The New England Patriots (7-2) continue to march straight into the direction of ninth playoff in a row. The 41-16 win at the Denver Broncos (3-6), who lost their fifth game in a row, gave them an early chance to take advantage of their opponent’s mistakes. Later, Tom Brady showed once again why the Patriots will be reckoned with again in late January.
The start of the match was already a reflection of the Broncos’ mood. After a good defensive opening series, the patriots were given possession of the ball deep in their own half. The patriots knew how to use that. The Special Teams Group went on strike at a kick. The patriots knew how to use that. In the first half of the game a Broncos punt was blocked and the Pats knew how to use it.
After the first half, the Stats were almost identical in terms of offense (189 to 184), rushing yards (61 to 54) and passing yards (128 to 130). However, due to the mistakes of the Special Teams, the guests led with 18 points. A head start that no one knows how to manage as well as the Patriots and Tom Brady (25/34,266 YDS, 3TD).
The Playcaller worked almost faultlessly against surprisingly low pressure. The Patriots-Offense clicked against a Broncos-Defense, who after the 51 allowed points against the Eagles again had big problems, like at best times and finally crossed 396 yards of the field.
Wideout Emmanuel Sanders was the main protagonist of the Broncos’ resistance, who had to put up with clear boots cries from their fans during the break. The receiver showed its best game of the season and caused enormous problems for Corner Malcolm Butler. Quarterback Brock Osweiler (18/33,221 YDS, TD, INT) showed a good performance. Too often the Broncos drives ended up with field goals.
Denver Broncos (3-6) – New England Patriots (7-2)16:41 (6:14,3:13,7:7,0:7) BOXSCORE
Tom Brady (New England Patriots):
“We played good football in all phases. It was important to take the lead and we handled it well. From the running game, through the passes and catches to the touchdowns, everything fitted. All parts of the team have made their contribution.”
Vance Joseph (Head Coach, Denver Broncos):
“Special teams. It’s all over with. We gave 17 points after mistakes of our Special Teams. If we could have these back, we would have stayed in the game. My defense and offense have done a solid job.”
The Broncos shot themselves in the leg early in the game. After the Defense forced the Pats to a Three and Out on the first drive of the game, New England puntete towards Isaiah McKenzie. The ball dropped and the guests thanked Rex Burkhead with a score two placements later. Shortly afterwards, Dion Lewis was allowed to return a kick over 103 yards to touchdown. And at the start of the second quarter, the Pats were able to block a punt. Three mistakes that the patriots converted into 17 points.
The Broncos’ 4-men rush could put Brady under pressure at almost no time. Lightning was far too rare. Only seven of his 34 pass attempts put Brady under pressure. Von Miller often dropped into the room as an elite pass rusher. All in all, Denver has put far too little pressure on New England’s play caller. Brady used the time in his usual sovereign manner. In this way, it is simply not possible to force him to make mistakes.
As I just mentioned, Brady had far too much time, but how he used it was a feast for the eyes. Number 12 placed the balls incredibly accurately in the available windows and involved his entire arsenal. There were almost no inaccuracies and so the Pats had no problems to march down the field for long distances. Brady ended the day with a register rating of 125.4.
The Patriots Cornerback didn’t see any land against Sanders. Early on, Butler seemed greedy and lost his opponent when he was speculating on an interception. Later Sanders escaped him on electrified routes with very hard cuts. Butler then had to resort more frequently to criminal physical contact. Sanders finished his working day with 137 receiving yards and 6 catches on 11 targets. A used day for the former super Bowl hero.