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    Saturday, October 31

    Broncos vs. Patriots: Live updates and highlights from the NFL Week 16 game

    reporterBy No Comments18 Mins Read

    After a big loss to the Lions last week, the Broncos’ playoff hopes are razor thin entering Week 16. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High.

    Live updates

    FINAL | Patriots 26, Broncos 23

    The Broncos will wake up Monday morning with nothing but coal in their stockings.

    They’ve got only themselves to blame for a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas.

    Needing three wins to close the season and hosting the 3-11 New England Patriots on Christmas Eve, the Broncos marred their own holiday weekend with a loss that all but seals their 2023 fate, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

    More Broncos coverage

    Fourth-quarter updates

    Last chance (9:24 p.m.): Russell Wilson’s desperation attempt falls incomplete, and that’s game.

    Broncos lose 26-23, their playoff hopes likely dying with it. — Matt Schubert

    Field goal, Patriots (9:20 p.m.): Three passes and now the Pats are gonna have a shot at a 56-yarder to win it.

    And he splits the uprights from 56. That might be it folks. Just two seconds left, and the Pats lead 26-23. — Matt Schubert

    Stop needed (9:17 p.m.): Broncos defense needs a stop here on third-and-3 or we’re likely going to OT. — Matt Schubert

    Three-and-out… (9:15 p.m.): Three plays, minus-3 yards for the Broncos. Not the best way for Denver to go. — Joe Nguyen

    Re-kick (9:12 p.m.): Broncos are going to get another shot at a return after a penalty on the Pats. New England has to sprint down the field a second time. Not easy.

    And the second one is shanked. That amounts to a 19-yard penalty on the Patriots. It’s first and 10 at their own 39 for the Broncos. — Matt Schubert

    Three-and-out (9:10 p.m.): The Denver defense shut down Bailey Zappe and the Patriots offense. It’s up to the Broncos’ offense now. — Joe Nguyen

    Conversion good (9:06 p.m.): And Wilson finds Javonte Williams on the conversion. We’re all tied up folks. It’s 23-all with 2:53 left. — Matt Schubert

    Touchdown, Broncos (9:03 p.m.): Russell Wilson connects with Brandon Johnson for the 21-yard touchdown. Patriots 23, Broncos 21 before the two-point conversion try. — Joe Nguyen

    Johnson makes one tackler miss, then appears to squeeze inside the pylon. We’re a two-point conversion away from a tie game. — Matt Schubert

    McGlinchey injury (9:01 p.m.): Mike McGlinchey is coming off the field after that last play. — Joe Nguyen

    McLaughlin injury (8:56 p.m.): Jaleel McLaughlin bolted up the middle for an 11-yard gain. He’s down on the field after crashing into Jalen Mills. — Joe Nguyen

    Jeudy again (8:55 p.m.): Wilson connected with Jeudy, who made a nifty fake-out move for a 15-yard gain. — Joe Nguyen

    Three-and-out (8:52 p.m.): The Broncos defense gets a three-and-out. Denver ain’t dead yet, folks. They’ll have a shot at tying this thing on the next drive. Just 6:33 to go. — Matt Schubert

    Touchdown, Broncos (8:46 p.m.): Russell Wilson connects with Lucas Krull for a 3-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion is good. Patriots 23, Broncos 15 with 8:33 to go. — Joe Nguyen

    Nine plays, 83 yards and a touchdown reception for Lucas Krull. After a successful two-point conversion, Denver is back in this game. It’s 23-15 with 8:33 left in the fourth quarter.

    And a shot of redemption for Marvin Mims Jr., who hauled in an amazing 41-yard reception. — Matt Schubert

    Jerry Jeudy sighting (8:45 p.m.): With 9:18 to go in the game, Jerry Jeudy gets his first catch. — Joe Nguyen

    Big play? (8:41 p.m.): An outstretched Marvin Mims Jr. caught a 41-yard pass from Russell Wilson. It was ruled a completion, but Bill Belichick threw out a challenge flag. (Edit: And it stands.) — Joe Nguyen

    Muffed punt (8:32 p.m.): Myles Bryant muffed the punt. New England recovered the ball. — Joe Nguyen

    Third-quarter analysis — Patriots 23, Broncos 7

    Matt Schubert, sports editor: And we exit the third quarter with what remains of this Broncos crowd lustily booing the home team. Things are looking BLEAK, folks.

