Some funny observations from the Patriots' win over Broncos
The New England Patriots have already been eliminated from the playoffs, so with three games left, let's have a little fun. This season has been anything but ordinary for the Patriots, and there have been a lot of moments where all you can do is laugh. So here are some of my funny reactions and […]
The New England Patriots have already been eliminated from the playoffs, so with three games left, let's have a little fun.
This season has been anything but ordinary for the Patriots, and there have been a lot of moments where all you can do is laugh.
So here are some of my funny reactions and thoughts during the Patriots' win over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve.
- On the game's first snap, Bailey Zappe was strip-sacked, and the Broncos recovered. Even this was considered bad for a Patriots offense that has been struggling all year.
- Sean Peyton seemed to forget the team he was playing against, opting to go for it on fourth down instead of taking the easy three points. And New England's defense, which has been very solid all year, stopped them on the goal line. Since the Patriots won by a field goal, I'm guessing he wished he could have that one back.
- On the next offensive, the Patriots went three-and-out. And one reporter had the perfect words to describe this one.
- The broadcast said, "Zappe holiday, everyone." How long do you think it took them to come up with that?
- Broncos' Marvin Mims Jr. took the punt return to the New England 25-yard line for 52 yards. And it was punter Bryce Baringer who had to eventually knock him out of bounds. That's not supposed to happen.
- Jahlani Tavai forces yet another turnover for the Patriots, and while it looked like the Broncos jumped on the ball first, Jeremiah Pharms has clearly been working on his tug of war skills. He ripped the ball away, getting the Patriots the ball back.
- The injuries to key players on the offensive line have been noticeable all season, but no photo accurately describe how bad the depth is, more than this one. Seems like blocking was no longer working.
- After missing a field goal, Chad Ryland proceeded to doink an extra point after Ezekiel Elliott got into the end zone for the Patriots for their first touchdown of the game
- The US Olympic track and field team might being giving Ezekiel Elliott a call soon after his impressive hurdle.
- Everyone was expecting the special teams unit without Matthew Slater to not do very well. Instead they forced a fumble on a kick off and recovered it for the touchdown. Bill didn't even crack a smile, but I think that's about as much celebration as you can expect from him when the team is 3-11.
- Christian Barmore had a career-high three sacks in the game. He once told me he wanted to try skiing for the first time, but based on the way he is playing, that should only be allowed if he's covered in bubble wrap. Can't risk him getting hurt.
- The special teams penalty that we waited all night for, finally occurred with under two minutes remaining in the game. The Patriots were flagged for illegal formation and Denver elected to have New England redo the punt. While Baringer nailed a 76 yarder before, this time he wasn't able to get it down field as far, instead giving the Broncos the ball at their own 37.
- As the broadcast said, "a kicker redemption story." Ryland nailed the game-winning field goal despite having missed a field goal and extra point earlier in the night. For a guy who has been struggling this season, this was really great to see.
- A Patriots win was the best Christmas present they could give Bill Belichick because each victory means he might get to keep his job next season.
