Overview
- Payton said the fourth-and-1 call at New England’s 14-yard line with a 7-0 second-quarter lead bothers him more than choosing to go for it.
- After Jarrett Stidham’s scramble set up fourth-and-short, Denver used a timeout before a rollout pass fell incomplete for a turnover on downs.
- Film analysis noted the Patriots stacked the line, squeezed inside gaps, and pressured Stidham immediately, leaving the pass with virtually no chance.
- Payton said forecasts of flurries proved misleading as conditions worsened, and kicker Will Lutz later struggled in the snow with missed attempts.
- Denver lost 10-7 as Stidham’s later fumble and a game-sealing interception compounded the missed opportunity, and Payton said he won’t dwell on outside criticism.