Patriots-Broncos Snaps & Grades: Barmore Bronco-Buster

OFFENSE

On offense, the Pats overall snap count was 58 versus the Broncos.

QUARTERBACK

Having played perhaps his best game as a pro against Denver Week 16, Zappe finished the game going 25-of-33 for 256 yards with the two third-quarter touchdowns. Though be bang the contest as the immediate prey of Denver defender D.J. Jones —who strip-sacked the Pats starter and recovered the loose ball himself at the New England five-yard line on the night’s first play from scrimmage — Zappe remained undaunted after his first-snap mishap. The second-year signal caller played turnover-free football for the remainder of the game. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Zappe’s performance was his ability to recognize and adapt to Denver’s numerous defensive looks. — often in the face of pressure. Having bene blitzed on more than 40 percent of his drop backs, Zappe did a much better job of recognizing the Broncos looks, which included a mix of nickel, dime and base defense formations. As such, Zappe successfully parlayed his confidence into taking more shots downfield, while being more aggressive in third-down situations

Grade: B+

RUNNING BACKS

While New England’s running game was largely overshadowed by the emergence of their third-quarter passing attack, New England’s running game was a solid complement. Once again taking on the lead back duties (playing on 83 percent of the Pats’ plays on offense) Ezekiel Elliott carried 12 times for 27 yards — and a 15-yard touchdown which showcases the veteran’s athleticism and on-field savvy. Second-year rusher Kevin Harris carried the ball seven times for 21 yards. Speedster Tyquan Thornton even chipped in nine yards on an end around to help add another level to New England’s running game. 

Grade: B-

RECEIVERS

With JuJu Smith-Schuster once again on the sidelines, DeVante Parker continues to be one of Zappe’s most reliable targets. Parker logged four catches for 65 yards, including a 30-yarder in the third-quarter and the 27-yard strike, which helped set the Patriots up for their game-winning heroics (…more on that in a moment.) Rookie DeMario Douglas caught five passes for 74 yards, including New England’s longest pass play of the night for 41-yards. Jalen Reagor also had a 28-yard reception to help set up the team’s first scoring drive.  

Grade: B

TIGHT ENDS

Despite the absence of team captain Hunter Henry, the Pats tight ends made their presence felt in Week 16. Mike Gesicki, who led the position by aligning on 38 snaps, was on her receiving end of an 11-yard touchdown pass from Zappe near the back of the end zone. He also secured a four-yard pass on the team’s final scoring drive. Pharaoh Brown caught both of his targets for 25 yards, including a 20-yarder in the second quarter. 

Grade: B

OFFENSIVE LINE

Though Sunday night’s showing was far from their worst effort of the season, the Pats o-line continues to struggle more than they succeed. Despite being active, Trent Brown did not start due to injury and was limited to only 21 snaps on offense. James Ferentz got the start in place of Brown and was responsible for the opening-play strip sack on Zappe. Ultimately, the Broncos blitzed Zappe on more than 40 percent of his drop-backs, keeping him under pressure all night. The line also produced little security for the running game, which mustered only 59 yards on 21 carries. 

Grade: C-

DEFENSE

On offense, the Pats overall snap count was 69 versus the Broncos.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Although much of the Patriots season has been defined by trials and tribulations, defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been arguably their standout star. The 24-year-old finished the game with eight total tackles (two for loss,) four quarterback hits and three sacks. In fact, Sunday night marked his first career three-sack game — logging two eight-yard sacks and one nine-yard sack of Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, all coming in the third quarter. Barmore now stands at 8.5 sacks on the season. Still, the contributions of his fellow line mates should not be dismissed. Tackle Davon Godchaux logged two tackles-for-loss while rookie Keion White delivered a quarterback hit and also broke up a pass. In total, New England’s run defense held its opponent under 100 collective yards rushing for the fifth straight game. 

Grade: A

LINEBACKERS

Taking all but one defensive snap, team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley led all linebackers with eight tackles while also logging a quarterback hit. Jahlani Tavai continued to perform an at a high level, earning four tackles and a forced fumble. Mack Wilson contributed three tackles, a near-interception in the end zone and a strip sack of Wilson. Wilson was a stout complement to Anfernee Jennings, who remains the team’s op edge setter. Still, the story of the night was the re-engagement of Josh Uche, who earned a sack, six quarterback pressures, a hurry, a tackle-for-loss, and a quarterback hit. 

Grade: A-

CORNERBACKS

Although New England is clearly missing the instincts and athleticism of J.C. Jackson, rookie Alex Austin and veteran Jonathan Jones combined on a tackle in spite of the latter’s lingering knee injury. Third-year defensive back Shaun Wade was credited with surrendering Denver’s 21-yard touchdown on a cover-zero blitz. However, he nearly picked Wilson on a deep pass play to receiver Jerry Jeudy. For a significantly depleted unit, the corners turned in a respectable performance. 

Grade: B-

SAFETIES

Like their fellow backfield compatriots, the safeties were without the services of their top player, Jabrill Peppers, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Once again, Kyle Dugger went the distance, taking each of New England 69 snaps on defense. He earned five total tackles (one, for loss) and a pass breakup. Jalen Mills, playing in place of Peppers, compiled six tackles and a quarterback hit. Despite Peppers being out, New England maintained its physical style, thanks to a strong showing from Dugger and Mills. 

Grade: B+

SPECIAL TEAMS

Whereas a special teams success was ultimately responsible for the Pats’ victory, the special teams unit continues to have its share of fundamental troubles. They surrendered a 52-yard punt return to Broncos specialist Marvin Mims to begin the game, while disrupting team momentum with costly penalties from Brendan Schooler and Chris Board. 

Still, the good outweighed the bad, thanks to Marte Mapu’s third-quarter forced fumble recovered by special teamer Cody Davis for a touchdown — and most importantly, rookie Chad Ryland’s game-winning field goal. 

The Eastern Michigan-turned-Maryland product entered Week 16 having connected on only 13 of 20 field goal attempts — the worst percentage among full-time kickers (65 percent) in the NFL. As Ryland prepared to make his attempt, he had already missed a 47-yard field goal wide right before halftime along with an an extra point which clanked off the left upright. Still, the 24-year-old remained undaunted as he connected from 50+ yards for just the second time in his young NFL career. His previous best was a 51-yard field goal at the New York Jets on Sept. 24. It is the fifth-longest field goal in team history.

Grade: B-