The Impact of Weather on the AFC Championship Game

The NFL is often considered the king of American sports, but even this powerful league cannot control Mother Nature. In the AFC championship game on January 25, inclement weather played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the match between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos.

As heavy snow fell throughout the second half, both teams struggled with execution issues on routine plays. The Patriots ultimately won the game, returning to the Super Bowl, but the weather left its mark on the performance of both teams.

Missed Kicks and Execution Issues

By the end of the game, there had been four missed kicks between the two teams. Two of these occurred at the end of the first half, before the snow started to fall. The other two happened during the snowy second half.

Patriots kicker Andy Borregales missed a 46-yard field goal attempt near the end of the third quarter. Then, with five minutes left and a chance to tie the game, Broncos kicker Wil Lutz missed his second kick of the game when Patriots defender Leonard Taylor III got his fingertips on the ball.

In addition to the field goal miscues, Patriots punter Bryce Barringer shanked a 26-yard punt out of bounds just before Lutz’s second missed kick of the game.

Slips, Falls, and Slowdowns

Special teams units weren’t the only ones suffering from the effects of the rough weather. On one fourth-quarter play, Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson fell down after slipping in the snow. Quarterback Drake Maye followed him to the ground after losing his footing trying to scramble forward.

According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, both teams’ average speeds plummeted in the second half after the snow started falling heavily. ESPN’s Ben Solak reported that the Broncos’ average team speed dropped from 9.62 mph in the first half to 8.93 mph in the second half. The Patriots’ average speed change was even more drastic, dropping from 10.12 mph in the first half to 8.51 mph in the second.

Visual Evidence of the Snowfall

CBS showcased how quickly the snow built up over the course of the AFC championship game with a time-lapse on its broadcast. The NFL’s social media team also highlighted the changing conditions with side-by-side photos showing how the field looked at different stages of the game.

Key Takeaways from the Game

The Patriots’ victory over the Broncos in the AFC championship game was a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt under challenging conditions. Despite the weather-related challenges, the Patriots managed to secure their spot in Super Bowl 60.

The game served as a reminder of how unpredictable and dynamic sports can be. While the players and coaches prepare for every possible scenario, nature can still have a significant impact on the outcome of a game.

Conclusion

The AFC championship game was a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and perseverance. However, it was also a clear example of how weather conditions can influence the performance of even the most well-prepared teams. As the Patriots head to the Super Bowl, they will undoubtedly reflect on the lessons learned from this game and the challenges they overcame.