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SPORTSThursday 21 January 2016
Miller and Harris back for this AFC title game vs. Brady
ARNIE STAPLETON New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked Denver’s dismantled de- er said. “Exactly how we
Associated Press by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during a fense that was also missing had it before — but we get
DENVER (AP) — Backslaps game in Denver. Denver and New England will play in the AFC defensive end Derek Wolfe to play.”
for the backups. Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Denver. in the Super Bowl. Also sitting out that confer-
That’s all pass-rusher Von Denver’s duo was eager to ence championship two
Miller and cornerback Chris (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) face Brady and Bill Belich- years ago was Patriots tight
Harris Jr. could provide the ick, the best QB/coach end Rob Gronkowski, who
last time the New England combo in history with a re- had an injured knee cour-
Patriots played the Denver cord 22 playoff wins, a year tesy of then-Browns safety
Broncos for the AFC cham- later when the Broncos T.J. Ward, now deliver-
pionship. admittedly overlooked the ing those big hits for these
The backbone of Denver’s Colts and never got that Broncos.
dominant defense is ready chance. Both Ward (ankle) and
for the rematch Sunday. Not this time. Gronkowski (knee) were
“I was happy for my team- The top-seeded Broncos knocked out of the game
mates then, I’m happy for (13-4) took care of Pitts- when these teams met in
my teammates now,” Mill- burgh and the second- snowy Denver on Nov. 29,
er said. seeded Patriots (13-4) beat a game the Broncos won
“But I have a chance to Kansas City, setting up a 30-24 in overtime.
go in and affect the game. rematch in the conference Also sitting out that game
There’s a little bit more that championship, a 17th and was receiver Julian Edel-
I can do besides just cheer likely final meeting be- man, who’s back in the Pa-
my guys on. And I plan to tween Brady and Peyton triots’ loaded lineup.
do that.” Manning. Both Gronkowski and Edel-
Miller and Harris were out Instead of providing moral man had monster games
with ACL injuries two years support this time, Miller and against the Chiefs. Edel-
ago in the Broncos’ 26-16 Harris get the chance to man had 10 catches for
win over the Patriots, then dethrone the defending 100 yards and Gronkows-
watched helplessly from champs. ki had 83 yards and two
the sideline two weeks “The Patriots come here, touchdowns among his
later as Seattle destroyed we’re the No. 1 seed,” Mill- seven receptions.q
