ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The last time the Broncos and Patriots met in the playoffs, Champ Bailey returned an interception 100 yards, sparking a 27-13 Denver win and handing Tom Brady his first postseason defeat after 10 wins and three titles.
Six years later, they meet again this weekend, both men a lot longer in the tooth but just as transcendent.
At 33, Bailey was just named to his 11th Pro Bowl, extending his record for cornerbacks. He helped the Broncos (9-8) reach the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.
At 34, Brady threw 39 touchdown passes, the second-highest total of his brilliant career, and led the Patriots (13-3) to the top seed in the AFC by winning his last eight starts, including a blowout at Denver on Dec. 18.
