The upcoming AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos on March 3, 2024, raises questions about how Denver’s high altitude may affect the Patriots. With a home field situated at 5,280 feet above sea level, the Broncos benefit from a unique environmental advantage that could impact performance during the match.
Mark Kramer, owner of Higher Peak, a company specializing in training athletes for high-altitude competition, emphasized that the lower oxygen levels at this elevation can pose challenges. “There’s 20% less oxygen effective at that altitude,” Kramer explained. He noted that athletes preparing for endurance events often utilize low oxygen tents to acclimate their bodies by increasing red blood cell production. This enhancement helps athletes deliver more oxygen throughout their systems, which can be crucial during high-stakes competitions.
The Patriots plan to arrive in Denver on Saturday, just a day before the game. Kramer suggested that early arrival would help players acclimatize, although head coach Mike Vrabel indicated that significant benefits would require an earlier trip than currently scheduled. “I think they will feel it all through the game, but if you get out there and practice, you won’t have the psychological impact of feeling tired,” Kramer stated.
Despite the potential physical challenges, some former players downplayed the altitude’s effects. Christian Fauria, a former tight end for the Patriots, described the altitude fatigue as overstated. “Don’t buy into it. It is a red herring. It is not even real,” Fauria asserted. He recalled his time playing at the University of Colorado and competing in Denver, noting how the psychological aspect often looms larger than the physical.
Fauria shared an anecdote about the University of Miami covering up altitude-related signage to prevent their players from becoming overly concerned. “We used to have it in the visitor’s locker room when I was at Colorado. Tons of signage. The University of Miami came to play us and they covered it up because they didn’t want their players to internalize it and freak out if they were huffing and puffing,” he said.
While acknowledging that altitude can indeed lead to fatigue, he argued that its effects are often exaggerated. He pointed out that while the thinner air can enhance the distance of kicks, the overall impact on quarterback performance remains debatable. “Can you kick it farther? Yes, but is Drake Maye all of a sudden going to rip back and throw it 85 yards with accuracy? Probably not,” he concluded.
As the Patriots prepare for their pivotal matchup, they will need to navigate both the physical and mental challenges posed by Denver’s altitude. The outcome may hinge not only on their physical conditioning but also on their ability to manage the psychological aspects of competing in such a unique environment. The team will be hoping that the narrative surrounding altitude fatigue is just a lot of hot air.
