The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC championship and are heading to the Super Bowl for the first time in seven years.
In the first quarter, the Broncos dominated as backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham got the starting nod after Bo Nix injured his right ankle during overtime in the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills.
Stidham threw the ball to Marvin Mims Jr. for an incredible 52-yard pass completion, setting up the Broncos at the 10-yard line. With a completed pass to Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton, and a strong defense, the Broncos ended the first quarter up 7-0.
During the second quarter, with 2:58 minutes left, Stidham threw a backward pass and allowed Elijah Ponder to recover it, giving the Patriots possession. The Patriots wasted no time after that play, with Drake Maye running six yards for a touchdown, tying the game 7-7 going into halftime.
The third quarter was where the game started to change, and not just because of the growing snowstorm. On the first possession of the quarter, Patriots kicker Andy Borregales made the only successful field goal of the game, putting the Patriots up 10-7. After the Broncos were unable to move the ball down the field, the Patriots had an opportunity to extend the lead. However, Borregales was unable to capitalize, missing a field goal at the 46-yard line.
The start of the fourth quarter was when snow conditions became overwhelming, rendering both teams unable to gain much ground. The Broncos’ field goal attempt to tie the game was blocked by Leonard Taylor III, the Patriots’ defensive tackle, sending the Patriots to their 12th Super Bowl appearance, the most by any NFL franchise.
The Patriots are coming off a fantastic regular season record of 14 wins and 3 losses, having the best road record in the NFL, going 8-0, and having the most postseason wins in NFL history, surpassing the San Francisco 49ers with 40.
This franchise went through its struggles after losing Tom Brady in 2020. However, this year’s Patriots team is heading to Super Bowl 60 to face the Seattle Seahawks in an unexpected yet heavily anticipated matchup on Feb. 8.
