Denver quarterback Russell Wilson lost one of his most reliable targets, receiver Courtland Sutton, in the first quarter with a concussion, and Sean Payton’s offense struggled the rest of the way in the Broncos’ 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots.
DENVER — In a race to stay in the chase for an AFC Wild Card spot, the Denver Broncos lost the most consistent player in their offense, lost a game in the final seconds and most likely lost their chance at the postseason in one exceedingly disappointing Christmas Eve.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton left Sunday night’s game against the New England Patriots in the first quarter with a concussion and the rest of the evening simply didn’t get any better.
Patriots rookie kicker Chad Ryland powered a 56-yard field through the frigid night air with two seconds remaining and New England left with a 26-23 win in Empower Field at Mile High.
« It’s disappointing, it’s a disappointing loss, » Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper said. « Everybody’s feeling it, I know I’m feeling it, it sucks, man, it sucks. We’ve got everything to play for right there and we didn’t get the job done, simple as that … It’s going to be hard to enjoy Christmas … plain and simple, it wasn’t good enough. »
The loss likely extinguishes the Broncos’ (7-8) playoff chances without wholesale collapse around them in the AFC. Denver is now 4-6 in AFC games with Sunday’s loss with games remaining against the Chargers and Raiders over the season’s final two weeks.
« I haven’t done the math, I’m feeling this loss right now, » said quarterback Russell Wilson.
