Denver Broncos place kicker Wil Lutz has a theory about why the New England Patriots defender was able to stop his second field goal attempt in the AFC Championship Game — and it was partly Snow’s fault.
Lutz missed both field goals in the Broncos’ three-point loss to the Patriots. First, he pushed to the right in relatively clear conditions. The second time came late in the second half when heavy snow fell in Denver. New England’s Leonard Taylor III successfully jumped up and made a 45-yard field goal, keeping the Broncos off the board.
advertise
“Honestly, I thought we were maybe a yard short on the kickoff,” Lutz told reporters after the game. “You couldn’t see the line on the court and we had to estimate it. Guy went through it and the ball was blocked.”
NFL News, Opinions, Fantasy Advice: USA TODAY Sports brings you the NFL Video Podcast
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
Denver Broncos ground crews clear snow from the field during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
Denver Broncos ground crews clear snow from the field during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
2 / 9
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97) reacts during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
3 / 9
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil’jordan Humphrey (17) attempts a catch against the New England Patriots during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
4 / 9
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
The Denver Broncos cheerleaders perform during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
5 / 9
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
A Denver Broncos fan during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver.
6 / 9
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots fans react during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High on January 25, 2026 in Denver.
7 / 9
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
8 / 9
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) rushes against the Denver Broncos during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
9 / 9
Watch snowflakes fly during the chilly Broncos-Patriots AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots place kicker Andy Borregales (36) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
USA TODAY Sports reviewed multiple angles of Lutz’s blocked kick and where the veteran kicker has traditionally lined up.
On Lutz’s first punt of the AFC Championship Game, Broncos punter and ball carrier Jeremy Crawshaw lined up eight yards behind the long snapper. That was the case for all four of Lutz’s punts against the Bills in Denver’s AFC Divisional Round victory.
advertise
Before Lutz’s second field goal attempt against the Patriots — that one in snowy conditions that was ultimately blocked — upon closer inspection, Crawshaw appeared to be lined up just seven yards behind the long snapper. The play-by-play review on the NFL’s official website also showed the difference in yardage.
