New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos match player stats from the January 26, 2026 AFC Championship tell the story of a remarkably tight 10-7 game decided by defense, field position, and a few critical plays rather than offensive production. New England finished with 141 rushing yards and forced a key interception, while Denver managed only 79 rushing yards despite entering the contest with a 14-3 record. Drake Maye completed 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards, while Jarrett Stidham completed 17 of 31 for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The final score makes this game look simple, but the player statistics reveal a much more complicated contest. Denver scored all seven of its points in the first quarter. New England then answered with three points in the second quarter and seven points in the third quarter, holding Denver scoreless for the remainder of the game.

That scoring pattern is important because it shows how strongly the game shifted after the opening period. Denver’s offense produced the only touchdown of the first quarter, but New England’s defense gradually took control. The Patriots did not dominate through explosive passing numbers. Instead, they relied on rushing production, defensive pressure, and possession control to turn a 7-0 deficit into a 10-7 championship victory.

New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats at a Glance

The most important numbers from the game are below.

Category	New England Patriots	Denver Broncos
Final Score	10	7
Record	14-3	14-3
Quarter 1	0	7
Quarter 2	3	0
Quarter 3	7	0
Quarter 4	0	0
Passing	Drake Maye: 10/21, 86 yards	Jarrett Stidham: 17/31, 133 yards
Passing TDs	0	1
Interceptions	0	1
Team Rushing	38 carries, 141 yards	24 carries, 79 yards
Rushing TDs	1	0
Defensive Sacks	3	5
Defensive Tackles	59	77
Defensive QB Hits	7	7
Defensive Passes Defended	3	3
Field Goals	1/3	0/2
Extra Points	1/1	1/1
Punts	8	6

These numbers immediately explain why this was a low-scoring championship game. Neither quarterback produced a high-volume passing performance, and both defenses generated pressure. The difference was that New England found a more productive rushing attack and converted its defensive opportunities into enough points to win.

Game Summary and Scoring Breakdown

The Broncos started the game better. Denver scored seven points in the first quarter, creating an early advantage that put pressure on New England’s offense.

The Patriots responded in the second quarter with three points. That cut the deficit to 7-3 and gave New England a chance to enter halftime within one possession.

The decisive scoring period came in the third quarter. New England scored seven points and Denver failed to answer. That turned the game around completely.

The fourth quarter produced no additional points from either team.

The quarter-by-quarter scoring was:

1. First quarter: Broncos 7, Patriots 0
2. Second quarter: Patriots 3, Broncos 0
3. Third quarter: Patriots 7, Broncos 0
4. Fourth quarter: Patriots 0, Broncos 0

This sequence is one of the clearest indicators of the defensive nature of the game. After Denver’s early touchdown, the Patriots did not allow another point.

That is especially significant in an AFC Championship environment. A team can survive limited offensive production when its defense consistently prevents scoring opportunities. New England did exactly that.

Drake Maye’s Passing Performance

Drake Maye finished the game with 10 completions on 21 attempts for 86 yards. He averaged 4.1 yards per attempt and did not throw a touchdown or interception.

His statistical line was:

• 10 completions
• 21 attempts
• 86 passing yards
• 4.1 yards per attempt
• 0 passing touchdowns
• 0 interceptions
• 5 sacks
• 62.5 QBR
• 58.8 passer rating

At first glance, 86 passing yards is not an impressive number. In a normal high-scoring game, such production would raise serious questions about the offense.

However, context matters.

Maye’s performance needs to be viewed alongside New England’s rushing production and the defensive performance. The Patriots did not need their quarterback to throw for 250 or 300 yards. They needed him to avoid turnovers, make enough plays, and contribute when opportunities appeared.

The absence of an interception was particularly valuable. Denver’s defense recorded five sacks, showing that Maye faced significant pressure. Despite that pressure, he did not give the Broncos a takeaway through an interception.

