KEY POINT
- The AFC Championship game between the Broncos and Patriots was dominated early by defense, sacks and field position.
- Denver’s pass rush and Jarrett Stidham’s opening touchdown drive set the tone.
- New England stayed close behind Drake Maye’s rushing touchdown and late first-half scramble.
DENVER — The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots delivered a bruising, error filled opening half in the AFC Championship game on Sunday night, with Denver taking a narrow edge into halftime after defensive pressure and missed opportunities defined the opening 30 minutes at Empower Field at Mile High.
The game, featuring young quarterback Drake Maye for New England and veteran Jarrett Stidham for Denver, remained tight despite multiple stalled drives, a missed 63-yard field goal attempt by Andres Borregales and relentless pass rushes that kept both offenses off rhythm.
With a Super Bowl berth on the line, the AFC Championship game opened in tense fashion as Denver and New England leaned heavily on defense and quarterback containment.
Both teams entered the matchup ranked among the AFC’s top units in sacks allowed and sacks generated, a trend that played out immediately as each quarterback faced constant pressure.
While Denver capitalized early behind Stidham, the Patriots responded with resilience, keeping the contest within reach despite limited offensive production through the air.
The Broncos returned to the AFC Championship game seeking their first conference title appearance since their Super Bowl-winning season nearly a decade ago. Head coach Sean Payton rebuilt.
Denver’s offense around efficiency and ball security, relying on Stidham’s experience and a defense that finished the regular season among the league leaders in pressure rate.
New England, meanwhile, arrived earlier than expected in its post-transition era.
Drake Maye, the rookie quarterback taken at the top of the draft, guided the Patriots through a challenging postseason run that emphasized mobility and defensive support rather than explosive passing.
Historically, AFC Championship games between these franchises have been defined by quarterback play. This meeting inverted that script, with defensive fronts dictating the tempo.
Denver struck first with Stidham engineering an efficient opening drive, finishing 12 of 21 for 123 yards and a touchdown in the first half.
New England answered when Maye scrambled into the end zone, accounting for the Patriots’ only score.
Borregales’ 63-yard field goal attempt before halftime fell well short, symbolizing the uneven execution on both sides.
At the break, Maye was 7 of 14 for 41 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, while adding a key rushing score.
Both teams recorded three sacks apiece. Denver totaled 57 rushing yards on 17 carries, while New England managed just 43 yards on nine attempts.
The half ended with drama as Maye escaped pressure on third and long for a first down scramble.
New England called timeout with one second remaining, keeping hope alive heading into the locker room.
“This is a classic championship defensive game,” said Brian Baldinger, former NFL lineman and current analyst for NFL Network.
“Both teams are winning up front, and that’s forcing quarterbacks to improvise rather than execute clean game plans.”
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky, now an ESPN analyst, said Denver’s ability to generate pressure without heavy blitzing could decide the AFC Championship game.
“When you can rush four and still disrupt timing, that limits everything New England wants to do with a young quarterback,” Orlovsky said.
Denver linebacker Josey Jewell said the Broncos expected a physical contest.
“We knew points would be tough,” Jewell said.
“The focus was winning downs, forcing long third downs and letting the rush work.”
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo emphasized patience at halftime.
“This game doesn’t need hero throws,” Mayo said. “It needs discipline, smart decisions and trusting the defense.”
NFL vice president of football operations Troy Vincent, speaking earlier this week, noted that postseason games increasingly reflect defensive depth across the league.
“Young quarterbacks are arriving earlier, but playoff success still comes from line play and situational execution,” Vincent said.
The second half of the AFC Championship game is expected to hinge on adjustments in pass protection and early-down efficiency.
Denver will look to protect its narrow lead by controlling tempo, while New England may increase designed runs for Maye to counter the pass rush.
No weather concerns are expected to affect play, placing execution squarely on both sidelines.
At halftime, the AFC Championship game between the Broncos and Patriots remains tight and tense, defined by defense, missed chances and flashes of quarterback mobility rather than explosive scoring.
With a Super Bowl trip at stake, the margin for error narrows as both teams prepare for a decisive second half.