After winning the AFC for the first time in a decade, the Denver Broncos lost in a gut-wrenching loss to the New England Patriots, and the frustration is getting to players.

Broncos LB Nik Nik Bonnitto talked about the loss in the locker room, feeling like the better team lost.

“Sick of them, bro, I mean, to think that all we fought through this year, all the games we had to win. Knowing we definitely the better team, but it just didn't work out that way today.” 

The Broncos managed 102 passing yards and 79 rushing yards. And while the Patriots fell behind with just 65 passing yards, they totaled 141 rushing yards to get the win. However, that's not the most frustrating part.

Broncos got unlucky in the playoffs. First, they lost their star QB Bo Nix, to an ankle injury in the Divisional Game against the Bills. Their backup hadn't seen gametime in over two years. Cut to the Championship game, and their momentum in the second half came to a halt as snow covered the field and limited visibility.

Despite a defense that gave up the second-fewest scrimmage yards (278.2) and the third-lowest points per game (18.3), they couldn't force turnovers. And while they kept Drake Maye to his first game this year with less than 100 passing yards, it wasn't enough.

Once the Patriots had their field goal, all they had to do was chew down the clock. Even Broncos CB Riley Moss backed this claim. 

“I think the biggest thing is for us as a defense, because I can only speak for the defense, being able to stop the run and a couple of passes. I thought we played pretty decent defensively, but we got to be able to take the ball away. So we own that as a defense."

Now, although the Broncos have lost their shot at the Super Bowl, they aren't letting that affect their 2026 mindset.

Pat Surtain II Makes a Big Promise To Denver Fans

Surtain told fans the Broncos are going to fight for the big stage once again. "This is not the last time we’re going to be here. We'll keep building and getting better."

After a year that saw them lift the AFC West after years of Chiefs dominance, there's new energy in Denver. However, it won't come without any changes.

The off-season will be spent rebuilding and calculating. While Bo Nix will return from injury, his absence highlighted the lack of a proper backup for the QB. While Jarrett Stidham managed 133 yards and a touchdown, it's not enough for a QB playing in a Championship game. The Broncos either need to bring in a trade or give their backup more gametime. What are your thoughts on the Broncos' situation? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar