Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots Match Player Stats
The denver broncos vs new england patriots match player stats reveal how a defensive battle in the AFC Championship ended with New England securing a narrow 10-7 victory over Denver on January 26, 2026. The Patriots overcame an early deficit, limited Denver’s passing offense, and relied on Drake Maye’s rushing ability to produce the decisive touchdown. Although the Broncos recorded more passing yards and five sacks, New England made the most of its opportunities and benefited from a crucial interception by Christian Gonzalez.
This matchup offers an important lesson in NFL football: controlling the ball, generating pressure, and winning individual statistical categories do not always guarantee victory. Denver’s defense created problems for Maye, while its offense struggled to turn possession into points. New England also had its own offensive limitations, but one successful touchdown drive and a field goal proved enough in a game where every possession mattered.
The following breakdown examines the final score, quarterback performances, rushing and receiving numbers, defensive contributions, special teams, and the statistical factors that separated the two teams. All player statistics and game details below are based on the supplied ESPN box-score data.
Game Overview: Patriots vs Broncos AFC Championship
The AFC Championship matchup between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos finished with a 10-7 scoreline. Denver scored the game’s first touchdown, but New England responded before halftime and added a field goal in the third quarter. Neither offense scored in the fourth quarter.
The result reflected a contest dominated by defensive pressure and limited offensive production rather than explosive scoring.
| Game detail | Result |
| Matchup | New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos |
| Competition | AFC Championship |
| Date | January 26, 2026 |
| Final score | Patriots 10, Broncos 7 |
| Patriots record listed | 14-3 overall |
| Broncos record listed | 14-3 overall |
| Patriots passing leader | Drake Maye |
| Broncos passing leader | Jarrett Stidham |
| Patriots rushing leader | Rhamondre Stevenson |
| Broncos rushing leader | RJ Harvey |
| Patriots receiving leader | Mack Hollins |
| Broncos receiving leader | Marvin Mims Jr. |
The supplied records list both teams at 14-3 entering the matchup. The most striking feature of the final result is the low scoring. New England won despite completing only 10 passes, while Denver finished with more receptions, more receiving yards, and more total sacks.
That contrast makes the individual numbers particularly useful. The final score alone cannot explain why Denver’s offensive production failed to translate into a win or why the Patriots managed to prevail despite their own passing difficulties.
Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots Match Player Stats: Quarter-by-Quarter Score
The scoring pattern explains the outcome more clearly than the final score alone. Denver took the lead in the first quarter, New England tied the game in the second, and a third-quarter field goal ultimately separated the teams.
| Quarter | New England Patriots | Denver Broncos |
| First quarter | 0 | 7 |
| Second quarter | 7 | 0 |
| Third quarter | 3 | 0 |
| Fourth quarter | 0 | 0 |
| Final score | 10 | 7 |
First quarter: Denver strikes first
Denver opened the scoring with a six-yard touchdown pass from Jarrett Stidham to Courtland Sutton. The drive covered 59 yards in five plays and gave the Broncos an early 7-0 advantage.
The touchdown demonstrated Denver’s ability to create a big play even when the offense was struggling to establish a consistent rhythm. Marvin Mims Jr. recorded a 52-yard reception during the game, illustrating the potential danger of Denver’s downfield passing attack.
New England, however, prevented the early deficit from becoming a larger problem. Its defense continued to contest passing opportunities and kept the Broncos from building on their first-quarter lead.
Second quarter: Drake Maye ties the game
The Patriots responded with a rushing touchdown from Drake Maye. His six-yard run brought New England level at 7-7 after the successful extra point.
This was an important example of how quarterback mobility can create value beyond passing statistics. Maye completed only 10 of 21 attempts for 86 yards, but his legs supplied 65 rushing yards and the Patriots’ only touchdown.
The teams entered halftime tied, leaving the championship game effectively reduced to a one-score contest.
Third quarter: A decisive field goal
New England opened the second half with a long possession that resulted in a 23-yard field goal. The drive lasted 9 minutes and 31 seconds, covered 64 yards, and required 16 plays.
