Broncos' AFC Championship Heartbreak Blamed on Payton's Risky Call

Former player Brandon Stokley says a 4th down decision cost Denver a Super Bowl berth

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:51am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a snowy football field with players in sharp, overlapping planes, conceptually representing the pivotal moment that decided the Broncos' fate in the AFC Championship game.A cubist interpretation of the pivotal 4th down decision that defined the Broncos' heartbreaking AFC Championship loss.Denver Today

Former Denver Broncos player Brandon Stokley believes a controversial decision by head coach Sean Payton in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots cost the Broncos a trip to the Super Bowl. Stokley argues Payton should have kicked a field goal on 4th and 1 instead of going for it, which would have given Denver a 10-0 lead. The Broncos ended up losing 10-7 in a snowy thriller.

Why it matters

This game-changing moment has sparked debate about the fine line between coaching genius and disaster in the NFL. Stokley's criticism of Payton's call puts the spotlight on the high-stakes decisions that can define a team's season and a coach's legacy.

The details

With the Broncos leading 7-0 in the second quarter, Payton opted to go for it on 4th and 1 instead of kicking a field goal. The Broncos failed to convert, and the Patriots scored 10 unanswered points to win the game. Stokley, a two-time Super Bowl winner, believes taking the points would have put more pressure on the Patriots, especially with the Broncos' defense dominating early.

  • The AFC Championship game was played in snowy conditions on January 19, 2026.

The players

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos who made the controversial 4th down decision that Stokley believes cost his team a Super Bowl berth.

Brandon Stokley

A former Denver Broncos player who is a two-time Super Bowl winner and is now criticizing Payton's decision-making in the AFC Championship game.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' rookie starting quarterback who was injured, forcing backup Jarrett Stidham into action against the Patriots.

Jarrett Stidham

The Patriots' backup quarterback who was under immense pressure after Nix's injury, making the Broncos' decision to go for it on 4th down even more puzzling according to Stokley.

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What they’re saying

“Why take the risk? A field goal was the obvious choice. They could've taken a 10-0 lead with a simple kick.”

— Brandon Stokley, Former Broncos player

“He's the leader, and he made the call. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.”

— Brandon Stokley, Former Broncos player

“If they had kicked that field goal, they would've won and advanced to the Super Bowl.”

— Brandon Stokley, Former Broncos player

What’s next

The Broncos will need to address their roster needs, particularly at receiver and tight end, to better support young quarterback Bo Nix going forward. Payton's decision-making will also likely be scrutinized throughout the offseason as the team looks to bounce back from this painful playoff loss.

The takeaway

This game-changing moment highlights the fine line between coaching genius and disaster in the NFL. Stokley's criticism of Payton's call puts the spotlight on the high-stakes decisions that can define a team's season and a coach's legacy. The Broncos will need to learn from this experience and make the necessary roster improvements to support their young quarterback and return to the Super Bowl.