Drake Maye and the Patriots weather the storm to advance to the Super Bowl

The New England Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl!

It wasn't pretty by any means, but Drake Maye and the Patriots are heading to the Super Bowl for the 12th time in franchise history. They defeated the Denver Broncos in a defensive slugfest to clinch their ticket to Santa Clara.

As the game went on, the weather took a major turn for the worst, as both teams had to battle heavy winds and snow that starting coming down like a blizzard in the second half. New England was limited in the passing game but Maye contributed in the running game, scoring the team's lone touchdown on a quarterback keeper.

Leading 10-7 with under two minutes remaining, the Patriots needed a third down conversion to seal the deal, as Mike Vrabel made a brilliant play call to keep the ball in No. 10's hands.

As UNC football fans can attest, Maye is more than ready for the spotlight moment!

Maye rolled out of the pocket, rushing for just enough yardage for a first down. The conversion allowed the Patriots to run out the clock, securing the nail-biting victory against one of the top defenses in the entire NFL.

Historic

In his second season in the NFL, Maye has led the Patriots to an incredible year. He became the fourth quarterback since 2000 to win each of his first three career playoff starts, and is now one win away from bringing a title back to New England.

When he takes the field on Super Bowl Sunday, Maye will become the second-youngest quarterback to start a Super Bowl, only trailing the legendary Dan Marino.

In typical Maye fashion, he was quick to give praise to his teammates, especially the defense. While this is a major milestone in his professional football career, Maye knows the job isn't finished, as the Patriots didn't come this far to get sent home empty.