The New England Patriots found a way to steal Christmas, and perhaps the playoffs, from the Denver Broncos.
In what appeared to be a blown 23-7 lead on the Pats’ side, Chad Ryland booted a 56-yard field goal with just two seconds left, upsetting the home team 26-23.
In a lost season for the Pats, they’ve now defeated two teams still very much in the hunt for the AFC playoffs this month: the Pittsburgh Steelers and now the Broncos. Many fans took to social media to react to the Broncos’ implosion.
Fans Begin Believing Denver Broncos’ Playoff Hopes Have Been Dashed
Ryland managed to overcome a frustrating night that saw two misses — including one on a point-after attempt.
Chad Ryland, who has missed two kicks in this game, connects from 56 yards ‼️👀😱 pic.twitter.com/CarzCTL1T4
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 25, 2023
One Broncos fan account, however, said on social media that Ryland’s boot is “the kick that ended the Broncos 2023 postseason hopes.”
Meanwhile, Denver radio personality Zach Bye of 1043 The Fan thinks the ship has sailed on the Broncos’ playoff pursuit.
“The Broncos as a touchdown favorite really let the 3-11 Patriots come into Mile High and win with the playoffs on the line. Denver doesn’t deserve to be a playoff team. Merry Christmas,” Bye posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Again, Denver managed to erase a 16-point deficit and tied it 23-23 late in the game — with quarterback Russell Wilson getting hot late. He hit Brandon Johnson on this crucial third-down pass.
LET RUSS COOK
Wilson connects with Johnson and it's a two-point game 😱 pic.twitter.com/7MBVcGEtrJ
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 25, 2023
Then, Wilson cooked some more by tying the game up on this two-point try by hitting Javonte Williams, who slipped out of the backfield to tie things up.
It was 23-7 #Patriots six minutes ago❕
TIE GAME#BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/jXg4hyQQlL
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 25, 2023
But again, the Broncos squandered the game away on the final drive by the Pats. Bailey Zappe hit DeVante Parker on a 27-yard strike to draw New England closer to field goal range. Four plays later, Ryland provided the final boot.
Broncos Head Coach Reacts to Stunning Loss
Denver had a prime opportunity to stay in strong shape for a final postseason spot in the AFC.
After all, the gauntlet became clearer with the following: the Cincinnati Bengals getting walloped by the Steelers, the Houston Texans getting upended by the Cleveland Browns, and the Indianapolis Colts getting trounced by the Atlanta Falcons. All three AFC losers fell to 8-7 overall. A Broncos win would’ve placed them in front of all three.
MORE: NFL Playoff Bracket 2023
But instead, head coach Sean Payton and Company once again find themselves staring at the remaining AFC playoff pursuers.
“Obviously, a disappointing finish. Real frustrating game,” Payton told reporters.
Payton described the game as one with missed opportunities.
“We had a lot of opportunities, especially in the first half. But offensively, we struggled,” Payton said. “I said to the team that six or seven different situations in the game that could’ve played out differently — unfortunately, they didn’t, and our margin of error right now isn’t where it needs to be.”
Denver found a way to show some resiliency from its disappointing 1-5 start, positioning themselves for the playoff picture. That picture, however, got dimmer on Christmas Eve night in the Rocky Mountains.
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