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The New England Patriots' dreams of a fifth Lombardi Trophy were dashed Sunday afternoon in Denver, and a former Patriot made the play that sealed their fate.

A Rob Gronkowski touchdown catch brought New England to within two points of the Denver Broncos with 12 seconds remaining in the AFC Championship Game, but Aqib Talib came up with a pass breakup on the ensuing two-point conversion to put the finishing touches on a 20-18 win for the Broncos.

The deflected pass ended up in the arms of cornerback Bradley Roby, and the Patriots were unable to recover a last-gasp onside kick by Stephen Gostkowski, whose missed extra point loomed large in the loss.

The Broncos now have advanced to the Super Bowl twice in the last three seasons, defeating the Patriots in the AFC title game each time.

Thumbnail photo via Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports Images