The Patriots came out of their bye week rested and ready but had to travel to a place where they haven't enjoyed much success over the years. Tom Brady has been dominant against the rest of the league but in Denver that hasn't been the case.
Until Sunday night.
New England kicked off the start of the second half of its season in style, burying the Broncos under an avalanche of special teams mistakes to the tune of a 41-16 victory.
ESPN.com looks at some special plays from two players in the kicking game that were key to the victory.
ESPN.com says Stephon Gilmore, who returned to the lineup after missing three games with a concussion, can’t believe he’s part of a 7-2 team after languishing for years in Buffalo. The win was the 270th all time for Bill Belichick, tying him with Dallas' Tom Landry for third-most in NFL history. The Boston Globe believes Belichick’s pursuit of Don Shula for the top spot may keep him around for at least a few more years.
Martellus Bennett, who returned to the Patriots after being claimed off waiver earlier in the week, told reporters after the game that he did not want to be claimed by anyone until he found out Belichick was doing the claiming.
Not sure why it would be the case in the first place but the Boston Herald says the Patriots have no reason to fear the Steelers or anyone else in the AFC. The Herald offers the best and worst from the win in Denver. Dwayne Allen felt "amazing" after making the most of his first catch as a Patriot.
MassLive.com believes with everything now clicking another Super Bowl is well within the Patriots reach. Despite maintaining some of the most overwhelming odds in NFL history as the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, NBCSports.com says there are still haters out there somewhere. New England continues to get plenty of contributions from the running backs. Five thoughts from the huge win over the Broncos.
The Boston Sports Journal says small contributions from Allen and Gilmore could pay big dividends down the road. Rob Gronkowski was unhappy with the loss of a potential catch near the goal line in the first half. NESN.com gives props to the offensive line for a solid effort on the road. WEEI.com offers 10 quick observations from the game. In Denver, there was plenty of blame to go around for the Broncos latest collapse.
ESPN.com talks about Tom Brady's brilliance and how the quarterback’s latest masterpiece is surviving the Patriot Way. Brady lit up the Mile High City with yet another spectacular performance.
