Patriots offense: C+. New England managed just 86 passing yards, but found balance with 71 rushing yards from Stevenson and 65 from Drake Maye, who also scrambled on several broken plays. The unit did not turn the ball over, helping offset the limited downfield output.
Patriots defense: B+. The defense pressured Stidham three times, forced a crucial fumble that led to a touchdown, and clinched the win with a late interception, helping keep the Broncos in check when the offense struggled.
Patriots coaching: A-. Head coach and play-caller decisions were sound throughout, protecting Maye and adapting the attack to the game flow, contributing to a well-executed game plan on both sides of theball.
Broncos offense: C-. Aside from a 52-yard connection to Mims in the first half, Denver’s aerial attack was underwhelming. The ground game struggled, with Harvey and McLaughlin averaging just 2.8 yards per carry.
Broncos defense: A. The unit did its part by keeping one of the league’s top offenses to only 10 points, though seven of those points came off a Patriot turnover in plus territory.
Broncos coaching: B-. Most of the coaching was solid, but Sean Payton’s decision not to kick a field goal on 4th and short cost them three points—ultimately the margin by which they lost. The result leaves the Patriots to face the Seahawks in a highly anticipated Super Bowl LX rematch.
