainly offensive player of the year perhaps. And definitely you know, a guy that's had as good a second year as anyone we've seen.
00:14:33:19 - 00:14:59:07
Devin McCourty
Yeah, I don't know. I don't know if somebody says they projected that as probably because they're a family member. But I think I think everybody in New England felt it when he got in there last year that they had a guy that that could be the guy could be special. And, you know, Chris knows, just like I know when you have a quarterback on the other side, your whole team, the defense, everyone around you on offense, they compete on a different level because there's a real belief that we can go win the Super Bowl.
00:14:59:07 - 00:15:26:17
Devin McCourty
And I think Drake Maye has done that and we can't. You have to mention it like Josh McDaniels being there, being a part of his second year I think spoke volumes. We did add to their preseason games this season. And in the preseason, Drake Maye talked about Josh McDaniels being in his ear. He said he's never really had an offensive coordinator that kept wanting to talk all the way until the the speaker went off and your helmet, at 15 seconds up on a play clock, said he had to get used to.
00:15:26:17 - 00:15:42:04
Devin McCourty
And he said, Josh told them, I'll never tell you something unless I know it's 100% true. And it was like, damn, but is it? And and he said they had to build that trust. And he said he knows when Josh gives them a little tidbit out there, he knows that's exactly what's going to happen. Hey to Nichols Blitz.
00:15:42:04 - 00:15:55:20
Devin McCourty
And I now know that Nichols blitz because Josh doesn't tell him wrong information. So I think they've developed a special relationship that's allowed Drake to play to his potential play so well this year.
00:15:55:23 - 00:16:13:28
Chris Harris Jr.
Experience of being able to win. So you know Josh McDaniels is a perfect person to trust. But let's get to the corners man. You know I got to ask you something on the DBS man. This game line. You know a passer ten in which I can't even find a comparison to the guy really. You know 6263 corner can play man.
00:16:13:28 - 00:16:28:18
Chris Harris Jr.
Play all over the field. But Gonzalez, you know, he's a guy who's jumping out the screen every week. And I'm trying to find a comparison man. Who would you compare him to be like? Well, what guy in our era would you kind of say Gonzalez is?
00:16:28:20 - 00:16:45:09
Devin McCourty
You know, he he actually reminds me a little bit of your guy that I play with, too. He's just not as loud, but he reminds me a little bit of to leave. He's a guy that can go out there, can go and play a ton of man to man coverage, has no problem saying, put me on the best guy.
00:16:45:15 - 00:17:05:09
Devin McCourty
But like, that's not all he has to do. He can go out there and play zone. I think to leave probably had a little bit better ball skills. And you know what he did when he got interceptions. He score touchdowns. But he just has that size I think the thing that it was so interesting with Gonzalez is when he came out, everybody was like, he's a bigger corner, but is he going to tackle?
00:17:05:09 - 00:17:25:08
Devin McCourty
And since he's been on the Patriots, he's done a heck of a job of that. Showing up, tackling and being a playmaker for this defense. I think his ability to go out there and take guys away and play at that level, he's played, has allowed them to be more free in the secondary. And then it helps to what having a guy like Carlton Davis opposite who's a really good player.
00:17:25:08 - 00:17:40:00
Devin McCourty
I showed up and had two interceptions last week. So, both these secondaries are strong and, you know, both of us as former DBS, as fun to watch a game where everybody's talking about man. And one of might be who plays better defense.
00:17:40:03 - 00:17:59:10
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. And Devin we always know that rushing coverage work together. And so the Broncos DBS it helps to be really good. But it also helps to have an elite pass rush. The Patriots have certainly gotten home in their first two games. But I think there's some extenuating circumstances because the Chargers are without their tackle. So that's going to be an easier path to a QB.
00:17:59:10 - 00:18:16:27
Brandon Krisztal
And it's hard to say what Houston's doing. Their best lineman plays for the Commanders and Laramie Tunsil and and that obviously that plus C.J. Stroud on a chicken and an egg thing. This going to be a different test for the Patriots pass rushers. And then on the other side, the Broncos hit the quarterback as much as anybody. It's not Will Anderson Neil Hunter.
