The Denver Broncos reflected on missed opportunities after their 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Head Coach Sean Payton addressed the team’s struggles following the game, noting that early momentum and favorable field position did not result in enough points.
“We hit some big plays, but I think the big thing was that first half, that first-half momentum and field position didn’t yield what it needed to yield,” Payton said. “… We needed more than that.”
Denver took an early lead when quarterback Jarrett Stidham connected with Marvin Mims Jr. for a 52-yard completion on third-and-10, followed by a touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton. The Broncos then advanced deep into Patriots territory during another drive but failed to convert a fourth-and-1 at the New England 14-yard line.
“It just felt like we had momentum to get up 14,” Payton said. “It felt like we had a good call. … I think the feeling was, ‘Man, let’s be aggressive.’ To get up 14, I was just watching the way our defense was playing.”
Despite forcing four consecutive punts from New England’s offense in the opening phase of the game, Denver gave up a key turnover when Stidham lost a fumble that set up the Patriots’ only touchdown.
“Obviously, I can’t put our team in a bad position like that,” Stidham said.
Late in the first half, Denver missed another chance to score after getting into field-goal range following a quick defensive stop. At halftime, the Broncos led in total yardage and first downs but were tied with New England at seven points each. They limited Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s effectiveness and forced five punts in two quarters.
“I felt like most of the first half we played on their side of the field,” Payton said. “We didn’t score enough points offensively or capitalize on that field position. The turnovers hurt us. We had our opportunities, but it starts with the head coach, the rest of our staff. Tip our hats to New England. It was a hard-fought game. I thought defensively, you don’t know that it’s going to be like this three-point game, but it became apparent that with each possession, a field goal, that type of thing was going to be real important. We weren’t able to get it done, and it’s tough, especially in this game — especially in this game.”
During a snowy second half, Denver’s defense allowed only three points while continuing to pressure New England’s offense; however, they could not mount another comeback as they had throughout much of their season.
“It was a hard-fought game,” Payton said, “and we didn’t do enough to win it.”
