Patriots kicker Chad Ryland nailed a 56-yard field goal with just two seconds remaining on Sunday night as New England effectively ended the playoff hopes of Russell Wilson and Co. in Denver.
The Broncos dug themselves out of a 23-7 hole in the fourth quarter, tying the game with a Brandon Johnson touchdown and subsequent Javonte Williams two-point conversion with 2:53 remaining.
And while Denver got the ball back with 1:42 remaining, it was the Patriots who ultimately came away with the 26-23 win in the Mile High City, giving Bill Belichick‘s squad just its fourth win of the season.
With the Patriots set to miss the postseason for the third time in four years, Belichick’s job has come under increasing scrutiny, though Sunday’s win will at least temporarily lift the mood.
Patriots kicker Chad Ryland (37) reacts after kicking the game- winning field goal on Sunday
The Broncos, meanwhile, fell to 7-8 with the heart-wrenching loss and now have just a three percent chance to make the playoffs, according to Next Gen Stats.
Denver had won six of its last eight games after starting the season 1-5.
Wilson finished the game with 238 yards and two touchdowns, while New England’s Bailey Zappe notched an almost-identical 256 yards for two touchdowns.
