Losses are always hard for fierce competitors, and that’s especially the case when a trip to the Super Bowl is on the line. That’s why it’s no surprise that the Denver Broncos are going through a tough experience right now. While the New England Patriots celebrate winning the AFC Championship 10-7, the Broncos are grappling with the reality that they fell short, so close to their goals.
That grappling led to one Denver player making a statement that surely won’t go over well with Patriots fans.
Following the game, Broncos defender Nik Bonitto called his team’s loss sickening, because he knows Denver is “definitely the better team.” New England would beg to differ.
Nik Bonitto said it’s sickening because “Knowing we’re definitely the better team.“ pic.twitter.com/eW3incCxir
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) January 25, 2026
Nik Bonitto says Broncos are definitely better than Patriots, despite AFC Championship loss
Bonitto didn’t do himself any favors with this comment, as he could easily be accused of being delusional since the result of the game said otherwise. While New England certainly disagrees with Bonitto’s claim, it’s understandable that a competitor would feel this way, especially with the circumstances of Sunday’s games.
The Broncos were without their starting quarterback Bo Nix, who broke a bone in his ankle in the Divisional round, and the weather conditions in the second half of Sunday’s game were less than ideal. Still, Denver only lost 10-7; it’s understandable if a player on the losing team ponders the what ifs.
It also could be a bad look, and it’s definitely not something Patriots fans want to hear. New England has dominated all season long, finishing the regular season with the same league-best 14-3 record as the Broncos.
Additionally, the Patriots had to play in the same weather conditions on Sunday, so no one is going to acknowledge that factor. While it’s unfortunate Denver had to play without their starting quarterback, everyone can acknowledge the game would be different with Nix, but no one can guarantee the Broncos would win.
Ultimately, teams have to play the circumstances that are in front of them and find a way to win. The Patriots were the team that got that done on Sunday. Bonitto and the Broncos have to deal with that reality.
While they should, as competitors, feel like they are the better team, New England was the better team on Sunday, and that’s all that matters.