Denver’s defense gave everything to try to lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl, who were limited on offense.
Vance Joseph’s unit tackled Drake Maye five times, limiting him to 86 passing yards and allowing just two sustained rushes.
It wasn’t enough to prevent New England from winning in the snow on Sunday.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton went for it on a fourth down and a yard at the 14-yard line, instead of attempting a field goal to increase their lead before the blizzard hit at halftime.
The attempt failed and the Broncos never crossed the opposing 30 line again.
“It’s a play we’ve executed well in the past. In hindsight, attempting a race would have been a better decision, Payton said.
“There are always regrets. It’s a decision made based on the opposing team and what we observe on the pitch. But there are always doubts. »
Denver could have traveled to Santa Clara, California to face the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
The Broncos lost an AFC final for only the third time in eleven opportunities; they lost at home in the playoffs to the Patriots for the first time in five occasions.
Payton is now 1-3 in American finals.
Quarterback Bo Nix, who fractured his right ankle against Buffalo in the previous round, followed the game in a box.
He is expected to recover for three months after an operation last week in Alabama.
Running back JK Dobbins said he plans to play in the Super Bowl if the Broncos beat the Patriots.
Dobbins underwent foot surgery in mid-November, after rushing for 772 yards and four touchdowns in ten games.
He returned to training last week.
“I wouldn’t say (it would have been rushed, at the Super Bowl),” Dobbins said. We just did what my body allowed me. I just wanted to win. I felt like I could have helped my team. I couldn’t be there for them, so it hurts. »
