Manning, Broncos scramble to Super Bowl in 20-18 win over NE

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is chased out of the pocket by New England Patriots defenders during the first half the NFL football AFC Championship game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney) Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is chased out of the pocket by New England Patriots defenders during the first half the NFL football AFC Championship game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)

By Associated Press January 24, 2016 1 min read

DENVER (AP) – Peyton Manning is off and running. … All the way to the Super Bowl.

He has his defense to thank.

Cornerback Bradley Roby saved the game by picking off Tom Brady’s pass on a 2-point try with 12 seconds left to preserve a 20-18 victory for the Broncos over the Patriots Sunday in the AFC title game.

Denver (14-4) will face Arizona or Carolina for the title on Feb. 7.

New England had to go for 2 after Brady’s 4-yard touchdown to Rob Gronkowski because Stephen Gostkowski missed an extra point in the first quarter, snapping a string of 523 straight makes.