That possession mattered for two reasons. First, it gave the Patriots a 10-7 lead. Second, it consumed valuable time and reduced Denver’s opportunities to answer.
In a game with limited offensive production, a sustained possession can be as valuable as a quick touchdown drive. New England did not need to dominate the passing game; it needed to move the chains often enough to create a scoring opportunity.
Fourth quarter: The defenses hold
Neither team scored in the final quarter. Denver had opportunities to respond, but the Patriots’ defense prevented the Broncos from completing a comeback.
Christian Gonzalez’s interception was a defining moment. It interrupted Denver’s attempt to generate a late scoring opportunity and helped New England preserve its narrow advantage.
The Patriots finished with a three-point victory, demonstrating how a single turnover or scoring possession can determine the outcome of a closely contested playoff game.
Complete Team Statistics: Patriots vs Broncos
The team numbers reveal an unusual result. Denver gained more passing yards, completed more passes, and recorded more sacks, yet New England produced more total yards and more rushing production.
| Team statistic | Patriots | Broncos |
| Total offensive yards | 206 | 181 |
| Passing completions | 10 | 17 |
| Passing attempts | 21 | 31 |
| Passing yards | 86 | 133 |
| Passing touchdowns | 0 | 1 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 1 |
| Rushing attempts | 38 | 24 |
| Rushing yards | 141 | 79 |
| Average yards per rush | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
| Total touchdowns | 1 | 1 |
| Field goals made | 1 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 33:09 | 26:51 |
| Third-down conversions | 6 of 18 | 4 of 14 |
| Fourth-down conversions | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Punts | 8 | 6 |
| Lost fumbles | 0 | 1 |
Team totals are drawn from the supplied game statistics and cross-checked against the published game summary. Passing yards and total offensive yards are not interchangeable: sacks affect net passing production.
What the team numbers tell us
Three findings stand out.
- New England controlled the ground game. The Patriots attempted 38 rushes for 141 yards, compared with Denver’s 24 attempts for 79 yards. That difference gave New England a more dependable route to sustaining drives.
- Denver’s passing advantage did not translate into an overall offensive advantage. The Broncos completed seven more passes and recorded 47 more gross passing yards. However, New England generated more total offensive yards and held the ball for more than six additional minutes.
- Turnovers and scoring efficiency mattered more than passing volume. Denver threw an interception and lost a fumble according to the supplied box-score information. New England avoided an interception and did not lose a fumble. In a seven-point game, that difference was significant.
These figures also illustrate why box scores should be interpreted together rather than in isolation. A quarterback’s completion total does not show how valuable each completion was, and a team’s yardage advantage does not guarantee that it generated enough scoring opportunities.
Quarterback Comparison: Drake Maye vs Jarrett Stidham
Quarterback production was one of the most revealing parts of this matchup. Drake Maye and Jarrett Stidham both faced defensive pressure, but their statistical profiles differed in important ways.
| Passing statistic | Drake Maye | Jarrett Stidham |
| Completions | 10 | 17 |
| Attempts | 21 | 31 |
| Completion percentage | 47.6% | 54.8% |
| Passing yards | 86 | 133 |
| Yards per attempt | 4.1 | 4.3 |
| Passing touchdowns | 0 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 1 |
| Sacks taken | 5 | 3 |
| Passing yards lost to sacks | 21 | 31 |
| Passer rating | 58.8 | 63.0 |
| QBR | 62.5 | 19.6 |
| Rushing yards | 65 | 23 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
Drake Maye’s passing performance
Maye completed 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards without a passing touchdown or interception. His 47.6% completion rate and 4.1 yards per attempt indicate that New England struggled to create consistent passing production.
Those numbers should not be mistaken for a complete assessment of his performance. Maye also rushed 10 times for 65 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. His six-yard touchdown run supplied the points that brought New England level in the second quarter.
His rushing ability gave the Patriots another way to attack Denver’s defense. When conventional passing opportunities were limited, Maye could create yards himself rather than depending entirely on his receivers to separate.
