Broncos’ Sean Payton Faces Backlash After Game-Changing C...

By Tyler ErzbergerShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

The Denver Broncos gave it everything they had at home, but came up just short of the New England Patriots, losing 10-7 in what turned out to be a defensive war in the snow.

But before the field was blanketed in ice and the players could barely see, the Broncos were up 7-0 on the Patriots following an impressive touchdown pass by backup starter Jarrett Stidham. They were driving to put more points on the board and were in routine field goal range to put them up by 10 points.

Instead, Payton went for it, going for it on fourth-and-one and getting stopped like a slap to the face. It was the last time the Broncos would ever get near the red zone, as the conditions got worse and Stidham couldn't find any of the rhythm he had in the first quarter.

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At the end of the game, following a botched punt by the Patriots and down three, Payton, this time, decided to go for a longer field goal in the pouring hail, rather than try to get a few yards on the final down.

Again, it was the wrong choice, as the ball was tipped and wobbled away from the goal posts.

After the game, Broncos fans let their voices be heard on social media about Payton's performance that might have cost them a trip to the Super Bowl.

The New England Patriots will now await the winner of the NFC Championship between the hosting Seattle Seahawks and divisional rival the Los Angeles Rams.

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