The New England Patriots are set to take the primetime stage on Christmas Eve as they face off with the Denver Broncos Sunday night.
With the race for a top draft pick tightening up down the stretch, a loss may remain the best thing for New England from a big picture perspective. But, the Patriots will be playing hard for their fourth win on the field as Bailey Zappe is set to get his fourth consecutive start at quarterback.
Follow along with us live down below throughout Sunday night’s contest.
Live Score: (3-11) Patriots 0 : 7 Broncos (7-7)
Sunday, December 24, 8:15 p.m. ET | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | Broadcast information | Inactives | Game day roster
First Quarter
Bailey Zappe and the Patriots offense started the night with the football after the Broncos won the toss and deferred. They needed just one play for disaster to strike, as pressure beat James Ferentz — who drew the start at left guard — and got to Zappe to force a strip sack.
The Broncos got the ball at New England’s six-yard line after the turnover, where New England’s defense held strong after a near Mack Wilson interception on third-and-goal. Denver kept their offense on the field on fourth-down, where a handoff to Javonte Williams was stuffed for a turnover on downs.
New England took back over at their own two-yard line after the turnover, where two runs to Ezekiel Elliott set up a third-and-seven. From his own end zone, Zappe’s pass to Demario Douglas was incomplete.
Denver’s following possession also began in New England territory just past midfield, where two straight runs set up a third-and-six. Russell Wilson took his shot downfield to Courtland Sutton one-on-one with Myles Bryant, but it was the corner who won the matchup to force a punt.
Trent Brown and Atonio Mafi replaced Vederian Lowe and Ferentz on the left side to start the Patriots next drive. Two straight runs for Kevin Harris set up a third-and-one, where a direct snap to the back was stuffed leading to another punt.
Marvin Mims brought a spark to Denver on the punt return taking it 52 yards to New England’s 25-yard line. A pair of first downs then set the Broncos up inside the five-yard line, where Williams plowed through for a touchdown. [Patriots 0 : 7 Broncos]