Offense – D
No touchdowns and two fourth-quarter interceptions usually equals an F … and a loss. But the Broncos managed to get into scoring position six times for Brandon McManus field goals. And, Phillip Lindsay (101 yards rushing on 22 carries) and Tim Patrick (101 yards receiving) had big games. It’s impressive just how much energy Lindsay brings to the offense, something that was mostly missing during his three-game injury absence. His longest rush was 20 yards and he did his usual good work after first contact. Quarterback Drew Lock returned from a shoulder injury to complete only 10-of-24 passes and post a 34.9 rating. One thing the Broncos need to iron out is their deep-throw efficiency. Lock is trying to stretch the field, but with minimal-to-no success.
Defense – A
Four sacks and three takeaways to win on the road against the Patriots, coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Cam Newton? Giving the Broncos’ defense an A is an easy decision. Check out the Patriots’ first four second-half possessions: Punt (three-and-out), fumble (Justin Simmons recovery), interception (cornerback Bryce Callahan) and punt (three-and-out). Outside linebacker Malik Reed had two sacks, cornerback Michael Ojemudia two forced fumbles and outside linebacker Bradley Chubb was active from start to finish. Did they lose track of Newton a few times? For sure, but so does every team. And the defense finished off a game for the second consecutive outing, forcing Newton into a fourth-down incompletion with 58 seconds remaining.
Special teams – A
McManus set a Broncos single-game record with six field goals (45, 44, 27, 52, 20 and 54 yards), providing the team with all of their points. McManus is now 12-of-13 on field goals this season. Also important was his kickoff hang time in the first half when Gunner Olszewski felt the need to take the kick out of the end zone. The Patriots started their first drive at the 17 and their third drive at the 24. Returner Diontae Spencer departed with a shoulder injury. Punter Sam Martin had two attempts for a 38.5-yard net average. On his first punt, he had to leave his feet to catch Jacob Bobenmoyer’s high snap.
Coaching – B
The lack of a touchdown offensively kept the Broncos’ staff from getting an A. Coach Vic Fangio had one of his best play-calling games since joining the Broncos, helping force New England into 4-of-13 on third down and only 288 yards. The final-play seven-man pressure that Fangio called forced Newton to throw incomplete before he wanted to release the football. Offensively, play-caller Pat Shurmur called for several early deep throws (one connected), but then found Lock’s comfort level with a steady diet of crossing routes. We liked how he lined up Lindsay and Royce Freeman on the field at the same time (more of that, please). And finally, the coaches thought rookie tight end Albert Okwuegbunam merited a jersey and he caught two passes for 45 yards.
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