The Denver Broncos defeated New England Patriots today, making arguably the biggest surprise in Sunday’s NFL program. In the end, it was 18-12 for the guys from Mile High, who won at Gillette Stadium for the first time since 2006.
After leading 18-3, the Broncos allowed the hosts to come back and have the last attack, which could have been a game-winning if there wasn’t for their excellent defense. That defense prevented Cam Newton from making key plays in the final three minutes, stopping his passes, and sacking the former MVP on NE’s second down with 1:09 before the end. It turned out to be a key play of the game.
How ‘bout that @Broncos defense?! #BroncosCountry
📺: #DENvsNE on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/nrm6deI4Td pic.twitter.com/nKITRJT0yd— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2020
Such ending was a massive relief for Drew Lock, who threw two interceptions during the last quarter in the span of five minutes. With the Pats coming down to 18-12, Lock threw a long pass on the drive’s first snap, allowing Jonathan Jones an easy interception.
Denver’s QB was 10-for-24, without a TD pass, with one fumble and those two picks. All the guests’ points were delivered by Brandon McManus, who hit six field goals, the longest one 54 yards with 37 seconds before the end of the third period.
Philip Lindsay rushed for 101 yards on 23 carries, while Tim Patrick caught four receptions for 101 yards.
On the other side, Cam Newton also didn’t have a TD pass, throwing 157 yards, 17-for-25, with two interceptions and one fumble. Super Cam did run the ball ten times for 76 yards and a score, but that wasn’t enough. Ground game was a massive problem for the Pats, whose next rusher was Damien Harris with 19 yards on six carries.
OK, CAM! @CameronNewton | #GoPats
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/b9FnyyfKVt
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 18, 2020
Also, the offensive line allowed four sacks on Newton, some of them in pretty important moments. Malik Reed had two, with three solo tackles, and was constantly pressuring the Pats O-line.
Denver (2-3) now has two games at home, very tough ones. The first is against the Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and after that, they await the LA Chargers. Both teams are their divisional rivals, from the AFC West.
On the other side, the Patriots are hosting the San Francisco 49ers, before traveling to Buffalo to meet the Bills. After a long time, Bill Belichick and his boys are negative in October with two wins and three losses.
One fun fact to sum up this recap – Newton still didn’t record a victory against the Broncos since arriving in the league.