However, his five sacks show that mobility did not eliminate the problems New England faced in pass protection. The Patriots still had difficulty protecting their quarterback and moving the ball through the air.
The distinction is important: Maye’s overall contribution was greater than his passing line suggests, but the passing line itself remains evidence of an offense that struggled to operate efficiently.
Jarrett Stidham’s passing performance
Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His completion rate of 54.8% was higher than Maye’s, and he produced the game’s only passing touchdown.
His opening-quarter connection with Sutton gave Denver an early lead. The 52-yard reception to Mims also showed that the Broncos could generate substantial gains when the passing game found space downfield.
Nevertheless, Stidham’s production did not lead to another touchdown. His interception was particularly costly because it disrupted Denver’s attempt to challenge the Patriots late in the contest.
The supplied statistics also list a lost fumble by Stidham. That additional turnover further weakened Denver’s chances of converting its offensive opportunities into points.
Stidham’s passer rating of 63.0 was slightly higher than Maye’s 58.8. Yet the supplied QBR figures were very different, at 19.6 for Stidham and 62.5 for Maye. These measures use different calculations, so they should not be treated as directly interchangeable grades of quarterback quality.
Which quarterback had the bigger impact?
Stidham produced more passing yards and the only passing touchdown, while Maye produced the only rushing touchdown and more rushing yards.
For this particular game, Maye’s ability to gain yards on the ground was decisive. He did not need a high passing total to help New England win because his rushing contribution supplied the tying touchdown and helped the Patriots maintain their offensive threat.
Stidham’s passing production was more conventional, but the turnovers and lack of a second scoring drive limited its overall value.
The most useful conclusion is not that one quarterback excelled in every area. Neither did. Maye made the most consequential individual offensive play, while New England’s defense helped compensate for the team’s passing struggles.
Rushing Statistics: How New England Won the Ground Battle
The rushing numbers provide one of the clearest explanations for the Patriots’ victory. New England ran the ball more frequently, gained substantially more yardage, and received meaningful production from its quarterback as well as its running backs.
Patriots rushing leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing yards | Average | Longest run | Touchdowns |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 25 | 71 | 2.8 | 12 yards | 0 |
| Drake Maye | 10 | 65 | 6.5 | 28 yards | 1 |
| TreVeyon Henderson | 3 | 5 | 1.7 | 4 yards | 0 |
| Team total | 38 | 141 | 3.7 | 28 yards | 1 |
Rhamondre Stevenson provides volume
Stevenson carried the ball 25 times for 71 yards, averaging 2.8 yards per attempt. He did not record a rushing touchdown, but his workload gave New England a reliable option for repeatedly attempting to advance the ball.
His average was modest. It would be inaccurate to describe his performance as explosive or highly efficient. His contribution instead came from volume and persistence.
In difficult offensive conditions, a running back who can handle repeated carries helps the offense avoid becoming completely dependent on the passing game. Stevenson gave New England that option, even when Denver’s defensive front limited the yards available on individual runs.
His longest run was 12 yards, indicating that his production was primarily built through shorter gains rather than one major breakaway play.
Drake Maye adds the explosive element
Maye averaged 6.5 yards on his 10 rushing attempts, finishing with 65 yards and a touchdown. His longest run covered 28 yards.
The difference between Maye’s rushing average and Stevenson’s average illustrates the value of a mobile quarterback. Defenses must account for the possibility that the quarterback will keep the ball instead of delivering it to the running back or throwing to a receiver.
That extra responsibility can create gaps in the defense. Even when a designed running play gains only a few yards, the possibility of a quarterback scramble can influence how defenders approach their assignments.
Maye’s rushing touchdown was especially valuable because it did not require a completed pass into the end zone. His running ability gave New England a scoring option that remained available even when the passing attack was struggling.