    Third-quarter updates

    Russ’ numbers (8:27 p.m.): Russell Wilson is 14 of 19 today for 84 yards. That’s 6 yards per completion. — Joe Nguyen

    The wheels come off (8:24 p.m.): We’ve now reached DEFCON 1 on the Broncos’ season after Marvin Mims Jr. fumbled the ensuring kickoff and it was returned for a touchdown. It’s 23-7 Patriots.

    Empower Field has already cleared out a fair amount. Hard to blame them. — Matt Schubert

    Touchdown, Patriots (8:22 p.m.): Bailey Zappe finds Mike Gesicki in the back of the end zone for the 11-yard touchdown. Patriots 16, Broncos 7 with 1:34 to go in the third quarter. — Joe Nguyen

    What. A. Catch. (8:19 p.m.): DeVante Parker just made an amazing 30-yard catch from Bailey Zappe. — Joe Nguyen

    Boo-urns (8:15 p.m.): After a minus-3-yard pass to Javonte Williams, the crowd is beginning to boo the Broncos. — Joe Nguyen

    LOUD boos from the Empower Field faithful after that drive. I’m getting 2022 vibes here. — Matt Schubert

    Another shot (8:12 p.m.): It’s Broncos ball at their 15 to start the offense’s third drive of the third quarter. It’s time to start putting together some positive plays. And maybe a pass or two to Jerry Jeudy?

    16,015 no shows for tonight’s game … with playoff implications. Yes, it’s Christmas Eve. But that’s not supposed to matter in Broncos Country. — Matt Schubert

    Bad home losses (8:12 p.m.): Folks, we’re looking at the possibility of the Broncos losing to the Patriots, Jets, Commanders and Raiders at home. Not great, Bob. — Matt Schubert

    Rough game for McMillian (8:02 p.m.): McMillian also got burned deep on a 41-yard pass to to Demario Douglas earlier in that drive. Not his best work in what’s otherwise been a very good season. — Matt Schubert

    Touchdown, Patriots (7:59 p.m.): Bailey Zappe connects with Ezekiel Elliott for the 15-yard touchdown. Extra point is no good. Patriots 9, Broncos 7 with 9:48 to go in the third quarter. — Joe Nguyen

    Ja’Quan McMillian just got hurdled by Ezekiel Elliott for a touchdown. The good news for the Broncos: Pats kicker Chad Ryland remains bad (missed XP). It’s 9-7 Pats, and the Broncos are going to have to earn this. — Matt Schubert

    Sutton injury update (7:57 p.m.): Courtland Sutton is OUT for the rest of the game with a concussion. — Matt Schubert

    Not a great start (7:51 p.m.): Russell Wilson was sacked on the first play of the drive. Then completed a pass to Javonte Williams for minus-1 yards. — Joe Nguyen

    Halftime show (7:45 p.m.): Halftime show a two-touchdown favorite. It was a light show with the dancers lit up like candy canes, parachutists coming in all lit up and a large firework boom at the close. — Matt Schubert

    The halftime show was better than the entire first half. — Ryan McFadden

    Halftime analysis — Broncos 7, Patriots 3

    Parker Gabriel, beat writer: If this Broncos team actually makes the playoffs, it’s going to be because Vance Joseph’s defense drags the rest of the group kicking and screaming.

    Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Where’s the offense?

    Matt Schubert, sports editor: First team to 13 wins. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

    (Anyone seen Jerry Jeudy?)

    Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Hope your eggnog is higher octane than these two offenses.

    Second-quarter updates

    No good (7:35 p.m.): Wil Lutz had the distance. Just a little off on that 57-yarder. It’s 7-3 at the half. — Matt Schubert

    Perine sighting (7:32 p.m.): And we have a Samaje Perine sighting!

    As is his wont, the veteran running back picks up 9 yards on a dump-off. Perine remains a two-minute drill wizard. — Matt Schubert

    No good (7:31 p.m.): The Broncos defense is giving up chunks between the 20s, but that’s it. After a New England shank, it’s 7-3 Broncos with 33 seconds left in the second quarter. — Matt Schubert

    Courtland Sutton injury (7:18 p.m.): Courtland Sutton being evaluated for a possible head injury, the Broncos announce. — Matt Schubert

    Sutton was first in the blue tent and then taken to the locker room. — Parker Gabriel

    McLaughlin’s day (7:17 p.m.): Jaleel McLaughlin’s season-highs are 13 touches (vs. NYJ in Week 5) and 104 yards (Week 4 vs. Chicago).

    Hasn’t had more than eight touches since Week 6.

