DENVER — One team went without the services of its Hall of Fame-bound quarterback for more than a third of the season, and when he was available, he was a shell of his former self.
The other had its quarterback all season but faced week after week of injuries to his pass catchers, offensive linemen and running backs.
Often, teams with those story lines are studying the draft board this time of year. But these are the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots — two franchises built to overcome problems big and small. And once again, they find themselves on the verge of the Super Bowl.