Broncos rushing leaders
| Player | Carries | Rushing yards | Average | Longest run | Touchdowns |
| RJ Harvey | 13 | 37 | 2.8 | 9 yards | 0 |
| Jarrett Stidham | 4 | 23 | 5.8 | 8 yards | 0 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | 4 | 11 | 2.8 | 5 yards | 0 |
| Tyler Badie | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 yards | 0 |
| Adam Prentice | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 3 yards | 0 |
| Pat Bryant | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 1 yard | 0 |
| Team total | 24 | 79 | 3.3 | 9 yards | 0 |
Why Denver struggled to establish its running game
RJ Harvey led Denver with 37 rushing yards on 13 attempts. His 2.8-yard average was identical to Stevenson’s, but the Broncos received less total production from their ground attack because they ran the ball fewer times.
Stidham added 23 rushing yards on four carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt. His contribution suggests that quarterback movement could produce useful gains, but it was not enough to transform Denver’s overall rushing output.
The Broncos finished with 79 rushing yards and no rushing touchdowns. Compared with New England’s 141 yards and one rushing score, that was a meaningful disadvantage.
Denver also had fewer rushing attempts available because its offense struggled to sustain scoring opportunities. When a team cannot consistently move the chains, its running game may receive fewer chances to establish a rhythm.
Rushing efficiency versus rushing volume
A useful distinction is the difference between average production and total contribution.
- Stevenson generated more total rushing yards because he received a much larger workload.
- Maye provided the Patriots’ most explosive rushing production and scored the decisive type of touchdown the offense needed.
- Harvey led Denver’s running backs but did not produce a run longer than nine yards.
- Stidham offered some rushing value, but Denver’s combined ground attack remained limited.
The Patriots did not average an extraordinary number of yards per carry. Instead, they combined repeated attempts with the ability to gain meaningful yards through their quarterback.
That combination helped New England control the pace of the game and made it more difficult for Denver to rely exclusively on its defense.
Receiving Statistics: Marvin Mims Jr. and Mack Hollins Lead Their Teams
The receiving numbers present another contrast. Denver recorded more catches and more receiving yards, while New England’s passing game produced less overall volume.
However, the identity of the most productive receivers reveals how each offense attempted to create opportunities.
Patriots receiving statistics
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving yards | Yards per catch | Longest catch | TDs |
| Mack Hollins | 2 | 2 | 51 | 25.5 | 31 yards | 0 |
| Stefon Diggs | 5 | 6 | 17 | 3.4 | 6 yards | 0 |
| Hunter Henry | 2 | 3 | 12 | 6.0 | 9 yards | 0 |
| Kayshon Boutte | 1 | 6 | 6 | 6.0 | 6 yards | 0 |
| DeMario Douglas | 0 | 1 | 0 | N/A | 0 yards | 0 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 0 | 2 | 0 | N/A | 0 yards | 0 |
| Team total | 10 | 20 | 86 | 8.6 | 31 yards | 0 |
Mack Hollins delivers the biggest receiving contribution
Hollins caught two passes for 51 yards, averaging 25.5 yards per reception. His longest catch covered 31 yards.
He was New England’s most productive receiver by total yardage despite making only two receptions. His performance highlights the difference between reception volume and the ability to create substantial gains.
Hollins provided a meaningful share of the Patriots’ 86 passing yards. Without his production, New England’s passing totals would have been even lower.
At the same time, his performance did not produce a receiving touchdown. The Patriots’ only touchdown came on Maye’s rushing attempt, so Hollins’ contribution helped advance the ball rather than finish a scoring play.
Stefon Diggs leads in catches but not yards
Diggs recorded five receptions on six targets for 17 yards. His 3.4 yards per catch was low, particularly for a receiver who handled the team’s highest reception total.
The figures suggest that his receptions were mostly short gains. Short completions can still be valuable for maintaining possession, but they become less effective when the offense cannot convert them into first downs or create opportunities farther downfield.
His six-yard longest reception reinforces that interpretation. Diggs was involved in the passing game, yet his involvement did not translate into substantial yardage.
This is an important analytical distinction: leading a team in catches does not automatically mean a receiver had the greatest offensive impact.
Hunter Henry and Kayshon Boutte
Henry caught two passes for 12 yards on three targets. His role added a modest receiving contribution, but neither of his catches created a major gain.
Boutte caught one pass for six yards on six targets. The supplied numbers show a substantial gap between his targets and completed receptions.