00:18:16:27 - 00:18:32:16
Brandon Krisztal
It's everybody here. And so what do you think ends up tipping the scales. Because Drake has shown a propensity to put the ball on the ground. We don't know what we're gonna see from city other than anyone takes more sacks and Bo Nix just about. But how do you see both the fronts succeeding or struggling?
00:18:32:19 - 00:18:47:19
Devin McCourty
Yeah, I think the thing the key for the Patriots are they're different in Denver. Denver has guys that if they put five guys down or they blitz a linebacker, you got to block them one on one. It's damn near impossible. They just have too many good pass rushers, up there. And I think New England doesn't really have that.
00:18:47:19 - 00:19:08:18
Devin McCourty
I think Milton Williams and Christian Barmore and the inside part are tough guys. I think you'll struggle to block them one on one. The other guys, I think they're good players, but they're not a Benito or Cooper. I think that's different. So I think when you watch The Wing, when it's all about disguise, it's about showing one way, dropping a guy off the edge, blitzing a linebacker.
00:19:08:18 - 00:19:26:17
Devin McCourty
They've done a good job of putting pressure on the offensive line to communicate and know exactly who's picking up who and how you're doing it. But if you slip up anything in between their bomb or Milton Williams, I've taken advantage of that in the middle of the pocket. I think for New England on offense, the key is going to be the run game.
00:19:26:17 - 00:19:45:27
Devin McCourty
Treveon Henderson and Raymond Stevenson I think they're going to be what they lean on the most. When you watch the Buffalo Bills game you walk away and you say man Josh Allen miss a few throws down the field. But all of that started with their ability to run the ball. And I think the wing was going to come in and say, hey, these guys want to rush the passer.
00:19:46:01 - 00:20:00:22
Devin McCourty
We got to make them take on double teams most of the game. We got to make them deal with that and then that hopefully sets up some throws down the field. But if you come out and you think you're going to drop back pass against Denver all game, you're going to have a long one.
00:20:00:25 - 00:20:11:20
Chris Harris Jr.
Well we'll let you go, bro. Before we let you go man who I think I know who you got right. But man let's get give us a score prediction. Give us what you think is going to happen in the game.
00:20:11:22 - 00:20:29:05
Devin McCourty
I think the game ends up in like the mid 20s I would say 24, 21. I'm going new England. And I gotta admit, it's been a fun week. I was on with TJ Ward yesterday. Now I'm all with Chris. I'm with all of the great DBS, that took Super Bowl 50 away from us in New England.
00:20:29:05 - 00:20:34:04
Devin McCourty
So, good times. But I think the Patriots come out victorious.
00:20:34:06 - 00:20:51:09
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. And Devin you know the last time the the the Super Bowl was played in San Francisco it obviously went well for Chris. We'll see if it's your Patriots or his his Broncos regardless of whether the Patriots are there or not. And that was make your week busier. NBC has the game this year and it coincides with the Olympics I guess.
00:20:51:12 - 00:20:58:23
Brandon Krisztal
So we'll let you as we let you run. Just how excited are you to be a part of the Super Bowl coverage? This time around, and especially because the Patriots could be there.
00:20:58:25 - 00:21:18:13
Devin McCourty
Yeah, man, it's really cool. I think, you know, being there, I got to play a five of them as a player. And I seeing this side of it and they were like yeah. Mr.. So six hour pregame I was like, damn, we, we on TV for six hours. So just being there, being a part of it, seeing the players talking about that journey, talking about being there in that game, I think it's a unique perspective.
00:21:18:18 - 00:21:28:09
Devin McCourty
So I'm definitely looking forward to even the future stories of sitting down with some guys and talking about what playing in a Super Bowl means to them. As it should be a lot of fun.
00:21:28:12 - 00:21:43:13
Brandon Krisztal
Well, this is a lot of fun. It's always fun when I see you. You know, Chris, sometimes you going to have to go with me and Mac and his brother Jason to a John Rule concert because we we got we got some, we got some hook on your room. All right. Yeah. We'll see you, in the Bay area.
