The New England Patriots have a Christmas game to remember! During the game, there was a sea of thoughts and emotions watching this play out in Denver.
Is this defense really that good? How come special teams are struggling so much this year? Why is this offense suddenly looking so capable that even Rich Eisen is complimenting it?
Either way, in a close, down to the wire game, different units on this New England Patriots team stepped up throughout the night, when others were struggling. What does this win mean for the future? There’s a lot to unpack there. But for week 16, this team found a way to get a 26-23 victory.
New England Patriots High Rocky Mountain Lead
At one point during the game, it looked as if the team was going to be able to cruise to a relatively uncontested victory. Having a Denver Broncos team looking vulnerable, turnovers were being created, and the offense looked better than what it had been.
For a brief moment, all of the plays that have been bouncing the other team’s way, seemed to go for the New England Patriots tonight. The Patriots had more energy, and the defense was giving Russel Wilson hard times throughout.
Right from the beginning, the defense made it clear that nothing easy would be scored on them, and that it would be a battle of attrition. Being on the field a little longer, a lot was asked of the defensive unit.
New England Patriots Defense Established Control
After a sack fumble that left the defense being stranded to make an early goal line stance, Mack Wilson made an unbelievable play to force a failed fourth down attempt. While on review the interception was overruled, it was a foreshadowing of players making plays to get the necessary stops.
On the night this defense forced the Denver Broncos to punt it 7 times, with the early turnover on downs, and a forced fumble, a lot was asked of this defense. You could not watch a snap it seemed like without seeing Christian Barmore involved.. He was a one man wrecking crew tonight, consistently stuffing the run, or making Russel Wilson uncomfortable. With 3 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss, 4 QB hits, and 8 total tackles, he has emerged as a decisive leader on this team.
New England Patriots Show They Can Sustain Drives
A couple of bright spots showed up from the offense tonight that was missing some key players.
One of the main takeaways needs to be how this offensive line improved over the course of the game. From Bailey Zappe having about 0.2 seconds to try to make a play before meeting a defender, to actually doing a nice job in protection, this offensive line allowed enough time for plays to develop when needed.
Even though there were 6 three and outs, on drives that did go for longer, some players stepped up. Ezekiel Elliott, in a game that the rushing attack was not able to get going, turned out to be the best asset in the passing game. On a team high 9 receptions, his highlight was the hurdling touchdown after receiving the pass from out of the backfield.
On a receiving corps that took turns to make plays, it was Devonte Parker that arguably made the most important catch of the night. When it looked like the New England Patriots would just play for over time, on a 3rd and 3, Devonte Parker made a contested 27 yard grab that proved to be vital in what ended up being the game winning drive.
New England Patriots Get Their Fourth Win
Chad Ryland.
The Patriots kicker had missed an initial field goal attempt BADLY. Then, after an extra point try that truly sounded in the Christmas season like a church bell in the night, many thought that Coach Bill Belichick would turn away from him for the rest of the season potentially.
Instead, he placed his trust, of the possible ensuing narratives, including increased calls for firing, in his rookie kicker. And while his previous attempts did not go so well, his mental fortitude propelled him to hit the game winner from 56, that looked purer than some of the snowfalls this season. #ForTheBrand
Draft implications, coaching switch ups, personnel acquisition; these are all conversations to be had for another day. For today, the New England Patriots found a way to win on the road against a good opponent.