Patriots reach Super Bowl LX after controversial Drake Maye fourth down call
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The New England Patriots are returning to the Super Bowl, and a controversial play that ultimately led to the game-winning score has football fans debating on social media.
A second-half blizzard led to both teams scoring only three points, but it was the Patriots’ decisive field goal that eventually sent them to Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX. But now the fourth-and-one play comes into focus as some believe quarterback Drake Maye should not convert.
Following a third-and-10 tight end with Hunter Henry down one yard, head coach Mike Vrabel made the call to action. It was a quarterback sneak play, but Maye appeared to be shorthanded as he stumbled after the snap.
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks at the bench during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
But officials weighed in and began moving the chains for the first touchdown, prompting Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton to throw out the red tackle flag.
After reviewing the overhead tape, it appeared that Maye was either in the right order to win or was just short. But given the lack of strong evidence to overturn the referees, the call stood and the Patriots had a Grade-A chance to take their first lead in the game.
New England couldn’t find the end zone, but the 23-yard field goal was a chip shot that would put them up by at least three points.
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The debate later flared up on social media.
“It’s definitely short, but per NFL rules (which are not good), I can understand the play being played while standing on the field,” said one “What I don’t understand is why they don’t use the new digital measurement to locate the ball.”
They did not use this technology to locate the ball, but some X users noted that the linesmen ran into the middle of the field to imply that Maye was short. However, it looked like an official subfield was looking for a first defeat.
Another
New England Patriots’ Drake Maye is tackled by Denver Broncos’ Nik Bonitto during the first quarter of the AFC Championship Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The weather got much worse after that, and Broncos’ backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham started the game after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury. He was able to score the first goal of the game after a deep ball to Marvin Mims Jr. set up a play-action goal to Courtland Sutton.
But those were the only points the Broncos could muster, especially after snow and wind left the field at Mile High in shambles.
In the end, the Patriots were able to come up with two clutch plays on defense to become AFC champions. The first was fourth-and-1 for the Broncos and resulted in a turnover on downs.
Stidham then decided not to take the sack and desperation pass, but the decision was made to throw backwards and the Patriots got the ball. A few plays later, Maye ran in to tie the game at seven points apiece.
New England Patriots’ Drake Maye runs for a touchdown during the second quarter of the AFC Championship Playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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The Patriots will now watch the NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams and see who they will play at Levi’s Stadium in two weeks.
In the meantime, the Broncos will be thinking about the what-ifs, including this crucial play.
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