His five sacks also highlight one of the major challenges New England faced. Denver consistently disrupted the passing game, which helps explain why the Patriots finished with only 86 passing yards.

Jarrett Stidham’s Passing Performance

Jarrett Stidham produced more passing yards than Maye, but the additional yardage did not translate into a victory.

Stidham completed 17 of 31 attempts for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

His complete passing line was:

• 17 completions
• 31 attempts
• 133 yards
• 4.3 yards per attempt
• 1 touchdown
• 1 interception
• 3 sacks
• 19.6 QBR
• 63.0 passer rating

The most important statistic here is not simply the 133 passing yards. It is the combination of one touchdown and one interception in a game where Denver scored only seven points.

The interception by Christian Gonzalez was especially damaging because Denver could not recover offensively afterward.

Stidham’s 19.6 QBR also reflects how difficult it was for Denver’s passing attack to create consistent value. Although his passer rating was slightly higher than Maye’s, the Broncos did not generate enough overall offense to protect their early lead.

Rhamondre Stevenson’s Rushing Impact

Rhamondre Stevenson was New England’s leading rusher.

He carried the ball 25 times for 71 yards, averaging 2.8 yards per attempt.

His line was:

25 carries, 71 yards, 2.8 average, 0 touchdowns

The average was modest, but his workload was significant.

Stevenson’s 25 carries represented a major part of New England’s offensive approach. Rather than abandoning the running game after Denver built a 7-0 lead, the Patriots continued to use their ground attack.

That approach helped them maintain offensive balance despite the pressure on Maye.

A 2.8-yard rushing average is not efficient by itself. But football is not played on averages alone. Volume can matter when a team is attempting to control the game, reduce exposure to defensive pressure, and maintain possession.

Stevenson’s workload therefore deserves more attention than the average yardage number alone suggests.

Drake Maye as a Rusher

Maye also contributed significantly on the ground.

He rushed 10 times for 65 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry, and scored one touchdown.

That means Maye accounted for 65 of New England’s 141 rushing yards.

His rushing line was:

• 10 carries
• 65 yards
• 6.5 yards per carry
• 1 rushing touchdown

This was arguably one of the most important individual statistical contributions of the game.

While Maye struggled to generate passing yardage, his rushing production provided another dimension to the Patriots offense. His 6.5-yard average was considerably higher than Stevenson’s 2.8-yard average.

That contrast illustrates how New England’s offense could still move the ball even when its passing game was restricted.

New England’s Team Rushing Advantage

The Patriots finished with 38 rushing attempts for 141 yards, an average of 3.7 yards per carry.

Denver finished with 24 rushing attempts for 79 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry.

The difference was:

• New England: 141 rushing yards
• Denver: 79 rushing yards
• Advantage: 62 yards

That 62-yard difference is substantial in a game decided by three points.

New England also scored its only rushing touchdown through Maye. Denver did not score a rushing touchdown.

The Patriots therefore had the stronger ground attack both in volume and total production.

This is one of the clearest lessons from the box score. When passing production is limited, rushing efficiency and rushing volume can become even more important.

Denver’s Rushing Attack

RJ Harvey led Denver’s rushing production with 13 carries for 37 yards.

His line was:

• 13 carries
• 37 yards
• 2.8 yards per carry
• 0 touchdowns

Stidham added 23 rushing yards on four carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt.

Jaleel McLaughlin contributed 11 yards on four carries, while Tyler Badie recorded four yards on one carry.

Denver’s complete rushing contributors were:

Player	Carries	Yards	Average	TD
RJ Harvey	13	37	2.8	0
Jarrett Stidham	4	23	5.8	0
Jaleel McLaughlin	4	11	2.8	0
Tyler Badie	1	4	4.0	0
Adam Prentice	1	3	3.0	0
Pat Bryant	1	1	1.0	0

Denver’s 79 team rushing yards were not enough to sustain the offense after its first-quarter touchdown.

Mack Hollins Leads New England Receivers

Mack Hollins was New England’s leading receiver by yardage.

