New England Patriots aim to tighten game before AFC Championship

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

The New England Patriots will return to the field Wednesday as they prepare for the AFC Championship against the Denver Broncos.

There’s plenty of reasons for confidence, including the Patriots’ perfect 8-0 record on the road this season.

One area the team needs to improve is ball security.

Quarterback Drake Maye has fumbled six times in New England’s two playoff games, with three of those turnovers recovered by opponents.

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However, the responsibility is not all on Maye. The Patriots’ offensive line must also do a better job protecting him.

News 9 spoke with Chris Ryan, host of New Hampshire Today with Chris Ryan, after the Houston Texans game about the importance of protecting the football.

“The Patriots have kinda a healthy fear of the environment they’re going into, but I think that they feel really confident about what they can do moving forward,” Ryan said. “This defense feels good, and we still need to see a little more out of Drake Maye. I think he knows that, but when’s he had to, he’s made big plays. That ball to Kayshon Boutte, great catch, a 33-yard touchdown, but also great throw from Drake Maye. But, we still need to see a little better from him in terms of protecting the football.”

The Patriots are expected to fly to Colorado on Saturday, a day before the game.