Broncos’ special gifts give Pats steady lifts
DENVER — When the Patriots went three-and-out to start the game last night, it seemed fitting of their frequent struggles in the Mile High City.
But Tom Brady and Co. were granted a reprieve courtesy of the special teams, when Denver Broncos returner Isaiah McKenzie muffed Ryan Allen’s punt and Jacob Hollister made the recovery at the Denver 24. Two quick passes from Brady to Rex Burkhead later, the Patriots were on the board just over two minutes in.
The special teams contributions became a dominant theme of an eventual 41-16 runaway victory at Sports Authority Field. The unit was largely responsible for 17 of the Pats’ first 20 points.
“No question it sparked us,” Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola said. “Hats off to the special teams.”
After Denver answered the Patriots’ opening touchdown with a field goal, Dion Lewis returned the ensuing kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown and the Pats were up 14-3.
“Those guys did a great job blocking like they always do,” said Lewis, who also rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown. “I have the easy job. I’ve just got to hit it hard and make a guy miss when I can. Being able to give my team a boost when we needed it; it was a great way to give us a spark and some momentum on the road.”
In the second quarter, Burkhead burst through the line and blocked a Riley Dixon punt. It gave the Pats possession at the Denver 30 and set up a Stephen Gostkowski field goal that made it 20-6.
“I think the guy might have tried to block me up high,” Burkhead said. “Brandon (Bolden) did a great job of widening his guy outside and just opening it up for me.”
Burkhead noted that he had “a couple tips and a couple blocks” in his three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and said the thrill is similar to scoring a touchdown. Burkhead also received his most work as a running back this season — it was his fifth game active — with 10 carries for 36 yards. His touchdown reception was his second of the season.
The only downer for the Pats was a first-half hamstring injury that sidelined captain and special teams maven Matthew Slater.
One more special teams play helped produce the Patriots’ final touchdown.
The Broncos had 12 men on the field during Allen’s punt, which provided the Patriots with a first down at the Denver 36. That eventually led to Brady’s 6-yard scoring pass to James White with 9:04 to play.
“Coach (Joe) Judge, he had a great game plan for us all week,” Burkhead said of the Patriots special teams coach. “I thought we executed well — we really did. Anytime we can contribute in that phase and do well, it always helps out with field position and changing the momentum of the game.”