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The New England Patriots are returning to the Super Bowl, and a controversial play that ultimately led to the winning score has football fans debating on social media.
A second-half snowstorm caused each team to score only three points, but it was the Patriots’ decisive field goal that finally sent them to Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX. However, the focus now is on a fourth-and-1 play because some believe quarterback Drake Maye should not have converted.
After a third-and-10 screen to tight end Hunter Henry fell one yard short, head coach Mike Vrabel made the decision to go for it. It was a sneak attack by the quarterback, but after tripping over the center, Maye appeared to be down.
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks toward his bench during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
But the officials deliberated and began moving the chains for first and goal, prompting Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton to throw the red challenge flag.
After reviewing the overhead tape, it looked like Maye was either right in line to win or just short. But considering the lack of compelling evidence to overrule the referees, the call stood and the Patriots had a Grade A chance to take their first lead of the game.
New England couldn’t find the end zone, but a 23-yard field goal was a quick kick to at least put them up by three points.
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Subsequently, the debate broke out on social networks.
“Absolutely brief, but according to NFL rules (which are not good), I can understand the play as indicated on the field,” said one X user. “What I don’t understand is why they didn’t use the new digital measurement to determine the location of the ball.”
They didn’t use that technology to find the location of the ball, but some X users noted that sideline officials rushed to the middle of the field to imply that Maye was down. However, an official field seemed to be the one who called for the first try.
“The side refs actually came in with them clearly short of first, then adjusted the path and just awarded them a first down,” another X user said.
Drake Maye of the New England Patriots is pressured by Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of the AFC Championship Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The weather got much worse from there, and Broncos backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham started after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury. He did well to score the first touchdown of the game after a deep pass to Marvin Mims Jr. set up a play-action touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton.
But those were the only points the Broncos could muster, especially after snow and wind made a mess of the field at Mile High.
In the end, the Patriots were able to come up with two key plays on defense to become AFC champions. The first was a fourth-and-1 for the Broncos that resulted in a turnover.
Stidham then decided not to take a sack and attempt a desperation pass, but it was ruled a throwback and the Patriots picked it up. A few plays later, Maye ran to tie the game at seven apiece.
Drake Maye of the New England Patriots rushes to score during the second quarter of the AFC Championship Playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Now, the Patriots will watch the NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams to see who they will play at Levi’s Stadium in two weeks.
In the meantime, the Broncos will be thinking about what ifs, including this critical play.
