"DENVER -- Led by their defense, the New England Patriots gutted out a 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. In some ways, it sparks memories of the Patriots' first Super Bowl championship team in 2001, which was led by the defense. Furthermore, in 2001, the Patriots' "Snow Bowl" win over the Raiders in the divisional round was epic and the second half of Sunday's win over the Broncos was played in similar extreme conditions."
"One of the keys to Sunday's win, given the conditions, was terrific ball security, as the Patriots had no turnovers. Quarterback Drake Maye, who had fumbled six times in the first two playoff games, had talked about the importance of cleaning things up. The Patriots are the first team in NFL history to finish 9-0 or better on the road (including playoffs). Now, they advance to face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California."
Led by their defense, the New England Patriots won a 10-7 AFC Championship game over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. The second half was played in extreme conditions that evoked the Patriots' 2001 Snow Bowl. Ball security proved decisive, as New England committed no turnovers after quarterback Drake Maye had fumbled six times in the previous two playoff games. The Patriots finished 9-0 or better on the road (including playoffs), earning a trip to Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara. Maye's mobility produced key plays, including a 28-yard third-and-9 run, while the passing game struggled against Denver's defense.
Read at ESPN.com
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