Right, let’s try this again, shall we? On Sunday the 1-3 Denver Broncos travel to Gillette Stadium to take on the 2-2 New England Patriots.
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2020
Game Time: 1:00 PM EST
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Network: CBS
All-time record: Broncos lead series 30-23 (including playoffs)
When They Last Met…
Patriots 41-16 Broncos
November 12, 2017
The Patriots got off to a fast start at Empower Field after the Broncos spilled a Ryan Allen punt which was recovered by Jacob Hollister. On the resulting possession, Tom Brady found Rex Burkhead over the middle for a 14-yard touchdown.
After the Broncos stalled following a long drive downfield, they settled for a field goal. Denver kicked off to return possession to New England and Dion Lewis received the kick around three yards deep in the Patriots endzone and bolted 103 yards to the house for an incredible touchdown.
Again Denver tried to fire back, but could only settle with another field goal. Patriots also matched this when they couldn’t convert in the red zone and also settled for three points.
As the second quarter rolled on, the teams both had a further field goal conversion each and the Patriots launched a late quarter drive into Broncos territory. Within the final minute, Brady fired a laser to Dwayne Allen for an 11-yard touchdown. Halftime- Patriots 27-9 Broncos.
Brock Osweiler finally found the end zone for Denver with a seven-yard pass over the middle to Demaryius Thomas for their only touchdown of the game.
Brady orchestrated a brilliant counter-attack which ended with Lewis rushing for his second touchdown of the night. The scoring was soon complete with Brady going to James White for a six-yard touchdown. Osweiler finished off proceedings by throwing an interception to Patrick Chung. Final- Patriots 41-16 Broncos.
Performances
NE
QB Tom Brady 25/34 – 266 YDS – 3 TD
RB Dion Lewis RUSH- 14 ATT – 55 YDS – 1 TD – 1 KRTD
CB Patrick Chung 1 INT
K Stephen Gostkowski 2/2 FG – 5/5 XP
DEN
QB Brock Osweiler 18/33 – 221 YDS – 1 TD – 1 INT
WR Emmanual Sanders 6/11 – 137 YDS
How The Patriots Win
With all of the uncertainty going on right now, the Patriots need to get in, get the win, and get out of Denver into the bye week.
Drew Lock has been limited in practice for the Broncos as he is still recovering from a shoulder injury, so it’s not a given he’ll be able to play on Monday night. The Patriots have the better team overall and regardless of who is at quarterback for either team, the Patriots just need to play smart and not give up turnovers.
If Cam Newton isn’t medically cleared to play, I would expect Jarrett Stidham to be given the chance to lead this team for the entire game, If Stidham can play smart, even with the limited practice sessions the team has had, I think he’ll be able to lead the offense to points. The running backs will be vital to help the offense along after the strong start they’ve had so far this season.
The defense had a much better outing against the Chiefs, and even without star cornerback Stephon Gilmore, I’m more confident in the performance that side of the ball has been showing. The pressure Chase Winovich and John Simon have been getting should be able to disrupt whoever is at quarterback for Denver, and if they can get momentum on their side, I don’t think it’ll be close.
Player Spotlight – Matthew Slater
After being drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2008 draft, Matthew Slater is now in his thirteenth season with the team.
His resume includes 10 seasons as captain, eight Pro-Bowl selections, and six All-Pro nominations, he is quite simply, one of the most consistent and important players the team has had.
He is also the son of former NFL offensive tackle and Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, so football has been a part of his entire life. Originally drafted as a wide receiver/kick returner, Slater, over the years, has developed into one of the best Special Teams players in this franchise’s history.
“I’ve learned from some great men over the years. I’ve been very fortunate and blessed to have been around some tremendous leaders who have taught me a lot of lessons and leadership and have really shown me the way. They’ve shown me how to treat people, how to be professional, just how to approach the game of football. Because I’m in a position now to be the longest-tenured player on this team, I want to make sure I go about it from a place of gratitude.”
Matthew Slater after re-signing with the Patriots in March
It’s a great pleasure to see Slates still play for the Patriots and I’m glad he will retire with the team that gave him his opportunity all those years ago.
Familiar Faces
Former Patriots
Players
S Duke Dawson
Former Broncos
Coaching Staff
OC Josh McDaniels (Head Coach 2009-10)
QBC Jedd Fisch (Wide Receivers Coach 2009)
Players
C James Ferentz (2015-16)
Did you know?- James Ferentz has won a Super Bowl for both teams. (50, LIII)
Broken Records
Here’s some key milestones that could be surpassed on Sunday.
QB Cam Newton
-Needs 245 passing yards to become the 48th quarterback in history to reach 30,000 passing yards.
-Needs 45 rushing yards to join Michael Vick as the only quarterbacks to reach 5,000 rushing yards in NFL history.
RB James White
-Needs two touchdown receptions to tie Larry Garron (26) as most all-time in Patriots history for touchdown receptions by a running back.
S Devin McCourty
-Needs one interception to tie Mike Haynes (28) as sixth all-time in Patriots history for interceptions.
Score Prediction: Broncos 14-30 Patriots
Call me crazy, but I’ve got a feeling the Patriots will have a big running day and pile on some points. LFG!
