UPDATE: The New England Patriots are gearing up to face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game this Sunday, but they are confronting an invisible yet significant challenge: Denver’s high altitude. At a staggering 5,280 feet above sea level, the air is thinner, creating concerns about how this will impact players’ performance.
Former player Christian Fauria weighed in, urging fans not to overemphasize the altitude’s effects. He stated, “It’s more mental than anything. Don’t buy into it. It is a red herring. It is not even real.” His perspective highlights a growing debate on whether the altitude will truly affect the Patriots, who are set to travel to Denver on Saturday for the crucial matchup.
According to Mark Kramer, owner of Higher Peak, a company specializing in altitude training for athletes, the home field advantage in Denver is a real factor. “There’s 20% less oxygen effective at that altitude,” he explained. He advised the Patriots to arrive early to mitigate fatigue, stressing that players would need time to adjust physiologically.
Despite Kramer’s insights, Head Coach Mike Vrabel noted that any benefits from acclimatization would not materialize unless the team had traveled earlier. “They wouldn’t see any acclimation benefit unless they left last Thursday,” he said, emphasizing the tight timeline.
Kramer also mentioned that the psychological aspect plays a significant role. “If you get out there and practice, you won’t have the psychological impact of feeling tired,” he added, pointing out that mental readiness is crucial.
Fauria recounted his own experiences in Denver, where signs in the visitor’s locker room reminded players of the altitude. “The University of Miami covered it up because they didn’t want their players to internalize it and freak out if they were huffing and puffing,” he said.
As game day approaches, the Patriots must navigate not only the physical demands of playing at high altitude but also the mental hurdles that come with it. Fans are eager to see how this dynamic plays out on the field as the team strives for victory in the championship clash.
With kickoff just hours away, the pressure mounts. Will the altitude have a measurable impact, or is it simply a psychological barrier? Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates leading up to the game.