Broncos feeling confident and contemplative after AFC Championship
Even in the euphoric moments that followed the Denver Broncos 201-18 victory of the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, several of the players, coaches and executives were in a surprisingly contemplative mood.
Veterans like Von Miller and Owen Daniels took a step back from the excitement to reflect, while head coach Gary Kubiak chose to uplift a player who’s battled through one of the toughest seasons of his career. Other players, meanwhile, were still oozing confidence after upsetting the Patriots and again proving the doubters wrong.
We’ve gathered here the best postgame quotes from the 2016 AFC Championship, one of the most important wins in Broncos history.
Derek Wolfe, on the final 90 seconds of the game
“I never had any doubt, I knew we were going to win. I knew last week we were going to win, I just knew it. As soon as we beat the Steelers, I knew we were going to beat the Patriots.”
Good thing Wolfe wasn’t on social media during those 90 seconds. He might not be too happy with all the people who were hitting the panic button after Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski connected on a 40-yard, fourth-down pass. They’ve got two weeks to calm down, now.
T.J. Ward, on the “outside noise”
“We felt like we were totally disrespected by everybody in the media. I don’t think I heard one telecast that had us winning, and as good as defense we’ve been playing all year that was the focal point—that Tom Brady was going to shred us apart. We took total disrespect to that. Total disrespect.”
Think the players don’t listen to the critics? Think again.
Demaryius Thomas, on if that might have been Peyton Manning’s last career home game
“I have no idea. You’d have to ask Peyton. He don’t talk about it; he just talks about the next game.”
Not that we expected Manning to let his leading pass-catcher over the past four years know whether or not he’s retiring, but we’re glad to know his focus is solely on the next ‘W’.
Emmanuel Sanders, on winning another nail-biter
“I know a lot of people don’t like it, they always count us out … We are a team of resilience, we got the job done and that is all that matters.”
Fans and the media would love to have their fingernails back after all these close games, but Emmanuel Sanders and the rest of the Broncos have no doubt this is how a championship will be won.
Chris Harris, on winning the AFC Championship
“We stuck together all year, regardless of when we had times when we could clash with the offense and defense or whatever. We stayed together as a team and that’s all that matters.”
The players did a great job this year to put forth a united front in the face of adversity, but this quote from Harris shows things were certainly stressful inside the Broncos locker room. This is a good sign that they are a codified locker room heading into the biggest game of their lives.
Owen Daniels, on finally getting to a Super Bowl
“I’ve never played in this game before. That’s really the only reason I’m still playing right now is to have the opportunity to win a Super Bowl.”
With so much attention on Peyton Manning, Broncos fans and the media often forget that for guys like Daniels, DeMarcus Ware and Vernon Davis this could be their last chance to win a world championship.
C.J. Anderson, on what he was thinking during the Patriots’ final drive
“Just what our defense wanted. At the end of the day, they’re the best defense on the planet. If they wanted that opportunity to end the game and close the game, that’s what they wanted.”
The defense may have wanted that, but most of Denver would have breathed much easier if Anderson and the Broncos offense could have just grabbed a couple fourth-quarter first downs.
Wade Phillips, on winning so many close games this year
“I think it’s the most wins since the ’78 Oilers – close wins. I’m familiar with that team because I was on that team, and that’s when I started getting grey hair.”
Wade Phillips handles the media and coaches like he doesn’t have a care in the world. The result is a Super Bowl-bound defense that has shouldered the load this season, and a year’s worth of press conference gold like this.
Von Miller, on DeMarcus Ware
“He’s done everything the right way, a true leader. He’s my idol. I’ve been looking up to him for a long time. It’s crazy how God works. It’s a true blessing to have him here. I needed him most at a time in my life when I was doing rough. He came in, he helped me out and look where we are today.”
The relationship that Miller and Ware have developed over the past two years is truly amazing and a testament to Ware’s true greatness, not just on the field but off it, as well.
Gary Kubiak, on Peyton Manning’s 12-yard scramble to prevent a three-and-out
“…he’s one of the greatest competitors ever in this league. For him to take off and make that play – guys, I can’t tell you how he has led this group the last three weeks. It’s been tremendous.”
Kubiak was forced into the role of politician when his Hall of Fame QB went down with injury and his replacement (Brock Osweiler) came in and performed above expectation. On Sunday, he really let his emotions about Manning finally show.
Peyton Manning, during the Lamar Hunt Trophy Presentation
“It’s been a special four years playing here in Denver for these great fans, for this great organization. To be going to our second Super Bowl in four years is very special. Just an awesome effort by our entire team tonight.”
The question from Jim Nantz was about Peyton being the oldest quarterback to start a Super Bowl. Manning, showing his true class, made it about the fans, the organization and the team.
John Elway, on Manning getting his second shot at a Super Bowl as a Bronco
“I think the big thing is we have to win it.”
No pressure, right? Look, Elway knows how important this is for Manning’s legacy. Even if Manning isn’t the star or the conquering hero in the game, he deserves to go out on top. Does this team have one more rabbit in it
Annabel Bowlen, during the Lamar Hunt Trophy Presentation
“Let’s get it done for Pat…”
Any Denver Bron knows, nothing more has to be said.