00:21:43:20 - 00:21:45:14
Brandon Krisztal
Appreciate the time, guys.
00:21:45:16 - 00:21:46:09
Devin McCourty
Man.
00:21:46:11 - 00:21:52:04
Chris Harris Jr.
Sorry. There you go.
00:21:52:06 - 00:22:05:09
Brandon Krisztal
The John rule things kind of an inside joke. Going back to when I met he and his brother at the draft. They were, like, still players up in Chicago. But some friends connected us. And then we were out, and John Rule hit the stage and we're like, what the hell is going on? It was it was a good time.
00:22:05:09 - 00:22:24:26
Brandon Krisztal
So whenever any real news hits, we text each other, but understandably, Devin's going to going to pick the Patriots. I want to get back to a couple more Broncos things, though, before we you know, as we before we get into the film room here in a second, because I want let's let people get to know city a little bit steady as a self-proclaimed vibes guy.
00:22:24:28 - 00:22:41:15
Brandon Krisztal
So this was Wednesday, on the podium because now announced it is the the guy, you know, at the helm. And here was my question to him. You're a self-proclaimed. But yeah. So in this role and you, it looks like more to someone else. I don't think you're up there.
00:22:41:18 - 00:23:00:29
Speaker 3
No, I, I feel like I'm still a vibe guy. I think it was. Somebody was just in, I think it was Palmer over here. He's looking down on his phone, but, he, he was asking me what my, my turtle box was, and that's Mr. Turtle. So I like to, you know, keep the vibes high in the locker room and, you know, hopefully bring that to to the huddle on Sunday.
00:23:00:29 - 00:23:14:15
Speaker 3
But, yeah, I mean, it's we're playing in the AFC Championship. We're one of the last four teams playing like what's not fun about this. So we're going to go out there and give it the best we got. And and hopefully come out victorious.
00:23:14:17 - 00:23:33:11
Chris Harris Jr.
I think he's confident. And guys they they have confidence in him. And that's the first thing you want to see. You know you don't want to see a guy that doesn't feel like he's it's the moments too big for him. And and that, you know, he's he's covered that he can go get the job done and, and really play well.
00:23:33:11 - 00:23:52:18
Chris Harris Jr.
So, if I'm him, you know, I'm I'm looking at that. Hey, this is the biggest game of my life. I got an opportunity to, you know, really set my family up for even forever and, possibly go with me, a quarterback job next year. So if I'm him, you got it. You got to take this game very, very serious.
00:23:52:20 - 00:24:11:12
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah, well, and I think he is, because, yeah, he has a chance. If he plays if he plays well this week. And if they win ten nine and he has three interceptions but they win. He's not getting traded. But if he has a big game and helps them win even if they were to maybe struggle in Super Bowl.
00:24:11:12 - 00:24:27:18
Brandon Krisztal
But it makes it interesting. And if he plays well they win. He leads him to a Super Bowl, plays well win or lose. There's teams out there whether they're drafting a quarterback or not. It's not like oh we can get this guy now he's in year seven. Clearly all he needs is just more of a chance. Yeah.
00:24:27:18 - 00:24:45:08
Brandon Krisztal
I think that no one's ever. I saw Tyler Columbus tweeted. No one's ever had a quicker pass to 50 or $60 million, two game run up, because that's what he'll get is a new kind of that Baker Mayfield prove it deal that he got in in Tampa. And oh here I got one more thing on city. Before I move on.
00:24:45:10 - 00:25:04:09
Brandon Krisztal
I know you're a Lakers guy and I know Kobe's your guy more than LeBron. But you got you're wearing LeBron's jacket right now. Did you see this this week. Because this was this is all the rage here in Broncos country. Everyone has changed their profile pic to to steady as LeBron.
00:25:04:12 - 00:25:07:25
Chris Harris Jr.
That's what we need though, man. This is Jordan right I believe.
00:25:08:01 - 00:25:13:19
Brandon Krisztal
I know I'm only LeBron Jack Devin Hester jacket.
