Patriots Grind Out AFC Title in Defensive Slugfest, Set Sights on Super Bowl LX
The Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl, but if you were expecting fireworks in the AFC Championship Game, this one was more trench warfare than aerial assault. In a gritty, low-scoring battle against the Denver Broncos, New England emerged with a 10-7 win - a game defined more by defensive grit and field position than offensive fireworks. With just 387 total yards between both teams, 14 combined punts, and only two touchdowns scored, this was a throwback slugfest where every inch mattered.
Let’s break down how the Patriots earned their ticket to face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX - and which position groups stepped up when it mattered most.
Quarterback: Drake Maye’s Growing Pains Continue
Three playoff games into his postseason career, Drake Maye is still searching for that regular-season magic. Facing one of the league’s top defenses in brutal weather conditions - including a snow-filled second half - Maye struggled to find rhythm through the air. He finished just 10-of-21 for 86 yards, with ball placement issues popping up under pressure.
But Maye’s legs kept the offense moving. He scrambled seven times for 68 yards, picking up key first downs and showing the kind of dual-threat ability that made him so dangerous during the regular season.
On the plus side, he protected the football better than in previous playoff outings. Still, if the Patriots are going to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in two weeks, they’ll need more from their young QB.
Grade: C-
Running Back: Rhamondre Stevenson Shoulders the Load
With the backfield rotation trimmed down to essentially one man, Rhamondre Stevenson was the workhorse in this one - and he earned every yard. Playing 60 of 64 offensive snaps, Stevenson carried the ball 25 times for 71 yards.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was physical. He routinely fought through contact, and while he only broke off two runs of 10-plus yards, his ability to churn out tough yards helped keep the offense afloat.
Stevenson also held his own in pass protection, a critical element against Denver’s ferocious front. He surrendered just one hurry all game, an impressive feat considering the Broncos led the NFL in sacks this season.
Grade: B
Wide Receiver: Quiet Day for the Pass Catchers
Mack Hollins made his presence felt in his return, leading the team with 51 receiving yards on just two catches and contributing some strong downfield blocking. But beyond that, the Patriots' receiving corps had a tough time creating separation.
Stefon Diggs caught five passes but managed only 17 yards - a clear sign of how tight Denver’s coverage was. Kayshon Boutte added one catch for six yards, while DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams were non-factors, combining for zero receptions on one target.
In a game where every yard was a battle, the wideouts couldn’t consistently win their matchups.
Grade: C
Tight End: Blocking Over Big Plays
Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper were heavily involved in the blocking game, especially as the Patriots leaned into a ground-and-pound approach. While they had some solid moments helping to seal edges and chip rushers, their impact in the passing game was minimal.
Henry caught two balls for 12 yards and had a drop, while Hooper wasn’t targeted at all. Against a defense as disciplined and aggressive as Denver’s, the tight ends were more foot soldiers than playmakers.
Grade: C-
Offensive Line: Better, But Still Searching for Consistency
After two rough outings in the playoffs, rookie left tackle Will Campbell delivered his best performance of the postseason. He didn’t allow a sack and gave up just two pressures, showing signs of growth against a top-tier pass rush.
The rest of the line had its moments - both good and bad. While they can only be directly blamed for two of the five sacks Maye took, the unit struggled to create consistent push in the run game, especially in the early going.
The Patriots leaned on tight end help more than sixth-lineman packages, and while the protection held up better than in previous weeks, there’s still room for improvement heading into the Super Bowl.
Grade: B-
Defensive Line: Statement Game from an Underrated Unit
This was a showcase performance from the Patriots’ defensive front. Christian Barmore and Milton Williams set the tone, generating relentless pressure and making life miserable for Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Williams led the way with eight pressures, while Barmore notched a clean sack against All-Pro guard Quinn Meinerz.
On the edge, the Patriots got strong contributions across the board, including a heads-up play from rookie Elijah Ponder, who scooped up a fumble that might’ve been a touchdown if not for an early whistle. The defensive line didn’t just hold their own against one of the league’s best O-lines - they dominated.
Grade: A
Linebacker: Depth Tested, Standard Maintained
Losing starter Robert Spillane early could’ve spelled trouble, but the linebacker group didn’t miss a beat. Jack Gibbens stepped in, took over the green dot, and kept the defense organized. Christian Elliss continued his impressive postseason, generating the pressure that led to a pivotal fumble by Stidham - initially ruled a throwaway before being overturned.
The group also played a key role in shutting down Denver’s run game. The Broncos’ backs were held to just 2.8 yards per carry, with no run longer than nine yards.
That’s gap discipline and physicality at its finest.
Grade: A
Cornerback: Gonzalez Shines (Again), Group Holds Strong
Christian Gonzalez continues to look like a future All-Pro. Aside from a miscommunication on Denver’s lone touchdown drive, he was outstanding - especially in man coverage. His fourth-quarter interception was a game-changer, baiting the quarterback and making a play that would’ve made Stephon Gilmore proud.
Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones also held their own, whether in zone or man coverage. The Broncos couldn’t find consistent success through the air, and the corners were a big reason why.
Grade: A-
Safety: One Costly Breakdown, Otherwise Solid
Jaylinn Hawkins was involved in the coverage breakdown that led to Denver’s 52-yard completion, and later got caught peeking into the backfield as Courtland Sutton slipped behind him for a touchdown. Those were costly moments, no doubt.
But Hawkins bounced back with solid play the rest of the way, including some well-timed blitzes. Craig Woodson, meanwhile, delivered one of the game’s biggest plays - breaking up a fourth-and-one pass in the red zone that kept the Patriots in control early.
A few hiccups, but plenty of positive plays too.
Grade: B+
Special Teams: Ugly Conditions, Gritty Execution
Let’s be honest - the weather wasn’t doing any favors for the kicking game. Andy Borregales missed two field goals, and Bryce Baringer averaged just 37.9 yards per punt.
But in context? Not a disaster.
Baringer’s real task was limiting return specialist Marvin Mims Jr., and he did just that. Mims totaled only eight yards on three returns, thanks to strong coverage and smart directional punting.
In a game where field position was everything, that mattered.
Grade: B
Final Word: Ugly, Tough, and Absolutely Earned
This wasn’t a masterpiece, but it was a masterclass in resilience. The Patriots went into a hostile environment, battled through snow, pressure, and playoff nerves, and came out with a win. That’s no small feat for a young team still finding its postseason identity.
Now, they head to Super Bowl LX with momentum - and a defense that looks ready to carry them the rest of the way.