Snowstorm Brings Broncos' Season to a Halt in AFC Championship Loss
The heavy snowfall in Denver on January 25, 2026, did more than just slow down the game; it effectively brought the Denver Broncos' entire season to a grinding halt. In a dramatic and weather-affected contest at Empower Field at Mile High, the New England Patriots secured a narrow 10-7 victory to clinch the AFC Championship title. This win books their spot in the highly anticipated Super Bowl 60, marking a significant milestone in the NFL season.
Stidham Under Spotlight as Criticism Intensifies
Jarrett Stidham stepped into the postseason spotlight under extreme and challenging circumstances. He replaced the injured Bo Nix and was tasked with facing the league's top-seeded defense amidst brutal weather conditions. By the final whistle, frustration among fans and analysts was palpable, hanging heavier than the relentless snowfall. Criticism of Stidham's decisions grew rapidly, following him from Sunday night into Monday, as questions about his performance dominated discussions.
It was at this critical juncture that his wife, Kennedy Stidham, decided to speak out. In her latest post on X, she sent a heartfelt message following the Broncos' season-ending loss. Her words came as scrutiny around her husband intensified across various platforms, including television, social media, and talk radio.
"We love this team, we love this city," Kennedy Stidham wrote on Monday morning. "Thank you all for the kindest support all week. This city is so special, this team is so special. We wanted this so badly for everyone." She later reshared Denver's official postgame message on Instagram, adding a short note of gratitude to God. The timing of her message was significant, as Jarrett Stidham faced growing backlash for turnovers and missed opportunities in a game that was ultimately decided by just three points.
Game Highlights and Turning Points
Stidham started the game on a strong note. On January 25, he connected with Marvin Mims Jr. for an impressive 52-yard gain during Denver's second drive. Just two plays later, he hit Courtland Sutton for a six-yard touchdown, giving the Broncos an early 7-0 lead and controlling the initial momentum.
However, the game took a dramatic turn late in the second quarter. Under intense pressure on a critical third down, Stidham attempted to throw the ball away, but the pass went backwards, resulting in a fumble that New England recovered inside Denver territory. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye capitalized on this opportunity, scoring on a six-yard run two plays later to tie the game at 7-7.
Criticism of Stidham sharpened significantly after halftime. As the snow worsened, Denver's offense stalled, and fans began questioning head coach Sean Payton's decision to skip a short field goal while leading 7-0 and instead go for it on fourth-and-1. This drive ultimately failed, adding to the mounting pressure. Stidham later threw an interception to Christian Gonzalez with under three minutes left in the game, effectively ending Denver's final possession and any hope of a comeback.
Post-Game Analysis and Fallout
Stidham finished the game with 17 completions out of 31 attempts for 133 yards, one touchdown, one fumble, and one interception. Analysts were quick to point out issues with ball security, while fans debated his experience and decision-making under pressure. Additionally, CBS viewers criticized commentator Tony Romo's coverage, accusing him of being overly protective of Stidham during the broadcast.
On the other side, the New England Patriots advanced by relying on a strong defense and disciplined play. They allowed no points after the first quarter and held Denver scoreless throughout the entire second half, showcasing their strategic prowess in challenging conditions.
For Jarrett Stidham, the loss brought harsh judgment and intense scrutiny. For Kennedy Stidham, it provided a moment of perspective and public support. Her message did not directly answer the critics, but it served as a poignant reminder that behind every playoff loss stands a family deeply affected by the outcome.
