For the first time since 2019, the New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl after defeating the Denver Broncos 10-7 in extreme snowy conditions. The difference came from a 23-yard field goal by Andy Borregales, which gave the Patriots the lead for good, as Denver was unable to respond.
The Broncos had the game under control early on; however, the Patriots applied constant pressure on Jarrett Stidham, forcing him into key mistakes. The first was a fumble that opened the door for New England to tie the game at 7-7 with a Drake Maye rushing touchdown. Later, an interception by Christian González virtually sealed the victory.
Drake Maye, who will reach the Super Bowl in just his second NFL season, threw for only 86 yards, largely due to the harsh weather conditions. Still, the former North Carolina University standout made an impact with his legs, rushing for 28 yards, including a 6-yard run for New England’s only touchdown of the game.
Stefon Diggs will play in his first Super Bowl
There is no doubt the NFL owed something to Stefon Diggs, one of the best wide receivers of his generation. The veteran entered the league in 2015 and made an immediate impact, but twice fell short in conference championship games: 2017 with the Vikings in the NFC and 2021 with the Buffalo Bills in the AFC.
Now, in his third conference championship appearance, Diggs will play in a Super Bowl for the first time. After the win over Denver, he was visibly emotional: “They were calling me washed. Saying I didn’t have it anymore. I just wanted to prove to myself I am who I say I am. This team took a chance on me. I just wanted to make them proud.”
Diggs suffered an ACL injury with the Houston Texans in 2024, and his career appeared to be in jeopardy. The New England Patriots gave him a chance in 2025, and he did more than just return from injury: in his first season with Drake Maye, he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards and will now play in the biggest game in the NFL.
This will be Super Bowl No. 12 in the history of the New England Patriots franchise. Notably, nine of those appearances came with Tom Brady, who won six and lost three. Now it’s Drake Maye’s turn, as he stands just one win away from capturing his first Vince Lombardi Trophy.
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