The New England Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl thanks to quarterback Drake Maye.
It was an ugly weather game that impacted both the Patriots and the Denver Broncos' offenses in the 2026 AFC championship game. New England largely struggled to move the ball against the stout Denver defense and against the wind and snow.
The Patriots had been playing fairly conservatively on offense, putting their faith in their defense. Facing third and five with 1:57 left, it looked like New England was going for another hand-off. All of a sudden, Maye rolled out and sprinted to his left toward the first down and the sideline.
The second-year quarterback evaded the one defender tracking him long enough to pick up the first down. Maye then knelt the ball to secure the win for the Patriots. After the game, it was revealed that the quarterback hadn't given the actual play call in the huddle; it was supposed to be a hand-off, but Maye called to keep it and go for it.
Here is more on Maye calling his own number in the Patriots' win over the Broncos.
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How Drake Maye sealed Patriots' AFC championship win
If you've seen the movie "The Replacements," you will be familiar with two scenes in the movie between quarterback Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves) and his head coach (Gene Hackman). In the scenes, they are discussing who wants the ball with the game on the line.
In the first, Hackman explains that the difference between winners and losers is that winners want the ball. In the second, before the replacement players won their final game, Hackman asks Falco, "What do you want to do?" And Falco says, "I want the ball." Hackman responds, "Winners always do."
Maye wanted the ball.
The #Patriots and Drake Maye are headed to the Super Bowl. Pic.twitter.com/bsSNHfeeRp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2026
After the game, offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury talked with the media about the play. He said, "I hit my block and all the defenders started running the other way. I'm like 'What? Oh my god.'"
Bradbury continued, "After the game, Drake's like, 'I debated telling you guys if I was gonna (keep) it or not. But I just decided not to.'"
It was a bold move by Maye that ended up paying off, as the Patriots will represent the AFC in Super Bowl 60.
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