He recorded two receptions for 51 yards, averaging 25.5 yards per reception.

That was a remarkable contribution considering the Patriots finished with only 86 total passing yards.

Hollins accounted for 51 of those 86 yards, meaning his production represented a large share of New England’s passing output.

His line was:

2 receptions, 51 yards, 25.5 average, 0 touchdowns

The 31-yard longest reception listed for New England also shows that the passing offense had at least one meaningful chunk-play element despite its overall limitations.

Stefon Diggs and Hunter Henry

Stefon Diggs recorded two receptions for 17 yards.

Hunter Henry also finished with two receptions, producing 12 yards.

Their combined production was:

• Diggs: 2 receptions, 17 yards
• Henry: 2 receptions, 12 yards

Kayshon Boutte added one reception for six yards.

DeMario Douglas and Rhamondre Stevenson were each listed with zero receptions.

Overall, New England completed only 10 passes, so the receiving statistics were naturally concentrated among a small number of players.

Denver’s Receiving Leaders

Marvin Mims Jr. was Denver’s leading receiver.

He caught four passes for 62 yards, averaging 15.5 yards per reception.

His 62 receiving yards represented almost half of Denver’s 133 passing yards.

Mims’ line was:

4 receptions, 62 yards, 15.5 average, 0 touchdowns

RJ Harvey added four receptions for 22 yards, while Evan Engram caught two passes for 19 yards.

Courtland Sutton caught three passes for 17 yards and scored Denver’s only receiving touchdown.

The Denver receiving breakdown was:

Player	Receptions	Yards	Average	TD
Marvin Mims Jr.	4	62	15.5	0
RJ Harvey	4	22	5.5	0
Evan Engram	2	19	9.5	0
Courtland Sutton	3	17	5.7	1
Lil’Jordan Humphrey	1	5	5.0	0
Elijah Moore	1	4	4.0	0
Pat Bryant	1	2	2.0	0
Jaleel McLaughlin	1	2	2.0	0

The Broncos had 17 total receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown.

That production was better than New England’s passing output, but it still did not result in enough points.

Christian Gonzalez’s Interception

Christian Gonzalez recorded New England’s only interception.

The play was statistically simple:

• 1 interception
• 0 interception return yards
• 0 defensive touchdowns

But its importance cannot be measured by return yardage.

Denver had already scored seven points and held the lead. The Patriots needed defensive stops to remain within striking distance. Gonzalez’s interception helped prevent Denver from extending its advantage.

Denver recorded no interceptions.

That turnover difference was therefore one of the key statistical separators between the teams.

Defensive Pressure Tells the Story

Both defenses created significant pressure.

New England recorded:

• 59 total tackles
• 35 solo tackles
• 3 sacks
• 4 tackles for loss
• 3 passes defended
• 7 quarterback hits

Denver recorded:

• 77 total tackles
• 32 solo tackles
• 5 sacks
• 8 tackles for loss
• 3 passes defended
• 7 quarterback hits

Denver actually produced more sacks and tackles for loss.

The Broncos finished with five sacks compared with three from New England.

That makes New England’s victory even more interesting. The Patriots won despite allowing their quarterback to be sacked five times and despite Denver recording more total tackles.

The difference was not simply defensive dominance in every statistical category. Instead, New England’s defense made the more important game-changing play by intercepting Stidham and then keeping Denver off the scoreboard after the first quarter.

The Importance of the Five Sacks on Maye

Maye was sacked five times.

That is a major number in a championship game.

Five sacks can destroy drives, reduce field position, create long-yardage situations, and make an offense predictable.

Denver’s defensive front clearly made passing difficult.

Yet Maye avoided the more damaging mistake of throwing an interception.

That distinction is important. A sack costs yardage and down-and-distance position, but an interception can immediately change possession and create scoring opportunities for the opponent.

New England’s offense therefore survived substantial pressure without giving Denver a second turnover through the passing game.