00:25:13:22 - 00:25:37:20
Chris Harris Jr.
But you know hey I like it man. Hey keep that keep that little mug shot up there. Whatever. Yeah hopefully he just comes up plays out with that swag. You know we need to see, him you know, be decisive with the football. The my variables team have historically played man to man coverage. So it's going to be he's going to have a lot of opportunities, to make some throws.
00:25:37:23 - 00:25:43:15
Brandon Krisztal
And then he was actually asked about about this. And here's his reaction.
00:25:43:17 - 00:26:06:15
Speaker 3
So I'm actually not on social media at the moment, but I have had, multiple people send me the, the LeBron meme with the, the headphones and the sunglasses so that I guess that's pretty funny. But it's great. I mean, Broncos Country, in my opinion. Arguably the best fan base in sports. So, you know, really excited to, to get out there in front of them.
00:26:06:15 - 00:26:13:20
Speaker 3
And, you know, it's been a long time since this game has been played here. So, I know they'll be rocking on Sunday.
00:26:13:23 - 00:26:31:13
Chris Harris Jr.
He's a very smart man, not being on social media. So he's doing a he did one thing right. But if you play quarterback I wouldn't have social media like the things I see the style does. And you know, those are kind of things Peyton did after he retired. You know, he did commercials and things like that.
00:26:31:13 - 00:26:35:15
Chris Harris Jr.
But wait, see, I'm on the podcast during the day live now.
00:26:35:16 - 00:26:53:03
Brandon Krisztal
No, I mean, Peyton on an Instagram like two years ago. What's Nick's is he never post anything on Twitter? He obviously had a message on Instagram, but Bo barely does anything there. If you want to keep an eye on what's going on in life, you follow his wife because his wife is. He gives you a little glimpse.
00:26:53:05 - 00:27:11:08
Brandon Krisztal
Oh, they're on vacation in Mexico with the other quarterbacks and Mike McGlinchey. Oh, they're in New York for Zach Wilson's wedding. They're in Vail, you know, and she seems to kind of do a good job of recapping. It's like, hey, we're in Vail, right now. It's oh Vail was awesome. So if you saw him great. And that's kind of it's almost like he has a social media manager without without it.
00:27:11:08 - 00:27:24:28
Brandon Krisztal
And I think, Smitty's wife, Kennedy is kind of the same way on Instagram. And you see pictures, of their kids. You know, what's funny with somebody was like, oh, said he's not going to be getting a lot of sleep. And I, I posted, I was like, he has four kids under three, including, a baby.
00:27:24:28 - 00:27:42:26
Brandon Krisztal
I don't think he is, getting a lot of sleep anyway. Yeah. Let's let's hear from Courtland Sutton, though, because I thought his perspective and you have to appreciate this as a former teammate. You know, the dip has told us he played in five Super Bowls. You know, you were a part of two Super Bowl teams. We know your injury kept you off the field.
00:27:42:28 - 00:27:51:14
Brandon Krisztal
It's not easy to get to the fact that Tom Brady played in ten is insane. And you can speak to that. But here's Courtland Sutton, on the precipice.
00:27:51:17 - 00:28:08:20
Speaker 3
Yeah. Shoes, man. Excited. You know, coach, coach reminded us of we're one of four teams that are still practicing right now. You know, everybody else at home, you know, enjoying the offseason. And, when you look at it from that perspective, it's such a blessing to to be one of four, you know, it's something that this, this team has earned.
00:28:08:20 - 00:28:26:21
Speaker 3
And, you know, I don't think that anybody takes it for granted at all. I think everyone is embracing the moment, embracing this opportunity. And we have a locker room that's full of guys that are ready to to, you know, take advantage of what's in front of us. You know, we have, a huge opportunity ahead of us.
00:28:26:21 - 00:28:54:21
Speaker 3
You know, a lot of guys either haven't really been in the playoffs. We got a few guys from other teams that have experienced, you know, conference championships and experience playing the Super Bowls. But, this bunch that we have in this locker room and the brotherhood that we have in this locker room, I think that we all want to be able to experience, continue to keep experiencing these eminems as as Coach Vitt was, say, you know, making these memories and, this is something this is one of those memories that we get a chance to go out there and make.