Target totals need context. A target does not guarantee a catch, and the box score alone does not establish whether a missed connection resulted from defensive coverage, quarterback accuracy, route execution, or another factor.
Broncos receiving statistics
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving yards | Yards per catch | Longest catch | TDs |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | 4 | 6 | 62 | 15.5 | 52 yards | 0 |
| RJ Harvey | 4 | 6 | 22 | 5.5 | 11 yards | 0 |
| Evan Engram | 2 | 3 | 19 | 9.5 | 12 yards | 0 |
| Courtland Sutton | 3 | 5 | 17 | 5.7 | 6 yards | 1 |
| Lil’Jordan Humphrey | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5.0 | 5 yards | 0 |
| Elijah Moore | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 4 yards | 0 |
| Pat Bryant | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 yards | 0 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 yards | 0 |
| Team total | 17 | 27 | 133 | 7.8 | 52 yards | 1 |
Marvin Mims Jr. creates Denver’s biggest gain
Mims finished with four receptions for 62 yards, averaging 15.5 yards per catch. His longest reception was 52 yards, making him Denver’s most productive receiver by yardage.
That explosive gain mattered because it demonstrated Denver’s ability to stretch the field. A long completion can quickly move an offense into scoring range, even when the offense has struggled on earlier possessions.
Mims’ production also explains why Denver’s passing total exceeded New England’s. He generated a large portion of the Broncos’ receiving yardage through a combination of catches and one major gain.
Nevertheless, Mims did not score a touchdown. His work helped create opportunities, but Denver could not turn those opportunities into enough points to win.
Courtland Sutton scores the Broncos’ only touchdown
Sutton caught three passes for 17 yards and one touchdown. His six-yard touchdown reception from Stidham gave Denver its only score of the game.
His production illustrates why receiving yardage and scoring impact should be examined separately. Mims accumulated more yards, but Sutton converted a short opportunity into seven points.
That touchdown put Denver in control early. Unfortunately for the Broncos, no later receiving play produced another score.
Comparing the two receiving units
Denver finished with 17 receptions for 133 yards, while New England recorded 10 catches for 86 yards.
The Broncos therefore held a clear advantage in receiving volume and total yardage. However, the Patriots still won because their offense found other ways to score and their defense prevented Denver from capitalizing on its passing production.
The receiving numbers also highlight different offensive approaches. Denver generated a major downfield gain through Mims, while New England relied on Hollins for its biggest receiving contribution and used Maye’s rushing ability to score.
The lesson is straightforward: receiving yards are valuable, but their value depends on whether the offense can turn them into sustained drives and points.
Defensive Player Stats: Christian Gonzalez, Alex Singleton and the Pass Rush
Defense was central to the outcome. Both teams applied pressure, disrupted passing plays, and limited the opposing offense to one touchdown. The Patriots, however, made the turnover that proved especially important late in the game.
New England Patriots defensive statistics
| Player | Total tackles | Solo tackles | Sacks | Tackles for loss | Passes defended | QB hits |
| Carlton Davis III | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Christian Gonzalez | 6 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Marcus Jones | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jack Gibbens | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| K’Lavon Chaisson | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
The supplied player-level figures show contributions from several areas of the defense. Davis led the listed Patriots defenders with seven tackles, while Gonzalez recorded a sack, a tackle for loss, and a pass defended in addition to his interception.
Chaisson’s two quarterback hits also indicate that he contributed to the pressure placed on Stidham.
Christian Gonzalez makes the defining defensive play
Gonzalez recorded six total tackles, five solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and one pass defended in the supplied defensive statistics. His interception was particularly significant because it interrupted Denver’s late attempt to find an equalizer.
An interception can change more than a single possession. It removes an opponent’s immediate opportunity to score and gives the defense’s own offense a chance to protect the lead.
That impact is magnified in a game decided by three points. Denver did not have the luxury of recovering from repeated failed possessions, and Gonzalez’s interception made the remaining comeback task more difficult.
