New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats
The new england patriots vs denver broncos match player stats from the AFC Championship Game tell the story of a defensive battle shaped by difficult weather, limited passing production, strong rushing contributions, turnovers, and a handful of decisive plays. New England defeated Denver 10-7 after trailing 7-0 early, with the Patriots scoring in the second and third quarters and holding the Broncos scoreless throughout the second half. The game was played in Denver in snowy and windy conditions, making efficiency, field position, ball security, and situational execution especially important.
The final score does not fully explain how unusual the game was. Neither offense reached 210 total yards, both teams struggled to convert field-goal opportunities, and the quarterbacks combined for only 219 passing yards. New England produced 141 rushing yards compared with Denver’s 79, while the Patriots also avoided a turnover despite allowing five sacks. Denver recorded more defensive tackles and sacks, but the Broncos committed two turnovers, including an interception late in the fourth quarter that ended their final meaningful opportunity.
For readers searching for new england patriots vs denver broncos match player stats, the most useful approach is to look beyond the headline numbers. Passing statistics explain part of the game, but rushing efficiency, defensive pressure, third-down performance, field position, special teams, and individual plays provide the fuller picture.
New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats Overview
The AFC Championship matchup ended with New England winning 10-7. Denver opened the scoring in the first quarter when Courtland Sutton caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Jarrett Stidham. New England answered in the second quarter when Drake Maye scored on a six-yard rushing touchdown.
The Patriots then took the lead in the third quarter through a 23-yard field goal from Andy Borregales. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.
Here is the basic scoring breakdown:
| Quarter | New England Patriots | Denver Broncos |
| Q1 | 0 | 7 |
| Q2 | 7 | 0 |
| Q3 | 3 | 0 |
| Q4 | 0 | 0 |
| Final | 10 | 7 |
The Patriots finished with 206 total yards, while Denver had 181. New England also recorded 12 first downs to Denver’s 11 and converted 6 of 18 third downs. Denver converted 4 of 14 third downs.
One of the clearest differences came on the ground. New England gained 141 rushing yards on 38 attempts, while Denver managed 79 yards on 24 attempts. That 62-yard rushing advantage became particularly important because both passing attacks struggled to create consistent production.
Drake Maye’s Complete Performance
Drake Maye’s passing line was modest, but his overall contribution was much more significant than his passing numbers suggest.
Maye completed 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. He did not throw a touchdown or interception and was sacked five times for 21 yards. His reported QBR was 62.5 and his passer rating was 58.8.
His rushing production changed the evaluation considerably.
Maye carried the ball 10 times for 65 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. His longest run was 28 yards, and he scored New England’s only touchdown.
That means Maye accounted for:
- 86 passing yards
- 65 rushing yards
- 151 combined passing and rushing yards
- 1 rushing touchdown
- 0 interceptions
- 5 sacks taken
In a normal high-scoring offensive game, 86 passing yards would usually attract significant criticism. In this matchup, however, the conditions and defensive pressure created a different environment.
Maye’s legs were one of New England’s most productive offensive weapons. His 65 rushing yards represented nearly half of the Patriots’ rushing production by an individual player.
His six-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter also changed the game’s momentum. The score came after New England recovered a Denver fumble at the Broncos’ 12-yard line, giving the Patriots an extremely short field.
Maye’s Rushing Impact
Maye’s 6.5 yards per carry was the highest rushing average among New England players with multiple carries.
His longest run was 28 yards, and his rushing production helped New England maintain offensive balance despite Denver generating five sacks.
That combination is important. Denver’s defense created pressure in the passing game, but Maye’s mobility gave New England another method of moving the football.
The Patriots did not need Maye to produce a large passing total. They needed him to avoid turnovers, contribute on the ground, and make enough plays to support a defense that was keeping Denver’s offense under control.
Rhamondre Stevenson Leads Patriots Rushing
Rhamondre Stevenson carried the ball 25 times for 71 yards.
His average was 2.8 yards per carry, with a longest run of 12 yards. He did not score a touchdown.
The efficiency was not spectacular, but volume matters in a game like this.
Stevenson received 25 of New England’s 38 rushing attempts. That means he handled approximately two-thirds of the team’s rushing attempts.
His workload helped New England maintain a ground-based approach even when the passing game was producing limited yardage.
