Drake Maye's controversial fourth-down play sparks social media fury as Patriots head to Super Bowl LX

The "NFL on FOX" crew react and break down the New England Patriots 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship.

The New England Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl, and one controversial play that ultimately led to the game-winning score has football fans debating on social media.

A second-half blizzard led to only three points being scored by either team, but it was the decisive field goal by the Patriots that ultimately sends them to Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX. However, a fourth-and-1 play comes into focus now because some believe quarterback Drake Maye shouldn’t have converted.

After a third-and-10 screen to tight end Hunter Henry fell one yard short, head coach Mike Vrabel made the call to go for it. It was a quarterback sneak, but after stumbling from the snap, Maye looked like he was short.

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks towards his bench during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver.  (Ashley Landis/AP Photo)

But officials deliberated and started to move the chains for first-and-goal, which led Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton to throw the red challenge flag.

After reviewing the overhead tape, it seemed like Maye was either right at the line to gain or just short. But considering the lack of strong evidence to overturn the officials, the call stood and the Patriots had a Grade-A chance to take their first lead of the game.

New England failed to find the end zone, but a 23-yard field goal was a chip shot to at least put them up by three points.

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The debate ensued