3. Pats Get Going
After a disappointing first three possessions, the Patriots put together their first scoring drive, aided by a 28-yard catch by Jalen Reagor as Bailey Zappe dropped a perfect pass in the coverage hole along the sideline. The big play came at an important time, as Zappe had been sacked for a 10-yard loss on the previous play. Ezekiel Elliot played a key role on the possession, accounting for 18 yards on the 13-play, 61-yard drive.
Chad Ryland kicked a 33-yard field goal to make it a 7-3 game early in the second quarter.
Denver countered with a few big plays of their own on the next drive, quickly traveling across midfield until Jahlani Tavai, one of the team’s standout playmakers this season, forced a fumble from Javonte Williams that was recovered by Jeremiah Pharms, who ripped the ball away from the Broncos lineman who appeared to have recovered the fumble initially. Pharms, who started the year on the practice squad, has earned praise this year from defensive line coach Demarcus Covington and made an effort play that was one of the first standout plays of his young career.
After another Broncos punt, Zappe and the Patriots offense again put together a nice drive with time running out in the first half, going 44 yards but stopping short of the end zone. That set up another field goal attempt for Ryland, who missed the 47-yarder. It was the seventh miss of Ryland’s rookie year as he’s battled inconsistency throughout. He is 14-of-22 on the season.
The Broncos would miss a field goal of their own, a 57-yarder, to close out the first half, with Denver taking a 7-3 lead to the locker room.