The Patriots’ overall rushing line was:
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 25 | 71 | 2.8 | 0 | 12 |
| Drake Maye | 10 | 65 | 6.5 | 1 | 28 |
| TreVeyon Henderson | 3 | 5 | 1.7 | 0 | 4 |
| Team | 38 | 141 | 3.7 | 1 | 28 |
The important takeaway is that New England’s rushing success was not based on one explosive running-back performance. It came from volume, quarterback mobility, and the ability to continue running despite limited efficiency on many individual attempts.
New England Receiving Statistics
New England’s passing attack produced only 86 receiving yards, matching Maye’s passing total.
Mack Hollins led the Patriots in receiving yards with 51 yards on two catches. His 25.5 yards per reception and 31-yard longest reception gave him the most explosive receiving contribution of the game for New England.
Stefon Diggs led the team in receptions with five, but he finished with only 17 yards.
Hunter Henry caught two passes for 12 yards, while Kayshon Boutte finished with one reception for six yards.
The receiving numbers were:
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long | Targets |
| Mack Hollins | 2 | 51 | 25.5 | 0 | 31 | 2 |
| Stefon Diggs | 5 | 17 | 3.4 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Hunter Henry | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 0 | 9 | 3 |
| Kayshon Boutte | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| DeMario Douglas | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Team | 10 | 86 | 8.6 | 0 | 31 | 20 |
The contrast between Diggs and Hollins is particularly interesting.
Diggs caught five passes, giving him half of New England’s completions, but those catches generated only 17 yards. Hollins caught two passes and produced 51 yards.
This is a good example of why reception totals alone can be misleading. A receiver can lead his team in catches while another player has a larger impact on field position because of explosive gains.
Jarrett Stidham’s Passing Numbers
Jarrett Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
His average was 4.3 yards per attempt, while his reported passer rating was 63.0. His QBR was 19.6.
Stidham also took three sacks for 31 lost yards.
The raw completion percentage was better than Maye’s, but Denver’s passing attack still struggled to generate enough consistent offense.
The Broncos finished with 102 passing yards in the team statistics, compared with 65 for New England. The difference between the passing figure in the team statistics and the quarterback’s gross passing total reflects the impact of sacks and lost yardage.
Stidham’s biggest passing play was a 52-yard completion to Marvin Mims Jr. That play put Denver in excellent scoring position and helped set up Sutton’s first-quarter touchdown.
After that explosive gain, however, Denver’s passing game became much less productive.
Marvin Mims Jr. Provides Denver’s Biggest Receiving Play
Marvin Mims Jr. led Denver with four receptions for 62 yards.
His average was 15.5 yards per reception, and his longest reception went for 52 yards.
That one explosive play accounted for most of his yardage.
Mims also handled three punt returns for eight yards, giving him a role on both offense and special teams.
His receiving numbers were:
- 4 receptions
- 62 receiving yards
- 15.5 yards per reception
- 52-yard long
- 6 targets
The 52-yard reception was one of the game’s most important offensive plays because it moved Denver deep into New England territory.
However, Denver could not turn its early offensive momentum into sustained scoring production.
Courtland Sutton Scores Denver’s Only Touchdown
Courtland Sutton finished with three receptions for 17 yards and one touchdown.
His touchdown came on a six-yard pass from Stidham in the first quarter.
The scoring drive initially gave Denver control of the game, but the Broncos were unable to add another touchdown during the remaining three quarters.
Sutton’s final line illustrates how touchdown statistics can hide a player’s overall receiving volume. He scored Denver’s only touchdown but produced only 17 receiving yards.
In contrast, Mims produced 62 yards without scoring.
Both contributions mattered, but they affected the game in different ways.
Denver Broncos Rushing Statistics
Denver finished with 79 rushing yards on 24 attempts, averaging 3.3 yards per carry.
RJ Harvey led the team with 13 carries for 37 yards.
Jarrett Stidham was the second-leading rusher with 23 yards on four attempts, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The full rushing breakdown was:
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| RJ Harvey | 13 | 37 | 2.8 | 0 | 9 |
| Jarrett Stidham | 4 | 23 | 5.8 | 0 | 8 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | 4 | 11 | 2.8 | 0 | 5 |
| Tyler Badie | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | 4 |
| Adam Prentice | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 | 3 |
| Pat Bryant | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Team | 24 | 79 | 3.3 | 0 | 9 |
Harvey received the majority of Denver’s rushing workload, but he was unable to create a major breakthrough.