Special Teams and Field Position

Special teams were particularly important because neither offense produced consistent scoring.

Andy Borregales went 1-for-3 on field goals for New England.

His longest successful field goal was 23 yards, and he made his only extra-point attempt. He finished with four points.

Wil Lutz went 0-for-2 on field goals for Denver and made his only extra-point attempt.

His total was one point.

The field-goal difference was therefore significant.

New England:

• 1/3 field goals
• 33.3 percent
• 23-yard long
• 1/1 extra points
• 4 points

Denver:

• 0/2 field goals
• 0 percent
• 1/1 extra points
• 1 point

In a three-point game, missed field goals become highly relevant.

Denver had two missed field-goal attempts and ultimately finished with only seven points. Those missed opportunities left the Broncos unable to capitalize on drives that could have changed the result.

Punting Comparison

New England’s Bryce Baringer punted eight times for 303 yards.

His average was 37.9 yards per punt, with a long of 45 yards and one punt inside the 20-yard line.

Denver’s Jeremy Crawshaw punted six times for 309 yards.

He averaged 51.5 yards per punt, recorded two touchbacks, three punts inside the 20, and had a long of 60 yards.

Crawshaw clearly produced the stronger raw punting numbers.

However, the Patriots still won the game.

This demonstrates why individual efficiency in one phase cannot be separated from overall team performance. Denver’s punting advantage did not compensate for its inability to score after the first quarter.

Kick and Punt Returns

D’Ernest Johnson handled New England’s kick returns, recording two returns for 59 yards and averaging 29.5 yards per return.

His longest return was 30 yards.

Marcus Jones had one punt return for two yards.

For Denver, Tyler Badie returned one kickoff for 20 yards.

Marvin Mims Jr. returned three punts for eight yards, averaging 2.7 yards per return.

The return statistics did not produce a touchdown for either side.

Still, return efficiency contributed to field-position considerations in a game where scoring opportunities were limited.

Comparing the Quarterbacks

A direct comparison of the quarterbacks reveals an unusual result.

Statistic	Drake Maye	Jarrett Stidham
Completions	10	17
Attempts	21	31
Completion Rate	47.6%	54.8%
Passing Yards	86	133
Yards per Attempt	4.1	4.3
Passing TDs	0	1
Interceptions	0	1
Sacks	5	3
QBR	62.5	19.6
Passer Rating	58.8	63.0

Stidham produced more yards, completions, and a touchdown.

Yet Maye’s team won.

This is an important reminder that quarterback statistics should never be evaluated without game context.

Maye contributed 65 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Stidham contributed 23 rushing yards but no rushing touchdown.

When rushing production is included, Maye’s overall contribution becomes much more meaningful.

Why New England Won

The Patriots won because they combined enough rushing production with timely defense.

Several factors stand out.

1. New England Won the Rushing Battle

The Patriots gained 141 rushing yards compared with Denver’s 79.

That is a 62-yard advantage.

In a 10-7 game, that difference mattered.

2. New England Avoided a Passing Interception

Maye did not throw an interception.

Stidham threw one.

That turnover difference gave New England an important edge.

3. The Patriots Shut Down Denver After the First Quarter

Denver scored seven points in the first quarter.

It scored zero in the second, third, and fourth quarters.

That is arguably the most important team statistic in the entire game.

4. Denver Missed Two Field Goals

Lutz went 0-for-2.

In a game decided by three points, missed field goals cannot be ignored.

5. Maye Added a Rushing Dimension

Maye rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown.

His ground production helped compensate for his limited passing numbers.

Why Denver Lost

Denver’s defeat was not caused by one statistical weakness.

It was the result of several small problems combining at the wrong time.

The Broncos gained more passing yards than New England and recorded five sacks. Their punter also averaged more than 50 yards per punt.

But the offense failed to score after the opening quarter.

That is the biggest issue.

Denver also produced only 79 rushing yards and missed both field-goal attempts.

