The AFC Championship Game has its first bit of controversy. The Denver Broncos has all the momentum for most of the first quarter and led 7-0 when the New England Patriots got their first big break. Peyton Manning attempted a pass to Ronnie Hillman, which was initially ruled incomplete.
So close, but the Patriots won the challenge on this backwards pass. https://t.co/2cGXhXDMlZ
— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) January 24, 2016
The call was overturned after a gutsy challenge by Bill Belichick, and the Patriots took over deep in Denver territory.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com made a great point on the play.
That's why coaches even at the HS level tell RBs & WRs to fall on any screen or swing pass thrown in the backfield.. Never assume #NEvsDEN
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) January 24, 2016
The Patriots took advantage of the short field and scored a touchdown on a one-yard run from Steven Jackson. Their bid to tie the game did fall short, though, when Stephen Gostkowski missed the ensuing extra point. After one quarter, the Broncos lead New England 7-6.