The Broncos’ longest rush was only nine yards. That is a major contextual point because New England’s longest rushing play was 28 yards.
Denver’s inability to produce explosive rushing plays made it harder to sustain drives after the Patriots took control.
Denver Receiving Statistics
Denver finished with 17 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown.
The team generated 27 targets and averaged 7.8 yards per reception.
Here is the full receiving breakdown:
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD | Long | Targets |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | 4 | 62 | 15.5 | 0 | 52 | 6 |
| RJ Harvey | 4 | 22 | 5.5 | 0 | 11 | 6 |
| Evan Engram | 2 | 19 | 9.5 | 0 | 12 | 3 |
| Courtland Sutton | 3 | 17 | 5.7 | 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Lil’Jordan Humphrey | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
| Elijah Moore | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Pat Bryant | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Team | 17 | 133 | 7.8 | 1 | 52 | 27 |
Denver’s receiving production was distributed among several players, but Mims was the clear source of explosive yardage.
Harvey also contributed four receptions, giving him eight total touches through rushing and receiving categories.
Defensive Statistics That Changed the Game
The offensive statistics only tell part of the story.
New England’s defense recorded 59 tackles, 35 solo tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss, three passes defended, and seven quarterback hits.
Denver’s defense recorded 77 tackles, 32 solo tackles, five sacks, eight tackles for loss, three passes defended, and seven quarterback hits.
Denver therefore generated more sacks and tackles, yet the Patriots still won.
This is an important reminder that defensive volume does not automatically translate into victory.
New England’s most important defensive statistic was the turnover differential.
The Patriots finished with zero turnovers, while Denver committed two.
Christian Gonzalez recorded the game’s only interception. His fourth-quarter interception came with 2:11 remaining and ended Denver’s late opportunity to reclaim the lead.
Elijah Ponder also recovered a Denver fumble in the second quarter.
That recovery was particularly valuable because it occurred deep in Denver territory. New England recovered the loose ball at the Denver 12-yard line and scored two plays later.
Christian Gonzalez’s Interception
Christian Gonzalez’s interception was one of the defining plays in the fourth quarter.
Denver needed to generate a scoring opportunity late in the game. Instead, Gonzalez intercepted Stidham, giving New England possession and allowing the Patriots to protect their three-point advantage.
His official defensive line in the supplied statistics includes:
- 1 interception
- 0 interception-return yards
- 0 defensive touchdowns
The return yardage was not important because the interception itself ended the Denver possession at a critical moment.
This is a useful example of how a defensive statistic should be interpreted through game context. One interception can be more meaningful than several routine tackles when it occurs during a decisive late-game possession.
Turnovers Were More Important Than Total Yardage
Denver had 181 total yards compared with New England’s 206.
That difference is only 25 yards.
The Patriots did not dominate total offense.
Instead, they made fewer costly mistakes.
The turnover comparison was:
| Statistic | Patriots | Broncos |
| Total turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 1 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 1 |
| Total yards | 206 | 181 |
| Rushing yards | 141 | 79 |
| Passing yards | 65 | 102 |
Denver’s two turnovers directly influenced the scoring pattern.
The fumble recovery led to New England’s touchdown.
The late interception prevented Denver from getting another chance to score.
That is a major reason why the final score was decided by only three points despite the Broncos holding the early lead.
Third Down and Fourth Down Efficiency
Situational football was another major factor.
New England converted 6 of 18 third-down opportunities.
Denver converted 4 of 14.
Neither team was especially efficient on third down, but New England generated more conversions.
The Patriots were also perfect on fourth down, converting their only fourth-down attempt.
Denver went 0-for-1 on fourth down.
Those numbers matter because this was a low-possession, low-scoring game. When offensive opportunities are limited, converting an additional critical down can have a greater effect on field position and possession time.
New England also controlled the clock more effectively.
The Patriots possessed the ball for 33:09, compared with 26:51 for Denver.
That six-minute-plus difference helped New England keep the Denver offense off the field.
Field Position and Special Teams
Special teams became particularly important because both offenses struggled.