    Through 1.5 quarters tonight: 7 touches for 50. — Parker Gabriel

    Perine search (7:16 p.m.): Pretty interesting development, running back Samaje Perine has yet to play a snap this evening. He missed Wednesday’s practice because of rest but was a full participant on Thursday and Friday. — Ryan McFadden

    Super block (7:15 p.m.): Quinn Meinerz gets flagged for blocking someone really, really well. — Matt Schubert

    Where’s Perine? (7:13 p.m.): We’re well into the second quarter and we’ve yet to see a single snap out of Samaje Perine. Not sure what’s going on there. — Matt Schubert

    Another three-and-out (7:06 p.m.): The defense is holding up its end of the bargain. Another three-and-out for the Pats. — Matt Schubert

    Fumble loss (7:01 p.m.): And then the Broncos give the ball away, with Javonte Williams the culprit and Ben Powers unable to hold onto the ball after being the first to it. The turnover luck takes a turn.

    It sure looked like Ben Powers had that football. — Matt Schubert

    Rookie watch (7 p.m.): That’s two first downs on two straight touches for the rookie running back. — Matt Schubert

    Four touches for 36 yards for the rook already tonight. — Parker Gabriel

    Run, Russ, run (6:59 p.m.): A nice 14-yard quarterback scramble by Russell Wilson. That was followed by a big 12-yard gain by Jaleel McLaughlin. — Joe Nguyen

    It appears the Broncos are figuring out how to use Jaleel McLaughlin. — Matt Schubert

    Field goal (6:54 p.m.): Chad Ryland nails the 33-yard field goal. Broncos 7, Patriots 3 with 13:30 to go in the first half. — Joe Nguyen

    Stalled out (6:54 p.m.): A decent Patriots drive stalls out inside the red zone. Hard to imagine this Pats offense getting into the end zone tonight. I’m thinning 14 points might be enough for the Broncos tonight. — Matt Schubert

    First-quarter analysis — Broncos 7, Patriots 0

    Matt Schubert, sports columnist: Marvin Mims Jr. is special. The Broncos defense isn’t bad either. Russell Wilson? Not great.

    Ryan McFadden, beat writer: The score should really be 14-0 or 10-0 if it wasn’t for that terrible goal line sequence after Zappe’s fumble. Denver really needs better effort from its offense.

    Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The Broncos squandered two golden scoring opportunities in the first quarter, but based on the opening 15 minutes there’s no way they actually lose this game. Right? Right?

    Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: The Broncos can’t possibly lose to Bailey Zappe. Can they?

    First-quarter updates

    Sacked (6:47 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper sacks Bailey Zappe for a 10-yard loss. — Joe Nguyen

    Touchdown, Broncos (6:40 p.m.): Javonte Williams pushes through for the 3-yard touchdown. Broncos 7, Patriots 0 with 5:15 to go in the first quarter. — Joe Nguyen

    Javonte Williams powers into the end zone for a touchdown. Broncos lead 7-0 with 5:15 to go in the first quarter. — Ryan McFadden

    It took four carries inside the 6-yard line, but Javonte Williams has himself a touchdown. — Matt Schubert

    Third time’s the charm for the Broncos in scoring range. If the defense keeps playing like it has so far, seven might be close to enough tonight. — Parker Gabriel

    Where’s Perine? (6:38 p.m.): I’m begging Sean Payton to give Samaje Perine some carries. — Ryan McFadden

    He is speed (6:36 p.m.): Not sure if you guys knew this, but Marvin Mims Jr. is fast. — Parker Gabriel

    Another three-and-out (6:35 p.m.): The Broncos defense continues to hold up its end of the bargain. The Pats now have three drives for a grand total of minus-4 yards. — Matt Schubert

    Nearly amazing (6:30 p.m.): Courtland Sutton nearly had an amazing catch on third-and-6. Instead, the Broncos have to punt. — Joe Nguyen

    At this point, you are shocked that Sutton didn’t come down with that catch. Broncos are forced to punt after Wilson’s deep throw on third down is incomplete. Not the ideal start for Denver. — Ryan McFadden

    Three-and-out (6:25 p.m.): The Broncos’ defense held the Patriots to just 3 yards on that drive. Marvin Mims gets the punt up to the New England 46-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

    Denver’s defense starts off with a forced fumble and a three-and-out. Hopefully, the offense can hold up their end after that terrible start. — Ryan McFadden

    Fourth-and-nothing (6:21 p.m.): And then Javonte Williams gets stuffed on fourth down from the 2. Just an abysmal start from the Broncos offense there. — Matt Schubert

    And nearly given away (6:19 p.m.): And then the Broncos nearly give it right back. Just an absolutely insane throw from Russell Wilson right there.

