The one thing the Broncos couldn't do as they were rallying back with five minutes left in the fourth quarter against the Patriots was cough the ball up. And then it happened.
New England defensive end Rob Ninkovich reached his hand around and dislodged the ball from Denver running back Willis McGahee's grasp and as soon as Jermaine Cunningham dove on the ball, the game was just as good as over.
McGahee has taken it upon himself to accept the brunt of the blame for Sunday's loss, as you can see in the tweet below.
Man enough to admit I messed The game up… Put it on my shoulders I can handle it.
— Willismcgahee (@WillisMcGahee) October 8, 2012
McGahee's being too hard on himself. While the Broncos had momentum going in the fourth quarter, the game was hardly decided on one play. The Broncos trailed 31-7 in the third quarter and the Denver defense couldn't stop the Patriots' recharged rushing attack that picked up 18 of the team's 35 first downs.
Still, it's nice to see a professional athlete accept the blame, rather than deflect it. McGahee picked up 102 total yards on 19 touches.