New England’s Bryce Baringer punted eight times for 303 yards, averaging 37.9 yards per punt.
Denver’s Jeremy Crawshaw punted six times for 309 yards, averaging 51.5 yards.
Crawshaw had the stronger average, but New England’s overall game management meant Denver still had trouble turning field position into points.
The punt return statistics were:
| Player | Returns | Yards | Average | Long |
| Marcus Jones, NE | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 |
| Marvin Mims Jr., DEN | 3 | 8 | 2.7 | 8 |
D’Ernest Johnson also returned two kickoffs for New England for 59 yards, averaging 29.5 yards per return.
Tyler Badie returned one kickoff for Denver for 20 yards.
Kicking Was a Major Storyline
Neither team received consistent production from its kicker.
New England’s Andy Borregales made one of three field-goal attempts and converted his only extra-point attempt.
He finished with four points.
Denver’s Wil Lutz made neither of his two field-goal attempts but converted his extra point for one point.
The missed kicks were especially important because this was a three-point game.
New England missed long attempts of 63 and 46 yards, while Denver missed a 54-yard attempt and later had a 45-yard attempt blocked.
The final blocked attempt came from Lutz in the fourth quarter and prevented Denver from potentially tying the game.
According to the ESPN play-by-play, the 45-yard attempt was blocked by Leonard Taylor III.
Why the Weather Matters When Reading the Stats
The statistical environment of this game should not be evaluated as though it were played under normal conditions.
The second half featured snow and difficult conditions, which affected passing, kicking, and overall offensive execution. ESPN’s game coverage specifically described the second half as windy and snowy.
That context helps explain several unusual numbers.
Maye averaged only 4.1 yards per pass attempt.
Stidham averaged 4.3.
Neither team produced a passing touchdown from sustained offensive production. Denver’s touchdown came after a big 52-yard completion helped establish field position, while New England’s touchdown came from Maye’s rushing ability after a turnover.
The weather also made field-goal attempts more difficult.
Therefore, the best interpretation of the new england patriots vs denver broncos match player stats requires more than comparing passer ratings.
Patriots Offensive Strategy
New England’s offensive approach was built around limiting mistakes and maintaining a rushing presence.
The Patriots ran the ball 38 times compared with 21 passing attempts.
Their 141 rushing yards represented approximately 68% of their total offensive yardage.
That is an unusually strong run emphasis for a modern NFL game, but it made sense within this particular matchup.
The Patriots had:
- A mobile quarterback
- A heavily used running back
- Difficult passing conditions
- A defense capable of keeping the score close
- A lead to protect in the second half
Once New England moved ahead 10-7, the strategy became even more conservative.
The Patriots continued to run the ball and used punts to manage field position rather than forcing aggressive throws into difficult conditions.
Broncos Offensive Challenges
Denver’s offense had a different problem.
The Broncos had 102 net passing yards in the team statistics and 79 rushing yards.
Their passing game produced one major explosive play, but there was not enough consistency after that.
Stidham completed 17 passes, yet Denver averaged only 3.1 yards per offensive play.
The Broncos also lost a fumble and threw an interception.
That combination made it difficult to overcome the Patriots’ defensive pressure.
Denver had several opportunities to regain momentum, but drives repeatedly ended without points.
The Most Important Statistical Difference
The most meaningful difference between these teams was not passing yardage.
It was the combination of rushing production, turnovers, and situational execution.
New England had:
- 25 more total yards
- 62 more rushing yards
- 1 additional first down
- 2 more third-down conversions
- 6:18 more possession time
- 0 turnovers
Denver had:
- 37 more passing yards
- 2 additional sacks
- 18 more defensive tackles
- 1 additional defensive tackle for loss
- 2 turnovers
The Patriots did not win because they dominated every category.
They won because the categories that mattered most in this low-scoring game tilted toward them.
What the Player Stats Reveal About the Game
The strongest lesson from the box score is that traditional passing statistics can be misleading in a defensive playoff game.
If someone looked only at quarterback completion totals, Stidham appeared to have the more productive passing performance.
He completed 17 passes compared with Maye’s 10.
He also threw for 133 yards compared with 86.
But Maye contributed 65 rushing yards and a touchdown. Stidham’s passing attack produced one touchdown but also one interception, while his team lost a fumble.
