Patriots Outlast Broncos in Snowy AFC Slugfest, Punch Ticket to Super Bowl LX
In a game that turned into a battle of grit, field position, and timely defense, the New England Patriots emerged from a snow-swept Empower Field at Mile High with a 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos, clinching a spot in Super Bowl LX. It was old-school football in every sense - a defensive slugfest where every yard mattered, and one big play could swing the outcome.
The difference? A 23-yard field goal by rookie kicker Andres Borregales, the finishing touch on a 16-play drive that opened the second half and gave New England a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
That kick came just before a snowstorm rolled in and turned the final two quarters into a white-knuckle grind. From that point on, the two teams combined for just five first downs - and only one of those belonged to Denver.
The Patriots’ final first down came on a clutch 7-yard scramble by rookie quarterback Drake Maye on third-and-5, allowing New England to kneel out the final 1:51 and seal their trip to Santa Clara.
But Denver had its chances.
After a short 26-yard punt gave them prime field position at the Patriots’ 33-yard line with just under seven minutes remaining, the Broncos looked poised to tie things up. That’s when Leonard Williams III - a practice squad call-up just the day before - got a hand on Wil Lutz’s 45-yard field goal attempt. The ball fluttered wide left, and with it went Denver’s best shot at extending the game.
The Broncos’ final drive ended with cornerback Christian Gonzalez stepping in front of a Jarrett Stidham pass at the New England 36-yard line - a fitting end for a Patriots defense that was lights out in the second half.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
Denver came out swinging despite being down to their backup quarterback. With Bo Nix sidelined due to an ankle injury suffered in last week’s overtime win over Buffalo, Jarrett Stidham got the start and wasted no time making an impact. He launched a 52-yard strike to Marvin Mims to set up a 6-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton, giving the Broncos a 7-0 lead just five minutes into the game.
But from there, the Broncos struggled to capitalize. A fourth-and-1 gamble at the Patriots’ 14-yard line came up empty midway through the second quarter.
On their next possession, Stidham tried to get rid of the ball while being sacked - originally ruled intentional grounding, the call was reversed to a backward pass. That turned into a live ball, scooped up by New England at the Broncos’ 12-yard line.
The Patriots made Denver pay. Maye capped the short-field drive with a 6-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7 with just over two minutes left in the first half.
Rookie Quarterbacks, Veteran Defenses
Drake Maye didn’t light up the stat sheet, but he made plays when it mattered. The rookie finished 10-of-21 for 86 yards, took five sacks, but kept the chains moving with his legs - 65 rushing yards on 10 carries, including the game’s only touchdown and the crucial third-down scramble that iced the game.
New England leaned heavily on the ground game, grinding out 141 yards on 38 carries. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective - especially in the second-half snow.
Stidham, meanwhile, went 17-of-31 for 133 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He added 23 yards on the ground but struggled to find rhythm as the weather worsened. Denver managed just 79 rushing yards on 24 attempts, never quite establishing the balance they needed.
Defensive Standouts Shine
This was a showcase for defenders on both sides. Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis led the team with seven tackles.
Christian Barmore added a sack, taking down Stidham for an 8-yard loss late in the first half. Marcus Jones chipped in with six tackles, a pass breakup, and a short punt return.
The Broncos had their own defensive highlights. Rookie outside linebacker Que Robinson recorded the first full sack of his NFL career, dropping Maye for a 9-yard loss in the first quarter. Patrick Surtain II was active in coverage, finishing with five tackles and a pass deflection.
And while it didn’t end the way Denver hoped, the defense gave them a chance - holding New England to just 10 points and keeping the game within reach despite the offensive struggles.
Historic Road Warriors
With the win, New England became the first team in NFL history to go 9-0 on the road in a single season. After entering the playoffs as the AFC’s No. 2 seed behind the 14-3 Broncos, the Patriots knocked off the Chargers and Texans in back-to-back road games before grinding out this icy win in Denver.
Now, they’ll head to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, to face the NFC champion in Super Bowl LX on February 8. The NFC title will be decided Sunday night when the Rams and Seahawks square off in Seattle.
For the Patriots, it’s a return to the big stage - and a testament to a team that’s found its identity through defense, timely offense, and a rookie quarterback who’s growing up fast under pressure.