00:28:54:21 - 00:29:03:24
Speaker 3
But, you know, it all starts with the preparation this week. And I think that, like I said, we got off to a good start based on how we went out in practice today.
00:29:03:27 - 00:29:19:24
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah. Calling you know, he's a guy that's been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. So he knows how big it is and and how he needs to take advantage of the moment and you guys have a better game than what he played last week, right? You know, every every game is bigger and you got to play better.
00:29:19:24 - 00:29:30:05
Chris Harris Jr.
So they keep that momentum rolling. And it's going to start with him because definitely the Patriots are a good run stopping team. So the ball is going to have to be in the air.
00:29:30:08 - 00:29:46:26
Brandon Krisztal
Well, and let me ask you about guys like Courtland Sutton and really to a man and we asked Alex Singleton about some of this yesterday. But the idea that you have to pick everybody up because you don't have Bo Nix, that don't necessarily have to be said, but caught had a couple of maybe uncharacteristic drops or catchable balls.
00:29:46:28 - 00:29:59:08
Brandon Krisztal
So how do you make sure as a vet or just even as a young player, but that you're doing everything you can and that you're locked in because Stidham isn't Bo, doesn't mean Stidham won't have success. But you understand what I'm asking.
00:29:59:11 - 00:30:16:08
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah just making sure everything you're out running is precise. You're getting your hands ready. You know maybe might have to do extra jugs this week. Maybe you might need to get to spend more time with Stidham in the red zone. Or they're going to go into your third down packages fan in different ways to buy some.
00:30:16:08 - 00:30:28:05
Chris Harris Jr.
It's still some extra time with the quarterback. And that's what you got to do around this time. There's nothing else that matters except the game and you got to kind of have tunnel vision.
00:30:28:07 - 00:30:44:08
Brandon Krisztal
As we head into the film room right before that one to thank our friends at Furniture Row, you can see the nice chair here. You watch any of our other shows that have more hosts. You will see the awesome new set decor that we got courtesy of our friends at furniture. You know, they got a bunch of locations up and down the Front Range.
00:30:44:12 - 00:30:57:12
Brandon Krisztal
You know, the furniture. Okay. And of course, our friends at Denver Mattress as well. All right. As we do every week, let's head in to the Chris Harris Junior Film room.
00:30:57:14 - 00:31:07:19
Brandon Krisztal
All right. There are a lot of great plays to look at, but we're just going to focus on a couple. This is great. Only because of what wasn't called.
00:31:07:22 - 00:31:31:23
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah, I think because it was, not catchable. Yeah, but this time, this is late in the game. You know, right there, you you want your corners to start to fight and try to look and find the ball. But you know, Moss, you know, he's still kind of grabbing and being handsy with them. But, that's where we need most of you know, to be ready this week because they're they are going to try to take them up top with booty.
00:31:31:25 - 00:31:37:22
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. Is booty playing well enough where Pat should travel with them?
00:31:37:24 - 00:31:54:17
Chris Harris Jr.
I would say no, not at this point because mainly he's been more of a vertical threat. But to be able to, stop Diggs, he's Diggs, he's been completing on the third downs and, scoring touchdowns. So, I would think Diggs would be more of a factor.
00:31:54:19 - 00:32:05:24
Brandon Krisztal
All right. And then a couple more things for you here in the film room. We're going to jump all the way to what turns out to be, in some people's estimation, the biggest play of the game.
00:32:05:26 - 00:32:28:08
Chris Harris Jr.
Oh, yeah. Interception coming down with the ball. Looks like they call it zero coverage all out blitz. Third and ten. And you know, that's pretty ballsy to do. Bales picked it up pretty good right. They blocked everybody. But he was able to come down with the play. You see. Has his hand inside of there to be able to take the ball and, man control.
00:32:28:08 - 00:32:31:09
Chris Harris Jr.
Get it up. That's a that's an interception.
