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The New England Patriots are returning to the Super Bowl, and a controversial play that ultimately led to the winning score has football fans debating on social media.
A second-half blizzard only allowed either team to score three points, but it was the Patriots’ game-clinching field goal that ultimately sent them to Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX. However, a fourth-and-1 play now becomes important because some believe quarterback Drake Maye should not have converted.
After a third-and-10 screen against tight end Hunter Henry lost a yard, head coach Mike Vrabel called for a go. He was a stealth quarterback, but after fumbling, Maye looked small.
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks toward his bench during the second half of the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
But the officials deliberated and began moving the chains for first and goal, leading Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton to throw the challenge red flag.
After reviewing the videotape, it looked like Maye was either right on the line to win or just short. But given the lack of solid evidence to overturn the officials, the call stood and the Patriots had a prime chance to take their first lead of the game.
New England couldn’t find the end zone, but a 23-yard field goal was a precision shot to put them up by at least three points.
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The debate then ensued on social networks.
“Absolutely short but under NFL rules (which aren’t good) I can understand the play as it’s called on the field,” said one X user. “What I don’t understand is why they didn’t use the new digital measurement to determine the location of the ball.”
They didn’t use this technology to find the location of the ball, but some X users pointed out that side officials rushed to the middle of the field to imply that Maye was short. However, it was an on-field official who appeared to be the one to call for the first down.
“The side refs actually came in with them clearly short on 1st, then adjusted the route and just awarded them a first down,” another X user said.
Drake Maye of the New England Patriots is pressured by Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of the AFC Championship playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Matthieu Stockman/Getty Images)
The weather got much worse from there and Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham got the start after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury. He did well to score the first touchdown of the game after a deep ball to Marvin Mims Jr. set up a touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton.
But those were the only points the Broncos could muster, especially after snow and wind made a mess of the field at Mile High.
In the end, the Patriots were able to make two decisive plays on defense to become AFC champions. The first was a fourth-and-1 for the Broncos, which resulted in a turnover on downs.
Then Stidham decided not to take a sack and attempt a desperation pass, but it was ruled a backward throw and the Patriots recovered it. A few plays later, Maye scored to tie the score at seven apiece.
Drake Maye of the New England Patriots rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of the AFC Championship playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Now, the Patriots will watch the NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams to see who they’ll face at Levi’s Stadium in two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Broncos will mull over the what-ifs, including this critical play.