His contribution also demonstrates why defensive analysis should go beyond tackle totals. Tackles measure involvement, but interceptions, sacks, and passes defended can directly alter the course of a game.
Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones contribute in coverage
Davis recorded seven tackles, while Marcus Jones finished with six tackles and one pass defended.
Their tackle totals suggest that both defenders were involved in stopping Denver’s offensive plays. Jones’ pass defended also shows that his contribution extended beyond tackling ball carriers.
In a low-scoring contest, defenders must limit both short completions and explosive gains. Denver’s long reception to Mims showed that the Patriots did not eliminate every downfield opportunity, but they restricted the Broncos’ ability to turn those opportunities into additional touchdowns.
Denver Broncos defensive statistics
| Player | Total tackles | Solo tackles | Sacks | Tackles for loss | Passes defended | QB hits |
| Alex Singleton | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Talanoa Hufanga | 7 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Eyioma Uwazurike | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| D.J. Jones | 6 | 2 | 1.5 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Dre Greenlaw | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pat Surtain II | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Alex Singleton leads Denver in tackles
Singleton recorded 12 total tackles, the highest individual tackle total among the listed defenders from either team.
That figure reflects his involvement in stopping New England’s rushing and passing plays. It also shows how frequently Denver’s defense was required to make tackles as the Patriots ran the ball 38 times.
A high tackle total does not automatically mean a defender had a better game than every teammate. It can reflect effective pursuit, but it can also result from an opponent repeatedly reaching the second level of the defense.
Singleton’s number is therefore best understood alongside New England’s 141 rushing yards and its extended time of possession.
D.J. Jones applies pressure
Jones recorded six tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits in the supplied player statistics.
His sack production was important because Maye was taken down five times. Denver consistently made the Patriots’ passing game uncomfortable, forcing New England to rely more heavily on rushing plays and field position.
The challenge for Denver was turning that pressure into enough offensive opportunities to win. The defense created problems for Maye, but the Broncos’ offense did not respond with the scoring production required to take advantage.
Pat Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga
Surtain recorded five tackles and one pass defended. Hufanga finished with seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and two passes defended.
Both contributed to a defense that limited New England to 86 passing yards. Yet the Patriots’ ability to rush for 141 yards created a different challenge.
A defense can perform well against the pass and still struggle to control an offense that runs frequently and uses quarterback mobility. New England’s rushing production was an important counter to Denver’s pressure.
Understanding the sack statistics
The supplied player and team defensive summaries should be interpreted carefully because their aggregate sack figures do not align cleanly with the quarterback sack totals.
The offensive passing figures list Maye as taking five sacks for 21 yards and Stidham as taking three sacks for 31 yards. The supplied team defensive summary, however, lists three Patriots sacks and five Broncos sacks. Those team-level figures appear inconsistent with the opposing quarterbacks’ recorded sack totals.
For accurate reporting, the quarterback sack totals and the individual defender statistics are best kept distinct unless the official gamebook resolves the discrepancy. This avoids assigning an unsupported aggregate total to either defense.
Special Teams Statistics: Field Goals, Punts and Returns
Special teams can determine a close game even when they do not produce a touchdown. In this matchup, the kicking figures were especially important because New England won by three points and Denver did not convert a field goal.
Kicking comparison
| Kicker | Field goals | Field goal percentage | Longest field goal | Extra points | Total points |
| Andy Borregales | 1 of 3 | 33.3% | 23 yards | 1 of 1 | 4 |
| Wil Lutz | 0 of 2 | 0% | None made | 1 of 1 | 1 |
Borregales made the 23-yard field goal that gave New England its 10-7 lead. He also converted the extra point after Maye’s rushing touchdown.
Lutz converted the extra point after Denver’s touchdown but did not make either of his two field-goal attempts, according to the supplied statistics.
The difference is significant because a successful field goal was enough to separate the teams. New England did not need another touchdown, while Denver’s inability to add a field goal left it without a way to tie the game through a successful kick.
Borregales’ overall line was not perfect, but his successful third-quarter kick proved decisive on the scoreboard.