00:32:31:12 - 00:32:38:24
Brandon Krisztal
It's funny, the controversy on this, because you can see from the time that cooks hauls it in Jay Mack's hand is also there.
00:32:38:27 - 00:32:39:06
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah.
00:32:39:06 - 00:32:49:22
Brandon Krisztal
And now cooks is a little banged up after that. I think he hurts his arm. And that's part of the reason he didn't get up demanding it being a catch. But he knew he didn't have the ball. And I don't think he ever thought it was a catch.
00:32:49:24 - 00:32:55:10
Chris Harris Jr.
If they if they both came down with the and they're both grabbing at the same time, I would have went to the offense.
00:32:55:17 - 00:33:11:06
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. They're laying there on the ground and both have their hands on it. But they, they didn't. And for for Jay Mack not only the biggest play of his career and he's had a couple of big interceptions a pick six against the Chargers a few weeks ago. But what what what can you tell young DBS about just the technique here and how he played the ball?
00:33:11:12 - 00:33:28:06
Chris Harris Jr.
I mean, just fighting all the way down to the ground, you know, fighting for the ball, trying to get it out or trying to intercept it. And it's all about effort. You know, he's in zero coverage right there going against one of the fastest. Oh, used to be one of the fastest guys in the league, and, was able to still cover him.
00:33:28:06 - 00:33:42:00
Chris Harris Jr.
So, that's extremely challenging to do, to be able to cover a guy in a slot all over the field. And, you know, his effort is why he made that play. Having great effort and being able to finish the play, you know, to the whistle.
00:33:42:02 - 00:33:58:13
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. I was standing right there when that happened and and couldn't believe it. It was, it was, it was pretty amazing. But I was on that side. On the sideline it happened, you know, ten, ten, 15 yards in front of me is pretty wild. And for him to pop out with the ball and then how quickly they were able to look at it and, and then keep it, keep it moving.
00:33:58:15 - 00:34:05:01
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. And then do we have one more thing in the film room because we're talking PII.
00:34:05:03 - 00:34:07:26
Brandon Krisztal
The last throw of the season.
00:34:07:28 - 00:34:33:17
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah, that was, that he was there, you know, but he got there just a tad bit too early, right. And there and zero coverage also, you see him grab him right there. He grabs him. Right there. That right there is too early. So he just didn't time it the right way. I thought he probably thought that, you know, right when he jumped in the air, the ball would be coming in his hands.
00:34:33:17 - 00:34:51:11
Chris Harris Jr.
It usually does happen like that. But, you know, Mims kind of mistimed it himself. Yeah, and it kind of forced that pitch. So, him getting there early, before Mims even touches the ball, makes that appear. I don't know why to. I was so mad. You know, he can go back and watch it a million times.
00:34:51:11 - 00:34:53:20
Chris Harris Jr.
You know, you definitely got there early.
00:34:53:22 - 00:35:15:17
Brandon Krisztal
That's a that's a pretty ridiculous throw when you think about obviously, if both Bo and Josh leave their guys there, it might have been six. But at that point Bo has hurt his ankle and is still able to at least drop back on the hurt ankle. And I understand he didn't necessarily plant and drive the ball. He obviously put lots of air under it, but to still make a throw, that's pretty much on the money 45 yards downfield or whatever it is.
00:35:15:19 - 00:35:32:28
Brandon Krisztal
And they talk about receivers with late hands. Those were early hands for Marvin Mims, which worked out to his advantage, I guess. Late hands. Maybe he ends up just catching it, but, early hands get some of the P, all right. It was a short trip to the film room because we had already seen the bo injuries all week or the video of Bo getting hurt.
00:35:33:00 - 00:35:46:02
Brandon Krisztal
And we got to get our picks and look at the injury report here real quick. So, next week, hopefully we're talking about some great play to help a Broncos win. But that was Chris Harris Jr. Film room.
00:35:46:05 - 00:36:08:05
Brandon Krisztal
And then as we do always before we get to predictions because I think this is something that hopefully we'll have Broncos fans smiling. As you know, we haven't gotten the final injury report. But let's let's do the injury report real quick. David, before we look at the matchup numbers, because.