The Broncos had opportunities to change the game, but the scoreboard never moved after the first quarter.

What the Player Stats Reveal That the Score Does Not

The 10-7 final score tells us that the game was close.

The detailed statistics tell us why.

Denver’s passing attack was more productive in terms of volume. Stidham threw for 133 yards compared with Maye’s 86.

Denver’s defense also produced more sacks, tackles, and tackles for loss.

Yet New England controlled the rushing numbers and made the more important turnover play.

This is why a complete box-score analysis is more useful than looking only at the final score.

A casual summary might say the Patriots won a defensive battle.

A deeper analysis shows that New England won through a combination of rushing volume, turnover avoidance, defensive scoring prevention, and enough special-teams production to create a three-point margin.

A Closer Look at Offensive Efficiency

The passing numbers from both teams were limited.

New England completed 10 of 21 attempts.

Denver completed 17 of 31.

Neither team approached the kind of passing volume commonly associated with modern high-scoring football.

That makes the rushing comparison even more important.

New England had 38 rushing attempts.

Denver had 24.

The Patriots therefore relied on the ground game 14 more times.

That difference suggests a clear contrast in offensive approach. New England was able to lean more heavily on the running game, while Denver’s offensive output depended more heavily on its quarterback and passing game.

The problem for Denver was that its passing attack did not generate enough points to make that strategy successful.

The Role of Turnovers

The turnover battle was extremely important.

New England recorded one interception.

Denver recorded none.

Stidham also lost one fumble.

That gives Denver two recorded turnovers in the supplied data, while New England had no lost fumble and no interception thrown.

In a seven-point game, possession mistakes can be decisive.

The Patriots’ ability to protect the football helped them stay in control even when their offense was under pressure.

The Broncos, meanwhile, lost valuable opportunities through turnovers and missed field goals.

New England’s Defensive Consistency

New England did not need to dominate every defensive category.

The Patriots recorded three sacks, while Denver had five.

They recorded 59 tackles, compared with Denver’s 77.

They recorded four tackles for loss, compared with Denver’s eight.

Yet the Patriots accomplished the most important defensive objective: preventing Denver from scoring.

After the opening touchdown, the Broncos were held scoreless for three straight quarters.

That is what championship-level defense often looks like in a low-scoring game. The goal is not always to produce the largest statistical totals. The goal is to prevent the opponent from turning opportunities into points.

Denver’s Defensive Performance Deserves Credit

It would be unfair to describe Denver’s defense as ineffective.

The Broncos recorded five sacks and eight tackles for loss.

They also had 77 total tackles and seven quarterback hits.

Maye’s 86 passing yards demonstrate how difficult the Broncos made the passing game.

The problem was that the defense could not completely overcome the offensive shortcomings.

Holding New England to 10 points should normally provide a strong chance to win.

But when an offense scores only seven points and produces no points for three quarters, even an excellent defensive performance can become insufficient.

The Most Important Individual Performances

Several players stand out from the statistical record.

Drake Maye: His passing numbers were limited, but 65 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown gave him a major role in the victory.

Rhamondre Stevenson: His 25 carries were the largest rushing workload for either team and helped New England maintain its ground-game identity.

Mack Hollins: His 51 receiving yards were more than half of New England’s passing total.

Christian Gonzalez: His interception was one of the most important individual defensive plays of the game.

Marvin Mims Jr.: His 62 receiving yards led Denver and provided the Broncos with their most productive receiving performance.

Courtland Sutton: His three receptions included Denver’s only touchdown.

Jeremy Crawshaw: His 51.5-yard punting average was an outstanding special-teams number, even though Denver could not turn that field-position advantage into enough points.

