DENVER – Which Patriots would show up this time?
Before their Week 9 bye, New England was playing schizophrenic football. September saw the Patriots score an average of 33 points per game, while their defense was surrendering nearly as many. By October the defense brought its point total down, but so, too, did the offense, by a considerable amount.
What New England needed as they embarked on the second half of their 2017 schedule was the September offense and October defense to meet in Denver, a place where the franchise historically has trouble winning.
By halftime, it looked like that's what they were getting, as the Patriots enjoyed a 27-9 lead, although it might not have been possible were it not for an often overlooked strength of New England: its special teams.
"No question," wide receiver/punt returner Danny Amendola declared. "[Special teams] helps us out tremendously and sparks us."
"Oh, it was huge," echoed running back/coverage man Rex Burkhead. "Anytime we can contribute in that phase, it always helps out, especially in field position and momentum of the game.
"Coach [Joe] Judge had a great game plan for us all week and I thought we executed well."
The first big play on special teams Sunday night came when Bronco punt returner Isaiah McKenzie muffed a Ryan Allen punt on the game's opening sequence. Rookie Jacob Hollister recovered for New England in Denver territory. That salvaged the drive for New England, leading shortly thereafter to Tom Brady's 14-yard touchdown pass to running back Rex Burkhead.
After Denver countered with a field goal, special teams again stepped up with Dion Lewis returning the ensuing kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown.
"It was a great executed play," Lewis recalled in the post-game locker room. "I saw the safety try to run around the wedge, but those guys did a great job blocking, like they always do. I just have to hit it hard and make a guy miss when I can.
"Being able to give my team a boost when we needed it, it was a great way to give us some momentum and a spark on the road."
A blocked punt by Burkhead in the early 2nd quarter then set up a Patriots field goal.
"That's three key plays in the game that helped us to victory," added Lewis.
Offensively, despite a depleted arsenal (no WR Chris Hogan or RT Marcus Cannon), the September Patriots reappeared. New England's O was effective on the ground with Lewis and Burkhead, which neutralized Denver's formidable pass rush and talented cornerbacks.
"The offensive line did a tremendous job up front," raved Burkhead. "That's a great defense and our offensive line really took it to them."
When they did throw, Brady was at his clinical best.
The New England Patriots take on the Denver Broncos in a regular season game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday, November 12, 2017.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) take the field prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) stretches prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets retired Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft stands on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels talks with Tom Brady prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia watches warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, right, scores a touchdown as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (84) fumbles the punt as New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots recovered the football. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (84) fumbles the punt as New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) makes the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots recovered the football. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) scores a touchdown as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis runs back a kick-off for a touchdown as Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (23) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis, center, celebrates his kick-off return for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos with teammate tight end Jacob Hollister (47) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs back a kick-off for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs back a kick-off for a touchdown as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates his kick-off return for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs back a kick-off for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots stand at mid field for the coin toss prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) runs as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks (14) is tripped up as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray (56) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws under pressure from Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) runs as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) lines up against New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) yawns during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) dives on New England Patriots running back James White (28) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, right, celebrates a first down against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) signals a catch as Denver Broncos strong safety Justin Simmons (31) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots tight end Dwayne Allen (83) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Tom Brady against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Dwayne Allen (83) scores a touchdown as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) watches during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Dwayne Allen (83) celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) scores a touchdown as New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis, right, celebrates his touchdown against Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass as running back Dion Lewis (33) runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is hit by Denver Broncos strong safety Justin Simmons (31) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) laughs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) celebrates his interception against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) intercepts a pass intended for Denver Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman (82) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) cheers Patriots fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) cheers Patriots fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) cheers Patriots fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) meet after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
"Tom did a great job all night, just reading the coverages, checking [the ball] down, seeing the open receivers," observed Burkhead.
It helped that newly-returned tight end Martellus Bennett chipped in with three catches for 38 yards after being back with the Patriots for just three days.
"It was pretty cool," Bennett admitted to reporters afterward. "I mean, last week, I thought I was going to be in IR, so, it's been a surreal week for me."
The October D also made the trip to Mile High, though the defensive effort wasn't entirely flawless. In particular, cornerback Malcolm Butler had arguably his worst performance of the season in Denver. He looked terrible all night covering Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders, who had more than 100 yards receiving before intermission. Butler kept Denver in the game, because were it not for most of those big plays surrendered by him, Denver's offense would've had trouble moving the chains.
"Special teams played really well, defense played really well, offense got the job done," Amendola concluded. "We worked hard last week, had a good week of preparation… It was a big win for us."
"We had a great week of preparation," added Burkhead, "and it showed today."
This couldn't have turned out much better for the Patriots, who accomplished everything they set out to in this hostile environment. Their offense looked unstoppable again, the defense continued its miserly ways, special teams was more than an afterthought, and aside from an aggravated hamstring injury to co-captain Matthew Slater, New England left Mile High healthy and happy.
Overall, a great way to kick off the second half of the season and the beginning of a week-long sojourn in Colorado Springs before heading south to face the Raiders in Mexico City next weekend. If the Patriots can sustain this type of effort over the next two months, they'll be in great position once again to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