00:36:08:07 - 00:36:26:05
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. Bedlam. Pollack injury report. Couple a couple positive things here. And I'll let you react to each of them. But Pat Bryant and I was there on the sideline as he went to the blue tent. He we've seen guys get concussions. You on the field Wes Welker do seen him get concussions to Pat Bryant last time. Those those are concerning Pat Bryant walk to the blue.
00:36:26:07 - 00:36:44:20
Brandon Krisztal
Act like I cannot believe I have to do this. And then they sit him down after three catches. And I think it's because December 21st was the first one and then January 17th. So less than a month. But he was back in practice and he was a full go yesterday. On Thursday. What do you think about getting Pat Bryant back?
00:36:44:22 - 00:37:02:23
Chris Harris Jr.
I mean he started out hot. May never see his route, route running. He knows how to create separation. It was good to see him and Bo. They were starting to, you know, continue on with that chemistry that they've had throughout the season. So he's big. You know, you definitely need him. How did Dobbins look?
00:37:02:24 - 00:37:04:14
Chris Harris Jr.
What's the report on Dobbins?
00:37:04:16 - 00:37:23:09
Brandon Krisztal
Well, I talked to some people, close to the situation, and Dobbins was under the impression he could have played last week. They're being cautious with them. I think, had they have, one and both stayed healthy, maybe they let Dobbins sit essentially three more weeks. But it feels like they're going to need him. He's he's look good.
00:37:23:09 - 00:37:40:09
Brandon Krisztal
The little bit that we've seen, we haven't seen much because you know how it goes with that early viewing period, especially Sean Payton in the playoffs. But I think he's going to be ready to roll even if he gives you 15 snaps not 15 touches, 15 snaps, some pass throw, some play action, some decoy stuff. What what will it be for a shot in the arm if Dobbins can go?
00:37:40:11 - 00:38:02:26
Chris Harris Jr.
Oh, that'd be huge. Especially to a run game that definitely needs him. Going against this Patriots team. Their strength is the run defense. So, being able to, Craig creases and and relieve pressure off of Stidham will be huge. So any running backs any guy that we can get to tote the ball, it will be much needed in this game.
00:38:02:28 - 00:38:25:28
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. And you know for as much as it will help to have Pat Bryant ready to go, Troy Frankel with the hamstring was limited the last couple days. We know those can be tricky. And if you can't go, you almost want to on the side of caution and you dress, Elijah Moore or Michael Bandy, probably. And L.J. Humphries, a bigger part of of your game plan, the final player that we'll talk about other than Nolan Lucas crawl under Sanders, are close and could be activated, especially for special teams.
00:38:25:28 - 00:38:41:06
Brandon Krisztal
Depth is Luke Wattenberg. When he went to Iowa, Sean Payton said, it's not a four week injury. We needed the spot and we trust Forsythe. If Wattenberg, you just get 48 million. If he if he's ready to roll, you kind of have to slide him back in there because you're not rotating centers the way you rotated guards to get Ben Powers ready.
00:38:41:06 - 00:38:42:13
Brandon Krisztal
Right.
00:38:42:16 - 00:39:01:17
Chris Harris Jr.
You got to put him back in. You know, you can see the, the run game has definitely suffered, without him being in there. So definitely if he's ready to roll and he can play, you gotta let him. Let you got to trust the guys professionalism. And allow him to go out there and play.
00:39:01:19 - 00:39:18:29
Brandon Krisztal
We'll see how it all shakes out and get this final injury report. And some of these are going to be true game time decisions. I think that they'll activate Dobbins and Wattenberg, and we'll find that out later today or tomorrow. And then they'll decide on Sunday before that 1:00 kick. That does it, though, for our trip.
00:39:19:01 - 00:39:32:25
Brandon Krisztal
Look at the injury report. Thanks to our friends at Bell and Pollock call today. 303795 5900 or champions of PEOPLE.com.
