The Impact of Weather on the AFC Championship Game

The NFL is often considered the king of American sports, but even this powerful league can’t control the forces of nature. On January 25, the AFC championship game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos was heavily affected by inclement weather. As heavy snow fell throughout the second half, both teams struggled with execution and decision-making on routine plays.

The Patriots ultimately won the game, securing their spot in the Super Bowl. However, the game wasn’t without its challenges. By the end of the match, there were four missed kicks between the two teams, a shanked punt, several slips and falls, and a noticeable slowdown in offensive production for both sides.

Field Goals and Special Teams Under Pressure

One of the most notable aspects of the game was the number of missed field goals. There were a total of four missed kicks in the AFC championship game, with two occurring at the end of the first half before the snow started to fall. The other two came during the snowy second half, with each team missing one.

Patriots kicker Andy Borregales missed a 46-yard field goal attempt near the end of the third quarter. Later, 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 issues, the special teams units also faced difficulties. 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 Slowed Speeds

The effects of the weather weren’t limited to special teams. On one fourth-quarter play, Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson slipped in the snow and fell to the ground. Quarterback Drake Maye followed him to the ground after losing his footing while trying to scramble forward.

According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, both teams’ average speeds dropped significantly in the second half after the snow began to fall heavily. ESPN’s Ben Solak reported that the Broncos’ average team speed decreased from 9.62 mph in the first half to 8.93 mph at the start of the second half. The Patriots experienced an even more dramatic drop, going from 10.12 mph in the first half to 8.51 mph in the second.

Visual Evidence of the Snowfall

CBS provided a time-lapse of how quickly the snow built up during the AFC championship game, showcasing the dramatic change in conditions. The NFL’s social media team also shared side-by-side photos highlighting the transformation of the field throughout the game.

Conclusion

While the Patriots emerged victorious, the impact of the weather on the game was undeniable. From missed kicks to slowed speeds and slips on the field, Mother Nature played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the AFC championship game. As the league moves forward, it will be interesting to see how future games are affected by similar weather conditions.