The first barbs are flying ahead of the AFC Championship Game. After Sean Payton provoked the Patriots, Mike Vrabel and Kayshon Boutte are now responding.

Ahead of the AFC Championship Game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, Broncos head coach Sean Payton caused a stir with a provocative statement. Payton was asked what message he had for the fans at Empower Field at Mile High, who are expected to loudly disrupt the Patriots’ offense on Sunday. The coach called on them to make noise early in the huddle, adding, “The fans can rest after that. They have two weeks to do it.”

This was an allusion to the Broncos winning and advancing to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, while the Patriots are eliminated.

NFL Playoffs: Boutte and Vrabel respond to Payton’s jab

Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte responded promptly to Payton’s words. The 25-year-old, who was the match winner against the Houston Texans last week, said, “They can rest in Cancun, too.”

The Mexican resort is often used in memes as the first port of call for fans and players once they are eliminated.

Vrabel himself commented briefly on Payton’s statement: “I think we’re motivated enough for the game and don’t need to concern ourselves with statements like that.”

The Patriots are the clear favorites going into the game according to the bookmakers. Some predict that the visitors from New England will be ahead by up to a touchdown.