Patriots Kicker Explains Desire For 70-Yard Field Goal Attempt Vs. Broncos

The New England Patriots will play in Denver for the first time since the 2023 season when they face the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.

Not only will it be MVP candidate Drake Maye’s first taste of the notoriously high altitude as an NFL quarterback but it’s also rookie Andy Borregales’ first experience kicking at Empower Field at Mile High.

The sixth-round pick had a big playoff debut, nailing all three of his field goal attempts in New England’s wild-card round win against the Los Angeles Chargers before going 4-for-4 on his extra point tries in the divisional matchup vs. the Houston Texans.

Borregales’ longest field goal of his rookie campaign was 59 yards in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins, but he’s hoping to shatter that mark vs. Denver.

“That’s my whole routine before a game — to see what my range is that day,” he said, according to a report by MassLive’s Mark Daniels. “I know it’ll probably be cold out there. It might offset. Not sure. I haven’t kicked up there yet. I’m guessing maybe like 5-8 yards (added). Definitely going to try from 70 to see if it goes in with the cold and everything.”

Per Daniels, Borregales said the longest kick he’s ever made in a practice setting was 70 yards during his college days at the University of Miami.

He had a strong rookie season for the Patriots, going 27-for-32 on field goals (84.4%) and earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for Week 12.

Borregales said he’s looking forward to Sunday’s unique opportunity but understands what’s most important.

“Super exciting,” the Venezuelan said. “But at the end of the day, I’m trying to do my job. We’re all going in there having fun and trying to get a W.”