Key moments and takeaways:
– Sutton on the board: Backup QB Jarrett Stidham found Courtland Sutton for a 6-yard touchdown—their first postseason score ever, giving Denver an early lead as Stidham stepped in for Bo Nix after his ankle injury.
– Defensive clamp: Denver’s D, led by Nik Bonitto, held Patriots QB Drake Maye to just 86 passing yards, and Que Robinson logged his first career postseason sack 📊.
– Overtime of missed chances: A late fourth-down decision by Sean Payton plus a Stidham miscue on a backward pass gave New England favorable field position, and Maye cashed in with a rushing TD to tie the game.
– Snowy special teams down the stretch: Patriots kicker Andy Borregales converted 1 of 3 attempts, while Will Lutz missed two kicks for Denver, including a crucial 45-yard try that could’ve forced OT.
– End of the road: New England advances to Super Bowl LX, while Denver finishes as a top seed with a heartbreaking exit and a room full of questions after a season that felt within reach.
Heartbreakingly honest moment: Bonitto admitted it’s “sickening” to think they were the better team but left with nothing to show for it after a season of fight 🔥.
