If you love offensive football, the first half of the AFC Championship Game was not for you. The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots are tied at 7 heading into halftime. One of the few consequential offensive plays of the first half was a 52-yard completion from Broncos Quarterback Jarrett Stidham to Marvin Mims. A few plays later, Stidham found Courtland Sutton for Denver’s only touchdown of the half. Will the offenses be able to find their footing in the second half?
Broncos Defense Stymies New England’s Offense
With Quarterback Bo Nix sidelined for the AFC Championship Game, the Broncos needed their defense to hold up. They did just that in the first half. Denver stymied New England’s offense and young Quarterback Drake Maye. The MVP candidate went 7-of-14 for a paltry 41 yards in the first half. He was also sacked three times. New England’s offensive line has not played well in the NFL Playoffs, and they struggled in the first half.
Stidham Does His Job
A huge story entering this game was how Stidham would hold up under immense pressure. He was strong in the first half, outside of one play. He was 12-of-21 with 123 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Stidham was in complete control of the offense and executed Head Coach Sean Payton’s gameplan to perfection in the opening half until a fumble gave the Patriots great field position. Two plays later, Maye took it himself 6 yards to tie the game at 7.
What To Look For In the Second Half?
If the New England Patriots want to punch their ticket to Super Bowl LX, their offense must wake up. Their defense held the Broncos in check, but the Patriots’ offense never found its footing.