    You have to throw that ball away. — Matt Schubert

    Even though the pass was ruled incomplete, why would Wilson throw that pass? — Ryan McFadden

    Team takeaway (6:17 p.m.): Well, that’s one way to start a ballgame. D.J. Jones just pancaked Bailey Zappe and now the Broncos have the ball at the New England 6-yard line. — Matt Schubert

    Coin toss (6:15 p.m.): Broncos win the coin toss and — surprise, surprise — elect to kick. — Joe Nguyen

    Pre-game updates

    Merry Christmas (5:30 p.m.): The Patriots are playing without Jabrill Peppers, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Rhamondre Stevenson and Hunter Henry. It’s like the football gods gave the Broncos an early Christmas present. They have to take advantage of this opportunity. — Ryan McFadden

    Inactives (4:40 p.m.): No surprises among the Broncos inactives:

    • OLB Nik Bonitto
    • QB Ben DiNucci
    • S JL Skinner
    • TE Nate Adkins
    • OLB Thomas Incoom
    • C Alex Forsyth
    • DL Elijah Garcia

    — Parker Gabriel

    Week 16 (4:15 p.m.): Merry Christmas Eve and happy holidays to everyone joining the live blog tonight. It’s a chilly evening at Empower Field but the wind is light, the playing surface looks great and the Broncos playoff hopes rest in the balance against New England. While the scoreboard watching (and holiday meal consumption) swings into full gear, we’ll have you covered with all the latest from around the league and from Broncos/Patriots tonight.

    So far today, the Broncos have received good results from other teams, most notably Cleveland dominating Houston. Tampa leading Jacksonville, 30-0, is a good result for the Broncos, too. Denver wants Miami to win the AFC East, but also wants the Dolphins to beat Buffalo in Week 18, so perhaps its better if Dallas comes back from a halftime deficit and wins there.

    Of course, the best-case scenario would have been for the Chargers to hold on to their lead last night against the Bills, but that didn’t happen. It’s all contingent, of course, on Sean Payton’s team winning its final five games. — Parker Gabriel

    Scouting report (9 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Patriots in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

    Game predictions

    Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 27, Patriots 17

    It may not feel like a comfortable, two-score victory all the way through. But Denver wants to make the playoffs and New England wants a shiny, new quarterback at the top of the 2024 draft. Why deliver coal to the stocking for both when instead everybody can wake up happy on Christmas morning?

    Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 20, Patriots 10

    If Denver’s defense wants to get the sour taste out of its mouth after allowing 42 points to the Lions, Christmas Eve would be the perfect time to do so. The Patriots rank near the bottom in every offensive category. Broncos Country will be gifted with a win, but there’s still more work to do to make the playoffs a reality.

    Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 19, Patriots 9

    Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Empower / The coaches on both sides felt decidedly dour / Big Russ looked painful, but Zappe looked worse / And Jeudy’s three drops made Santa’s brain hurt / But I heard him exclaim, as he headed toward Berkeley / “Merry Christmas to all … except for The Hoodie!”

    Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 3, Patriots 2

    Bah, humbug! Football on Christmas Eve is an unholy intrusion by the NFL. Sorta like if grumpy Bill Belichick showed up at your holiday party bearing only Cheez-Its and asking where you keep the good bourbon.

    Broncos-Patriots NFL Week 16: Must-reads

    Broncos coach Sean Payton on being in the playoff hunt: “It’s addictive”

    The stakes are high for the Broncos in their matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday, but head coach Sean Payton enjoys it. In fact, he craves these pressured situations.

    “It’s addictive,” he said. “As great as it feels when you win and all the things that go into it, it’s like the opposite when you don’t. It’s like misery — you can’t wait for the next weekend.”

    If the Broncos want to have any shot at the postseason, they have to win the final three games, starting with their home matchup on Christmas Eve. At 7-7, Denver has a 22% chance of making the playoffs, according to the New York Times postseason simulator. Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.

    Broncos defense confident it can get back to dictating play after bad night vs. Lions: “We have to in order to win these next three games”

    Vance Joseph’s defense powered the Broncos’ surge back into contention.

    The offense and special teams had its moments with timely touchdown drives or field-tilting returns, but wins followed once Denver’s defense transformed from one of the NFL’s worst groups into one of its best.


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    I'm Jesse Rose I'm a traveling photographer, videographer and content creator from Byron Bay, Australia. I am a full-time photographer and optionally write top-notch content for the website cortinatravel.com

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