Patriots’ rookie class has a significant impact on their triumph over the Broncos.
Before Sunday’s game, New England has ruled out wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and veteran tight end Hunter Henry from the offensive side of the ball.
With two of their best receiving options out of the picture, rookie broad receiver Demario Douglas was once again given a significant role.
Leading all New England pass receivers with 74 yards, including a magnificent full-extension 41-yard grab that helped spark the Patriots’ first touchdown drive, Douglas answered the bell.
But apart from the highlight reel catch, Douglas’s speed and ability to split the coverage in the slot made him a threat to Denver’s defense, as demonstrated by this nasty “whip” route.
“He’s still honing his inside-the-box skills and cunning,” said wide receivers coach Troy Brown. Not everything has to run at full speed at the time. just getting a solid understanding of how to operate the slot machine.
Russell Wilson & the Broncos offense were slowed down in large part by New England’s pressure defense.
With three sacks, Christian Barmore led the Patriots to their second-best pressure rate for a game this season, which was close to 42 percent.
Beyond Barmore and a few other familiar faces on the defensive line, though, rookie Keion White wreaked havoc up front for New England.
The second-round pick showed off his speed and ability to rush on a stunt, tally a QB hit, record run stuff, and bat down a ball in one of his best outings of the year.
Due to their victory, New England’s prospects of selecting one of the best three quarterbacks from this year’s draft class are diminished as they now sit fourth on the current NFL Draft selection order for 2024.
Despite everything, the hard-fought victory on Sunday night demonstrated the Patriots’ talent and equipment to contend.
The young players on the team will benefit from it, which will give them impetus going into 2024.
Before Sunday’s game, New England has ruled out wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and veteran tight end Hunter Henry from the offensive side of the ball.
With two of their best receiving options out of the picture, rookie broad receiver Demario Douglas was once again given a significant role.
Leading all New England pass receivers with 74 yards, including a magnificent full-extension 41-yard grab that helped spark the Patriots’ first touchdown drive, Douglas answered the bell.
But apart from the highlight reel catch, Douglas’s speed and ability to split the coverage in the slot made him a threat to Denver’s defense, as demonstrated by this nasty “whip” route.
“He’s still honing his inside-the-box skills and cunning,” said wide receivers coach Troy Brown.
Not everything has to run at full speed at the time. just getting a solid understanding of how to operate the slot machine.
Russell Wilson & the Broncos offense were slowed down in large part by New England’s pressure defense.
With three sacks, Christian Barmore led the Patriots to their second-best pressure rate for a game this season, which was close to 42 percent.
Beyond Barmore and a few other familiar faces on the defensive line, though, rookie Keion White wreaked havoc up front for New England.
The second-round pick showed off his speed and ability to rush on a stunt, tally a QB hit, record run stuff, and bat down a ball in one of his best outings of the year.
The Pats won, and while their method of doing so was undoubtedly spectacular, it wasn’t free.
Due to their victory, New England’s prospects of selecting one of the best three quarterbacks from this year’s draft class are diminished as they now sit fourth on the current NFL Draft selection order for 2024.
Despite everything, the hard-fought victory on Sunday night demonstrated the Patriots’ talent and equipment to contend.
The young players on the team will benefit from it, which will give them impetus going into 2024.
It also assisted in dispelling the absurd notion that the team is tanking the rest of the season in an attempt to raise its draft position.
New England showed resiliency in Week 16, which at the very least pleased the “ghosts of Christmas present”—even though there are still many questions regarding the region’s future.
Zappe appeared to change the course of events on the opening snap of the game, even if he came into it looking for a solution to his second-half slump.
The Pats starter was strip-sacked by Denver safety D.J. Jones, who also recovered the loose ball inside the New England five-yard line.
Luckily for Zappe, Denver was unable to reach the end zone as the Pats defense forced a four-and-out.
Although the Patriots offense has received a lot of criticism from the fan population as a whole, rookie kicker Chad Ryland could be the most hated member of the squad.
The product of Eastern Michigan who moved to Maryland began Week 16 having made just 13 of 20 field goals, which was the lowest percentage in the NFL among full-time kickers (65%).
Just before halftime, Ryland had previously missed an extra point but clanked off the left upright and a 47-yard field goal that went wide, setting himself up for his game-winning effort.
Even so, the 24-year-old showed no fear as he made his first-ever 50+ yard field goal in his brief NFL career.
His previous best came on September 24 at the New York Jets, a 51-yard field goal. In the history of the team, it is the fifth-longest field goal.
He is still one of the team’s best defenders because of his ability to push the pocket and hold up to the run. The Alabama product is powerful enough to be successful on double teams and plays with solid leverage.
He finds the ball fast, chases hard, and has a great range considering his height. Barmore has additionally proven to have quick hands, which helps him while pressuring the passer and stuffing runs.
His wholehearted effort was a big part of the Pats defense’s crucial stops on many Denver possessions on Sunday night.
When Barmore becomes eligible in the upcoming season, the Patriots should prioritize keeping him in a uniform for the long run.
It also assisted in dispelling the absurd notion that the team is tanking the rest of the season in an attempt to raise its draft position.
New England showed resiliency in Week 16, which at the very least pleased the “ghosts of Christmas present”—even though there are still many questions regarding the region’s future.
Zappe appeared to change the course of events on the opening snap of the game, even if he came into it looking for a solution to his second-half slump.
The Pats starter was strip-sacked by Denver safety D.J. Jones, who also recovered the loose ball inside the New England five-yard line.
Luckily for Zappe, Denver was unable to reach the end zone as the Pats defense forced a four-and-out.
Although the Patriots offense has received a lot of criticism from the fan population as a whole, rookie kicker Chad Ryland could be the most hated member of the squad.
The product of Eastern Michigan who moved to Maryland began Week 16 having made just 13 of 20 field goals, which was the lowest percentage in the NFL among full-time kickers (65%).
Just before halftime, Ryland had previously missed an extra point but clanked off the left upright and a 47-yard field goal that went wide, setting himself up for his game-winning effort.
Even so, the 24-year-old showed no fear as he made his first-ever 50+ yard field goal in his brief NFL career.
His previous best came on September 24 at the New York Jets, a 51-yard field goal. In the history of the team, it is the fifth-longest field goal.
He is still one of the team’s best defenders because of his ability to push the pocket and hold up to the run. The Alabama product is powerful enough to be successful on double teams and plays with solid leverage.
He finds the ball fast, chases hard, and has a great range considering his height. Barmore has additionally proven to have quick hands, which helps him while pressuring the passer and stuffing runs.
His wholehearted effort was a big part of the Pats defense’s crucial stops on many Denver possessions on Sunday night.
When Barmore becomes eligible in the upcoming season, the Patriots should prioritize keeping him in a uniform for the long run.