Patriots: Fresh faces look to learn from vets

Forgive this Patriots team if they can’t accurately describe what it feels like to win a playoff game.

The truth is, most of these players haven’t ever felt it. There are obviously a handful of veterans who have experienced success in the playoffs, but a number of those players experienced it on other teams.

In fact, just one member of the Patriots defense — Vince Wilfork — has won a playoff game with the Patriots.

One.

That tells you just how much the team has changed since their loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII, a season in which they won two playoff games prior to that infamous Sunday.

The Pats missed the postseason the following season, and were one and done in each of the next two.

The Broncos aren’t in much better shape. Sure, they won last week — and mentally that’s huge for them going forward — but one win doesn’t equal experience.

Tim Tebow may have more playoff wins than Tom Brady over the last three seasons, but in no way is he more prepared.

Brady’s preparation and having an offensive line filled with proven veterans such as Logan Mankins, Matt Light, and Brian Waters should give the Pats an edge. Light is a three-time Super Bowl champion protecting Brady, and realizes that since that last Super Bowl ring (2004), the Pats haven’t taken advantage of golden opportunities.

“I mean, obviously we haven’t done well enough,” Light said. “It sits in all of our minds for the guys that have been here and been a part of that … We’ve had a heck of run through the regular season.
We’ve had a lot of guys step up and make a lot of plays to put us in this position. Now we have to do something with it.”

No chance

From our friends at Cold, Hard football facts:

Bad news for Broncos No team has made it as far as the conference championship with an 8-8 record.

 Sorry Giants, Bengals No NFL team has ever won a Super Bowl with a 9-7 record. In fact, only two teams have made it to the Big Game with a    9-7 mark.