Key moments to know:
– A big early call: Sean Payton went for it on 4th and short instead of taking the points, a move that drew sharp criticism from, among others, Romo and Nance. The conversion failed, leaving no points on the board.
– Stidham setback: The backup QB coughed up the ball inside Denver’s 20 in the first half, and New England tied the game before halftime.
– Momentum shift: The Patriots opened the second half with a drive and a field goal to grab a 10-7 lead.
– Weather matters: Snow and gusty winds intensified in the second half, complicating both teams’ offenses and kicking games.
– Final twist: Both kickers missed a fourth-quarter field goal, fueling the “what if” about Payton’s decision earlier in the game.
Takeaway: Payton’s bold call may loom large as a costly decision, potentially costing Denver a chance at a Super Bowl berth. 🏈❄️📊🔥