Punting statistics
| Punter | Punts | Total punt yards | Average | Inside the 20 | Touchbacks | Longest punt |
| Bryce Baringer | 8 | 303 | 37.9 | 1 | 0 | 45 yards |
| Jeremy Crawshaw | 6 | 309 | 51.5 | 3 | 2 | 60 yards |
Crawshaw averaged 51.5 yards per punt, considerably more than Baringer’s 37.9-yard average. He also recorded three punts inside the 20-yard line.
Those figures suggest that Denver’s punting unit generated greater distance per kick and more punts that placed the opposing offense deep in its own territory. Baringer punted more frequently, which was consistent with New England’s own difficulty generating consistent passing production.
Punting averages alone, however, do not capture the entire effect of a kick. Placement, return opportunities, hang time, and the resulting field position all influence the value of a punt.
Kick and punt returns
| Team | Returner | Return type | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Patriots | D’Ernest Johnson | Kick returns | 2 | 59 | 29.5 |
| Broncos | Tyler Badie | Kick returns | 1 | 20 | 20.0 |
| Patriots | Marcus Jones | Punt returns | 1 | 2 | 2.0 |
| Broncos | Marvin Mims Jr. | Punt returns | 3 | 8 | 2.7 |
Johnson averaged 29.5 yards on two kickoff returns, providing New England with useful starting-field-position opportunities. Badie averaged 20 yards on his single return.
Punt-return production was limited for both teams. Marcus Jones recorded two yards on one return, while Mims gained eight yards on three returns.
Neither team scored on a return, so the special teams impact came through field position and kicking rather than a direct touchdown.
Five Key Factors That Decided the Game
The final result becomes easier to understand when the major statistics are connected to their practical consequences.
1. New England won the rushing-yardage battle
The Patriots gained 141 rushing yards, compared with Denver’s 79. That 62-yard difference gave New England a more productive ground attack and helped the offense maintain possession.
The Patriots did not need their running game to generate enormous gains on every carry. They needed enough successful plays to sustain drives and keep Denver’s offense on the sideline.
2. Maye’s rushing touchdown supplied the equalizer
Maye finished with 65 rushing yards and the Patriots’ only touchdown. His six-yard score tied the game at 7-7.
Without that contribution, New England’s limited passing production would have made it much harder to remain competitive. His rushing ability was not simply an additional statistic; it directly affected the score.
3. Denver failed to capitalize on its passing production
The Broncos gained 133 passing yards, compared with New England’s 86, and Stidham threw a touchdown pass.
However, Denver did not score after the opening quarter. Its inability to turn passing gains into additional points meant that the early touchdown remained its only scoring play.
The problem was not a complete absence of successful offensive plays. It was the failure to sustain enough of them to produce another scoring drive.
4. The turnover margin favored New England
The supplied statistics list an interception and a lost fumble for Denver, while New England threw no interceptions and lost no fumbles.
That difference was especially damaging in a game with only 17 combined points. Each turnover represented an opportunity for Denver to lose possession without completing a scoring drive.
Gonzalez’s late interception was particularly important because it arrived when the Broncos needed to create a comeback opportunity.
5. The third-quarter field goal became the winning score
Borregales’ 23-yard field goal put New England ahead 10-7. Neither team scored again.
In a higher-scoring game, a field goal might have been one small part of a larger offensive performance. Here, it became the difference between winning and losing.
New England’s ability to sustain the long third-quarter drive and then defend its lead was more important than any single advantage in passing efficiency.
What the Match Statistics Reveal About Both Teams
The game offers several useful lessons for readers who want to understand NFL performance beyond the scoreboard.
More passing yards do not guarantee a win
Denver’s 133 passing yards exceeded New England’s 86, but the Broncos lost. The reason is that passing yards are only one part of offensive performance.
A team must convert those yards into first downs, scoring opportunities, and touchdowns. Denver’s passing attack produced an early touchdown but failed to score again. New England, meanwhile, found an alternative route through its rushing game.
Defensive pressure can create problems without deciding the result alone
Both teams generated pressure, and Maye’s five recorded sacks show how difficult the Patriots’ passing game was. Yet New England still won.
