By Sam Nipatnantaporn
The New England Patriots’ (7-2) win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday keeps Pats in first place in the AFC East.
Denver came out of the first quarter on top 7-3 but 0 for 5 on third down conversions and 0 for 1 on a 4th and 6th attempt. The Pats scored the next 24 points in the second quarter and went on to win their fifth consecutive game, 43-21. The Broncos’ loss ended their four-game winning streak, putting them at 6-2 but still first in the AFC West.
In the past five wins, quarterback Tom Brady had 18 TD passes and one interception. Broncos QB Peyton Manning threw two interceptions in this game,the first landing in the arms of Rob Ninkovich and the second in Brandon Browner’s. The two turnovers led to touchdowns by the Patriots. Brady threw four touchdowns while wide receiver Julian Edelman also returned a punt 84 yards for a score.
Brady completed 62 percent of his 53 passes and hit Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Rob Gronkowski and Shane Vereen for a score in his 200th career start. Brady wasn’t at his best, but he was definitely the superior quarterback, outshining Manning overall.
Other highlights from the game included Edelman having nine catches for 89 yards, Gronkowski, nine for 105. On the Denver side, Demaryus Thomas caught seven balls for 127 and Emmanuel Sanders led Denver with ten receptions for 151.
The Patriots play the Indianapolis Colts (5-3) next on Sunday.