Broncos eliminated from NFL playoffs with AFC Championship loss to Patriots

The Denver Broncos had more than enough chances in this game, but just couldn’t find any consistency on offense in the face of mounting blizzard-like weather. The key decision that may have cost them the game was not kicking a field goal in the first half when weather conditions were more normal. The New England Patriots couldn’t do much on offense either, but a turnover was the difference that led to their only touchdown.

This hurts more because with Bo Nix, I think there is a better than even chance they run away with this game early. What a bummer. We’re in good hands for the future, though!

Broncos vs. Patriots final score

First Quarter

After trading three-and-outs to start the game, it looked like the Broncos might be punting it right back after Jarrett Stidham whiffed on a wide open screen pass to Marvin Mims Jr. on second and 10. Instead, he unloaded a perfectly thrown deep ball to Mims on third down for a 52-yard gain.

That big play would setup a touchdown pass from Stidham to Courtland Sutton for the early lead.

Drake Maye and the Patriots offense could not get much going with one first down in the quarter. Maye looked a bit rattled with the pressure and a near interception by Talanoa Hufanga. The Broncos defense definitely showed up early for Denver.

Broncos 7, Patriots 0. Full first quarter recap.

Second Quarter

The Broncos were on the cusp of going up two scores, but a failed fourth down and then this disastrous decision by Stidham helped the Patriots tie the game instead of being down at halftime.

The defensive battle continued from there, however. Both teams would have end of half long field goals miss to keep the game tied into halftime.

Broncos 7, Patriots 7. Full second quarter recap.

Third Quarter

The snow began to fall at halftime and by the end of the Patriots first drive of the half it would be coming down hard. They would add a field goal to take the lead, but the Broncos defense stayed alive to force another missed field goal at the end of it. New England’s offense was on the field almost the entire quarter due to the Broncos three-and-out.

The field would be white instead of green by the time the quarter ended.

Patriots 10, Broncos 7. Full third quarter recap.

Fourth Quarter

Denver’s offense would go three-and-out again. New England had 22 offensive plays to Denver’s 6 by the time the Patriots took over again on their next drive. The Broncos defense continued to be relentless buying more time for Stidham and the Broncos offense to wake back up before the game was over.

A first down in the second half finally came Denver’s way with 10 minutes to go in the game on an inside hand off to Tyler Badie for a five yard gain. That would be all the yards they would get and punt it right back. The Broncos were running out of opportunities in the game. It was never more clear how much Bo Nix was missed in the second half.

A fantastic punt by Jeremy Crawshaw pinned the Patriots deep and after a three-and-out their punter shanked the return punt to setup the Broncos at the 33-yard line. If they were going to win the game it would be from that possession. They wouldn’t get a first down, but they got the ball to the 28-yard line. The 45-yard field goal attempt in the blizzard conditions was tipped to keep the score 10-7.

A Stidham interception on their next drive would be the final dagger.

Patriots 10, Broncos 7.