Getty Images

Officially, the Broncos’ only turnover in the AFC Championship Game was a fumble by Peyton Manning. In reality, the fumble was Ronnie Hillman’s fault.

Hillman said on Thursday that the fumble, which was initially ruled an incomplete pass from Manning to Hillman but was shown to be a lateral on replay, only happened because Hillman let it happen. When the ball hit the ground, Hillman didn’t jump on it because he thought it was an incomplete pass. The Patriots then recovered the fumble.

“That’s totally on me,” Hillman said. “I have to finish plays and at that position you have to pick up the ball. Even though I was surprised by it, that’s on me. I have to pick up the ball. Either catch it or pick it up because you never know. Lesson learned and it won’t happen again.”

The fumble was a costly one, leading to the Patriots’ first touchdown in the AFC Championship Game. That’s the kind of mistake the Broncos can’t afford to have happen against the Panthers, and Hillman is promising it won’t happen.