The Patriots also controlled the rushing battle by 62 yards.
This is why combined offensive contribution provides a better way to understand Maye’s performance.
Comparing the Key Skill Players
The individual statistics show several different types of contributions.
Drake Maye
Maye was the central figure in New England’s offense because he contributed through both passing and rushing.
His 151 combined passing and rushing yards represented the largest total offensive contribution by a Patriots player.
Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson provided volume.
His 25 carries helped New England maintain a physical rushing attack even though his 2.8-yard average was modest.
Mack Hollins
Hollins provided explosiveness.
His two receptions produced 51 yards, including a 31-yard reception.
Marvin Mims Jr.
Mims was Denver’s biggest source of explosive offense.
His 52-yard reception represented Denver’s longest offensive play.
Courtland Sutton
Sutton provided the Broncos’ only touchdown.
His three receptions produced 17 yards and one score.
Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez made the game’s decisive late defensive play with his interception.
How to Read These Stats for Fantasy or Historical Analysis
For fantasy analysis, individual volume and efficiency can tell different stories.
Stevenson’s 25 carries indicate substantial opportunity, but his 71 yards show that the rushing efficiency was limited.
Mims’ four receptions were fewer than some teammates’ totals in other games, but his 62 yards demonstrate the value of explosive plays.
Maye’s passing production was low, but his 65 rushing yards and touchdown significantly increased his overall fantasy relevance.
For historical analysis, the bigger lesson is game context.
A 10-7 championship game should not be compared directly with a 41-38 regular-season shootout.
Different weather, stakes, defensive approaches, and game scripts can dramatically change what individual statistics mean.
A Quick Statistical Summary
The core new england patriots vs denver broncos match player stats can be summarized as follows:
| Category | New England | Denver |
| Final score | 10 | 7 |
| Total yards | 206 | 181 |
| Passing | 65 | 102 |
| Rushing | 141 | 79 |
| First downs | 12 | 11 |
| Third downs | 6/18 | 4/14 |
| Fourth downs | 1/1 | 0/1 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Sacks made | 3 | 5 |
| Possession | 33:09 | 26:51 |
| Red zone | 1/2 | 1/2 |
These figures show a game where neither team generated much offense, but New England created a slightly more sustainable formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Patriots vs Broncos AFC Championship Game?
The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship Game. New England trailed 7-0 before scoring 10 unanswered points.
How many passing yards did Drake Maye have?
Drake Maye completed 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards, with no passing touchdowns and no interceptions.
How many rushing yards did Drake Maye have?
Maye rushed 10 times for 65 yards and scored one touchdown. His longest rushing play was 28 yards.
Who led the Broncos in receiving?
Marvin Mims Jr. led Denver with four receptions for 62 yards. His longest reception was 52 yards.
How many rushing yards did the Patriots have?
New England recorded 141 rushing yards on 38 attempts, averaging 3.7 yards per carry.
Who recorded the interception for New England?
Christian Gonzalez recorded the Patriots’ only interception. The play came late in the fourth quarter and ended a Denver possession.
Conclusion
The new england patriots vs denver broncos match player stats show a championship game decided by complementary football rather than overwhelming offensive production.
Drake Maye’s 86 passing yards were not impressive in isolation, but his 65 rushing yards and rushing touchdown gave him a major role in New England’s offensive output. Rhamondre Stevenson supplied 25 carries, while Mack Hollins created the Patriots’ biggest receiving contribution with 51 yards.
For Denver, Marvin Mims Jr. was the primary source of explosive receiving production with 62 yards, including a 52-yard catch. Courtland Sutton scored the Broncos’ only touchdown, while RJ Harvey led the team’s rushing attempts.
Defensively, New England’s biggest advantages came from ball security and timely plays. The Patriots finished without a turnover, recovered a Denver fumble, and intercepted Stidham late in the game. Denver generated five sacks and more total tackles, but those defensive numbers did not compensate for the two offensive turnovers.
The broader statistical picture is clear. New England won the rushing battle 141-79, controlled possession for more than 33 minutes, converted more third downs, and avoided turnovers. Denver gained more passing yards, but its offense struggled to sustain drives and convert opportunities into points.
The game is therefore best understood as a low-scoring contest where efficiency, field position, rushing production, and defensive execution mattered more than raw passing totals.
