Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Super Bowl
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Broncos, offensive coordinator and Patriots
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The Denver Broncos couldn’t move past the New England Patriots in the 2025 AFC championship game. Sean Payton took a lot of heat for that loss, as many thought his play-calling and decision-making in crucial times could have been better.
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - AFC Championship Game Preview
Here's a look at how Pro Football Focus graded the Patriots' best and worst defenders in New England's AFC title win over the Denver Broncos.
The kick was blocked by Leonard Taylor III, but the Broncos may have inadvertently helped that happen. After the game, Lutz revealed that he and punter/holder Jeremy Crawshaw may have lined up a yard too close to the line of scrimmage because they couldn't clearly see the hashmarks on the field.
Nik Bonitto said the Broncos' loss was a "sickening" way for the season to end. "We [were] definitely the better team," he said.
Because of Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton's choice to not kick a field goal against the Patriots, Mark Schlereth said he hates nerds.