00:39:32:28 - 00:39:54:28
Brandon Krisztal
Well, Chris, before we pick the Broncos game and look at the numbers. The NFC game that comes after the AFC game. Seattle two and a half point favorites. Rams beat him 1917 in in December or rather in November. And then you jump ahead to December week. Well that 1868 week 16. It took overtime but and L.A. had him dominate for seven quarters.
00:39:55:03 - 00:40:05:03
Brandon Krisztal
Seahawks figured it out late and in overtime they picked off Sam Darnold seven times. I I'm leaning Rams. But that Seahawks D is has been something else.
00:40:05:05 - 00:40:18:06
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah I'm gonna have to go with Seattle's defense. Their defense is just too stout. And Matthew Stafford hadn't played like an MVP the first couple of games in, playoffs. So I'm gonna go with Seattle in in this game.
00:40:18:09 - 00:40:34:04
Brandon Krisztal
Yeah. All right, I'll go Rams. And, one of us will be right. One else be wrong. I also like the Broncos matchup I think against the Rams better in the Super Bowl. If the Broncos could get there because you can put Pat on Puka and then take your chances with the rest of them. Although we'll see a Cooper Cup revenge game coming in.
00:40:34:11 - 00:40:52:05
Brandon Krisztal
David, I know if we wanted to look at the numbers, but the Broncos at last check. Still five and a half point. Favorites or rather underdogs. Patriots, five and a half point favorites. We know Bo Nix is a big reason that time possession even Patriots aren't great turnover wise are obviously better than the Broncos. Not necessarily been great in the playoffs, but they were better than the Texans.
00:40:52:12 - 00:41:09:16
Brandon Krisztal
Look at that Patriots offense. So the Josh McDaniels offense are dial in and they've got Stevenson going now with the with the rook and Henderson and Drake may like we said an MVP candidate. And how about third down. That could be I think one when you talk about their third down against the Broncos third down that could be pretty huge.
00:41:09:18 - 00:41:29:20
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah I mean the Patriots are pretty stout pretty consistent team from offense and defensively. So you're looking at a complete team. The numbers are struggling on the Broncos offense just because they've been up and down all season. Haven't been you know, consistent all year. But when I look at the pages, you know, they had the weakest schedule in the league.
00:41:29:20 - 00:41:50:13
Chris Harris Jr.
You know, they didn't play a lot of the top talent around the league, even though you got to play whoever they choose. But you know, the results in the their win loss ratio of their of the their opponents is pretty bad. So, I'm not very confident these guys I think the Broncos are able they come out and play stout defense run the ball better.
00:41:50:15 - 00:41:54:07
Chris Harris Jr.
Stidham here these guys out I think they got a great chance to win.
00:41:54:09 - 00:41:56:19
Brandon Krisztal
All right give me a score prediction.
00:41:56:21 - 00:42:02:04
Chris Harris Jr.
I got to go with 33 to 27 3327.
00:42:02:06 - 00:42:03:21
Brandon Krisztal
Broncos win by six.
00:42:03:23 - 00:42:04:04
Chris Harris Jr.
Yeah.
00:42:04:05 - 00:42:21:18
Brandon Krisztal
All right I like where your head's at I think I'm going to say pick I gave last week. Except I had the margin right. Just I was ten point shy on both sides. I'm gonna go 2320 again. Broncos win this game 2320. I think Sean's going to stay a little more committed to the run, but I think he's going to I think he's going to impress some folks.
00:42:21:18 - 00:42:36:26
Brandon Krisztal
And I think he may have a chance to not only help the Broncos get the Super Bowl, but help himself, maybe make some money, via the, trade. In the new situation, we'll be able to break it all down. You'll break it down with the Harrises, this week. And we'll, of course, on postgame, live with Chad Brown and Christian Brown.
00:42:36:26 - 00:42:49:15
Brandon Krisztal
I'll join them from the field. But, Chris, a lot of fun. Glad we got to talk to Devin McCourty. Thanks to him. Thanks to David. Thanks to our friends at Denver Mattress and Furniture Row. And hopefully we're talking about our Super Bowl plans here next week when we talk. Thanks, Chris. Enjoy the games.