Bailey Zappe and the New England Patriots squeak past the Denver Broncos 26-23 with game winning 57-yard field goal at Mile High Stadium on Sunday.

The New England Patriots led 23-7 late in the 3^rd quarter after going on a 20-0 scoring run, but Denver would make a charge in the 4^th. Russell Wilson led the Broncos to two straight touchdown drives to tie the game at 23 with under 3 minutes remaining.

Both teams would trade punts and the Patriots would have an opportunity to win the game late. Bailey Zappe marched the New England offense 43 yards downfield in under a minute to give Chad Ryland a chance from 57 yards away.

Ryland, who missed a field goal and PAT earlier in the game, knocked down the game winning 57-yard field goal.

Bailey Zappe and Demario Douglas conducted the New England offense in the win against Denver. Zappe had a bounce back performance throwing for 256 yards on 25/33 with 2 touchdowns.

“Bailey’s done a good job”, said Ezekiel Elliott. “When there’s nothing there just getting the ball to the checkdown. That’s why we had so much success with him in there. Proud of Bailey. Just how much ownership he’s taken in this offense. How much leadership he has with this offense. Happy for the kid”.

Last week, Zappe struggled versus the Kansas City Chiefs totaling for 180 yards and only led the New England offense to one 2^nd half score.

Demario Douglas recorded 5 receptions for 74 yards in his second game back since recovering from a concussion.

Ezekiel Elliott added 60 yards and a receiving touchdown.

This week, New England was able to put points up in the 2^nd half, which was able issue for them in the previous week. Against the Broncos, the Patriots offense scored 20 points in the 3^rd quarter and a field goal in the 4^th.

“It was kind of an opposite day for us. We’ve been starting fast in the last few weeks, and we started very slow,” said Zappe. “First play of the game I fumbled and then from there the momentum for us [shifted]”.

On defense, the Patriots were uplifted by Christian Barmore, who has become a playmaker at defensive tackle in his 3^rd year. Barmore recorded a season-high three sacks with two tackles for loss and four QB hits.

“My coaches told me ‘Turn Up’ and I said ‘Yes sir. I got you’”, said Christian Barmore. “I felt a little sludgy but in the 2^nd half I turned up”.

Ja’Whaun Bentley continues to be an anchor on defense for New England completing eight total tackles and a QB hit.

With this win, New England earns their fourth victory on the season. The Patriots have already been eliminated from the playoffs but look to spoil others post-season hopes.

For the Denver Broncos, this loss drastically affects their chances to make the playoffs. They are now a game behind the Colts, Texans, Bengals, and Steelers for the last Wild Card spot.

Though in defeat, Russell Wilson led the Denver Broncos. Wilson had 238 yards on 25/37 passing with two touchdowns.

Marvin Mims added 63 yards on three receptions and Brandon Johnson had 47 yards on three receptions for a touchdown.

Up Next

Next week the New England Patriots will travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos will stay at home to battle the Los Angeles Chargers.