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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye put the game on his shoulders during the AFC Championship team’s final drive against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
The Patriots had to convert on third down to end the game and secure their first Super Bowl appearance as Tom Brady threw passes and Bill Belichick raced down the sideline. If the team had been stopped, they would have had to punt the ball back to the Broncos and rely on the defense to stop Jarrett Stidham once again.
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws the ball against Denver Broncos safety Devon Key (26) during the first half of the 2026 AFC Championship game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 25, 2026. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
On 3rd and 5, Maye took the snap and faked the handoff. He moved back to his left where he only had one guy to beat. Maye was able to get around Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss to get the first down and seal the game.
Although it seemed like a simple call to action that Maye had just executed, Patriots offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury said no one had any idea it was going to happen. He told the Boston Herald that Maye had not revealed what he was going to do.
“I hit my block and all the defenders started running the other direction,” Bradbury said. “I’m like, ‘What? Oh my God.’ … After the match, Drake said, “I thought about telling you if I was going to (keep) him or not.” But I just decided not to do it.'”
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) prepares to hand off the ball against the Denver Broncos during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 25, 2026. (Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images)
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The play highlighted what Maye was capable of doing with his legs in the game as snow hampered his passing ability in the second half against an already tough Broncos defense.
Maye scored the Patriots’ only touchdown of the game after a costly Broncos turnover. The rushing touchdown tied the game in the first half. In the second half, Patriots kicker Andy Borregales made a 23-yard field goal to give New England a three-point lead.
“What an atmosphere here,” he said after the match. “Battle of the Elements. I love this team. What about the defense? I love every single one of them.”
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye celebrates with the trophy after the AFC NFL Championship football game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher)
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The Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
