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The\u00a0New England Patriots\u00a0accomplished something in the AFC championship game they never did while Tom Brady was their quarterback: they beat the\u00a0Denver Broncos\u00a0on the road in the playoffs, winning the AFC championship game 10-7 to advance to Super Bowl 60.<\/p>\n
The Patriots’ victory came in a defensive slog. Both defenses played well in the first half before a driving snow bogged down each offense in the second half.<\/p>\n
The Patriots only had 206 total yards in the win. Drake Maye threw for just 86 yards while being sacked five times against the Broncos’ stellar pass rush.<\/p>\n
But in the end, New England’s ground game helped them earn a victory. Maye racked up 65 rushing yards on 10 carries, which included the team’s lone touchdown \u2013 a 6-yard quarterback draw \u2013 and a 7-yard run at the end of regulation to get a first down and seal the Patriots’ win.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Patriots’ defense continued to be one of the playoffs’ most stingy scoring units (8.7 points per game). They allowed Jarrett Stidham to throw for a touchdown on his second drive of the game but didn’t allow another point for the remainder of the game.<\/p>\n
Stidham comported himself well in the game, but understandably struggled after halftime in the snow. He completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown in relief of the injured Bo Nix but had two critical turnovers \u2013 a fumble that set up New England’s lone touchdown and an interception on Denver’s final offensive drive \u2013 in the Broncos’ loss.<\/p>\n
The Patriots have punched their ticket to\u00a0Super Bowl 60.\u00a0USA TODAY Sports\u00a0provided live updates, highlights and more from the AFC championship game between the Broncos and Patriots on Sunday below. All times are Eastern.<\/p>\n
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