Broncos' Sean Payton sounds off on players' miscues in loss to Patriots

Without Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos defense did enough to give the offense a chance to beat the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

However, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham and the offense didn't take advantage of their multiple opportunities in the first half, when the weather was clear. The result was a 10-7 loss to the Patriots in front of 76,862 fans at Mile High.

During his postgame news conference, Payton thought Stidham "fought hard" in the tough conditions. Snow pelted the field in the second half. With the game tied 7-7 at halftime, only the Patriots could muster a field goal in the game's final 30 minutes.

When reviewing tape of the game, Payton said he'd be "critical" of himself, but thought his players failed to take advantage of their opportunities in the first half.

"I think there were a number of things that we just …