Overview
- Gonzalez picked off Jarrett Stidham with 2:11 remaining to secure a 10-7 AFC title win in snowy, windy conditions at Mile High.
- The Pro Bowl corner posted six tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss, and the interception was his first of the season.
- New England’s defense continued its dominant playoff run built on takeaways and pressure, including Leonard Taylor tipping Denver’s late field-goal attempt.
- Quarterback Drake Maye went 10-for-21 and was sacked five times but rushed for 65 yards, scored on a designed run and gained the final first down to drain the clock.
- Head coach Mike Vrabel said he noticed “a different Gonzo” about six to eight weeks ago, underscoring Gonzalez’s late-season surge as the Patriots prepare for Seattle.