Key Statistical Takeaways

The most useful numbers to remember are:

• New England won 10-7.
• Both teams entered at 14-3.
• New England rushed for 141 yards.
• Denver rushed for 79 yards.
• Maye threw for 86 yards and rushed for 65.
• Stidham threw for 133 yards.
• Maye threw no interceptions.
• Stidham threw one interception.
• Maye was sacked five times.
• Denver recorded five sacks.
• New England recorded three sacks.
• Christian Gonzalez had the Patriots’ only interception.
• Mack Hollins led New England with 51 receiving yards.
• Marvin Mims Jr. led Denver with 62 receiving yards.
• Rhamondre Stevenson carried 25 times for 71 yards.
• Denver missed both field-goal attempts.
• New England scored all 10 of its points after Denver’s opening touchdown.
• Denver was shut out over the final three quarters.

How to Read These Stats Correctly

One of the biggest mistakes when analyzing a football box score is treating every number as equally important.

They are not.

For this game, the most useful hierarchy is:

1. Final score
2. Scoring by quarter
3. Turnovers
4. Rushing production
5. Passing production
6. Defensive pressure
7. Field goals and extra points
8. Punting and returns

That order gives a clearer explanation of the outcome.

For example, Denver’s five sacks look impressive. They were impressive. But the Broncos still lost because the defense could not turn that pressure into enough offensive possessions or points.

Likewise, Stidham’s 133 passing yards exceeded Maye’s 86, but Denver’s passing advantage did not produce a victory.

The most meaningful statistic is therefore not always the biggest number.

What This Game Says About Winning Football

This matchup provides a useful example of how football games can be won without offensive fireworks.

New England did not dominate through passing.

The Patriots did not produce a large number of receiving yards.

They were not perfect on field goals.

Their quarterback was sacked five times.

Yet they won.

The formula was simple:

Run the ball, protect possession, create a critical turnover, and prevent the opponent from scoring.

That formula was enough because Denver could not produce points after the first quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score between the Patriots and Broncos?

The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship on January 26, 2026.

Who led the Patriots in rushing?

Rhamondre Stevenson led New England with 25 carries for 71 yards. Drake Maye added 65 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Who led the Broncos in receiving?

Marvin Mims Jr. led Denver with four receptions for 62 yards, averaging 15.5 yards per reception.

How did Drake Maye perform?

Maye completed 10 of 21 passes for 86 yards with no passing touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed 10 times for 65 yards and one touchdown.

How did Jarrett Stidham perform?

Stidham completed 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was sacked three times and added 23 rushing yards.

Which team had more rushing yards?

New England had the advantage, rushing for 141 yards on 38 attempts. Denver recorded 79 rushing yards on 24 attempts.

Conclusion

The New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos match player stats show that this AFC Championship was decided by execution rather than offensive volume. Denver started strongly with a seven-point first quarter, but New England gradually changed the game through its rushing attack and defensive pressure.

The Patriots finished with 141 rushing yards, 62 more than Denver. Maye’s 65 rushing yards and one touchdown were especially important because his passing production was limited to 86 yards. Stevenson also carried the ball 25 times, giving New England a dependable ground-game workload.

Denver’s offense produced more passing yards, with Stidham throwing for 133 yards and one touchdown. Marvin Mims Jr. also delivered 62 receiving yards. However, Denver could not maintain its early momentum. The Broncos were held scoreless after the first quarter, missed two field goals, and committed important turnovers.

Defensively, Denver deserves significant credit for recording five sacks and limiting Maye’s passing production. But New England made the plays that mattered most. Christian Gonzalez’s interception helped stop Denver from extending its lead, while the Patriots’ defense kept the Broncos from scoring for the rest of the game.

The final 10-7 score therefore reflects a contest in which every possession mattered. The statistics show that neither offense was dominant, but New England was better at turning limited opportunities into points while preventing Denver from doing the same.

For readers studying the game through the box score, the clearest takeaway is that the Patriots did not win because they produced superior numbers in every category. They won because their strongest numbers came in the areas that mattered most to the final result: rushing production, turnover avoidance, and defensive scoring prevention.

The supplied statistical record is based on the ESPN box score for Game ID 401772986. For broader official league context, the NFL is an appropriate authoritative source.