This highlights the relationship between defense and offensive support. Denver’s defense created opportunities by pressuring Maye, but its offense did not turn those opportunities into enough points to take control of the game.
Time of possession helped New England manage the contest
The Patriots held the ball for 33 minutes and 9 seconds, compared with Denver’s 26 minutes and 51 seconds.
That difference of 6 minutes and 18 seconds allowed New England to spend more time on offense and reduce the time available to Denver. The Patriots’ long third-quarter drive was especially important because it produced three points while consuming more than nine minutes.
Possession time is not a direct measure of offensive quality, but it becomes strategically valuable when a team has a narrow lead to protect.
The weather provides important context
Contemporary reporting described snowy and difficult conditions in Denver, with visibility and ball handling becoming more challenging as the game progressed. Those conditions provide context for the limited passing production and low score. They do not, by themselves, explain every missed opportunity or turnover.
The game should therefore be assessed using both the statistical record and the circumstances in which the players competed.
How to Read NFL Box Scores More Accurately
If you are comparing player performances or preparing a statistical recap, these practical steps can help you avoid common mistakes.
- Start with the scoring summary. Identify when each touchdown and field goal occurred before interpreting individual statistics.
- Compare rushing and passing separately. A team may lose the passing battle but win through its ground game.
- Distinguish attempts from efficiency. A running back with many carries may lead in total yards without averaging many yards per attempt.
- Check turnovers. Interceptions and lost fumbles can have a greater impact than modest differences in yardage.
- Separate individual and team statistics. A quarterback’s sacks, a defender’s sacks, and the team’s aggregate totals should be checked for consistency.
- Use the correct scoring categories. A rushing touchdown is not a passing touchdown, and an extra point is not a field goal.
- Read advanced metrics carefully. Passer rating and QBR use different methods and should not be compared as if they were the same measurement.
- Check the official record when totals conflict. Use the published ESPN game box score to verify disputed figures and distinguish the game date from the publication date.
These steps are particularly useful when building a player-statistics article. They help ensure that conclusions follow from the numbers instead of forcing the numbers to support a predetermined narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots game?
The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship on January 25, 2026, in Denver. Some box-score listings display January 26 because of publication timing and time-zone differences.
2. How many passing yards did Drake Maye record?
Drake Maye completed 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards, with no passing touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 65 yards and one touchdown.
3. What were Jarrett Stidham’s statistics against the Patriots?
Jarrett Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also recorded 23 rushing yards on four attempts.
4. Who led the game in rushing yards?
Rhamondre Stevenson led the Patriots with 71 rushing yards on 25 carries. Drake Maye added 65 yards, while Denver’s leading rusher, RJ Harvey, recorded 37 yards.
5. Who was the leading receiver for each team?
Mack Hollins led New England with 51 receiving yards on two catches. Marvin Mims Jr. led Denver with 62 receiving yards on four receptions, including a longest catch of 52 yards.
6. Which defensive player made the key interception?
Christian Gonzalez recorded the interception that disrupted Denver’s late comeback attempt. His defensive contribution helped New England protect its three-point lead.
Conclusion
The denver broncos vs new england patriots match player stats show how New England won a defensive contest despite limited passing production. The Patriots finished with 141 rushing yards, Drake Maye scored on the ground, and Andy Borregales converted the field goal that provided the winning margin.
Denver produced more passing yards and received a touchdown from Jarrett Stidham to Courtland Sutton. Marvin Mims Jr. also delivered the game’s longest listed reception. However, the Broncos could not turn those gains into another score, and their turnovers made the comeback more difficult.
The decisive factors were New England’s stronger rushing output, its ability to control possession, and the defense’s late interception. Denver’s defensive pressure kept the Patriots’ passing attack under control, but it could not compensate for the offense’s failure to score after the first quarter.
Ultimately, this matchup demonstrates why individual statistics must be read together. Passing yards, receptions, tackles, and sacks each tell part of the story. The final result depends on how those performances combine to create points, protect possession, and determine the outcome of critical moments.
