Sean Payton Explains Decision Against Second-Quarter Field Goal: Momentum Drove Us
The AFC Championship Game featured a pivotal moment in the second quarter when the Denver Broncos faced a fourth-and-1 situation on the New England 14-yard line. Leading 7-0, head coach Sean Payton made a bold decision. Instead of opting for a field goal, he chose to let backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham attempt a pass to secure a first down.
Sean Payton’s Strategic Call
Stidham faced pressure immediately and nearly threw an interception. This moment encapsulated the game for the Broncos, as it marked their closest chance to score a touchdown for the afternoon. In the postgame press conference, Payton stated, “I felt like we had the momentum to get up 14.” His desire to be aggressive influenced this decision.
Conditions and Momentum
The Broncos’ defense was performing strongly, which contributed to Payton’s confidence. He referenced the game conditions, which became snowy and windy during the final 20 minutes. Payton acknowledged the uncertainty of how games unfold, stressing the importance of securing every point. However, a two-score lead may have significantly changed the game dynamics, especially considering the challenges of relying on a backup quarterback.
Missed Opportunities
- The Broncos had other chances to score, including two longer field goal attempts that missed.
- Stidham recorded both turnovers in what was a tightly contested matchup.
Despite having a slim margin for error, the team’s inability to capitalize on these scoring opportunities proved detrimental. As the Broncos face a long wait until their next game, the outcome of this critical AFC Championship match will linger in the minds of players and fans alike.
