Patriots Capitalize on Broncos Turnover for Halftime Tie

With game-time temperatures in the mid-20s, as well as a spot in the game’s greatest stage on the line, a sense of urgency surrounds the New England Patriots as they battle the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game at Empower Field at Mile High.

The Patriots and the Broncos are locked in an exciting clash with the conference title on the line. Whichever team earns the victory will travel west to the Bay Area to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Quarterback Drake Maye has completed 7-of-14 passes for 41 yards with one rushing touchdown. Conversely, Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham has thrown for 121 yards on 12-of-21 attempts with one touchdown.

In that vein, here are the highlights from a first half in which New England and Denver at tied at 7-7, with the Patriots set to possess the ball first to begin the second half.

First Quarter: Broncos Bust Out Early

Both the Broncos and Patriots traded three-and-outs to begin this conference championship clash in the Rockies. As expected, New England pressured Stidham on his first snaps of the day, allowing only one yard of offense. Conversely, Denver’s defense also showed its prowess.

Maye was fortunate that his third-down pass intended for receiver Stefon Diggs was not intercepted by Broncos defensive back Talanoa Hufanga. The Pats’ starter attempted a quick slant, which would have been picked off, but for a timely reach by Diggs to prevent the catch by Hufanga. As such, the Pats and the Broncos traded opening drive punts.

Denver struck first, traveling 59 yards on five plays. Stidham provided the game’s first highlight by hitting receiver Marvin Mims, Jr. in stride on a deep right route for an impressive gain of 52 yards. Just two plays later, the former Pats’ backup connected with Broncos’ top receiver Courtland Sutton on a wide-open boot for a 6-yard touchdown. The score gave the home team a 7-0.