Broncos HC Sean Payton discusses controversial fourth-down call in AFC Championship Game loss to Patriots

Sean Payton discusses fourth-down call 

"I just felt like, man, we had momentum to go up 14. Felt like we had a good call," Payton said in a postgame news conference. "I think the feeling, man, was let's be aggressive."

Payton, however, became too greedy for points. Those came at a premium in the second half when snow began to fall. Denver and New England combined for three points in the second half because of the conditions. 

Broncos kicker Wil Lutz went 0-of-2 on field goal attempts, both of which were in the second half. Had Payton let him kick on the crucial fourth down in the second quarter, that would've made his misses less costly. 

Even if the Broncos forced overtime, they may not have won the home game with their backup QB. Stidham completed 17-of-31 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown but committed two turnovers (an interception and a lost fumble). Still, had Payton not made an ill-advised gamble, the game's outcome might have changed.