Cover32: Grade Day: Who shined in the New England Patriots win over the Broncos? | New England Patriots

Grade Day: Who shined in the New England Patriots win over the Broncos? | New England Patriots

The New England Patriots turned in a stellar performance Sunday afternoon against the Denver Broncos. In a cold and windy Gillette Stadium, with the unseasonal snow already ended, the Patriots gave the Broncos a blast of aggressive play on both sides of the ball.



The Patriots jumped out to a 27-7 lead at the half as quarterback Tom Brady threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Julian Edelman had a huge first half as he exploded for 66 yards on six receptions, while adding a scintillating 84-yard punt return for a touchdown. On defense the Patriots forced three punts, a turnover on downs, a missed field goal and a momentum-changing interception to Rob Ninkovich.



Despite allowing two second half touchdowns, the Patriots tightened up in the fourth quarter as the Broncos failed to convert fourth downs on all three drives, stalling out in New England territory three times. Rob Gronkowski made the play of the game with a dramatic one-handed, 20-yard reception at the beginning of the fourth quarter to set-up his one-yard touchdown on the next play.



As we do each week at Cover32.com, it is time to dig into the game film and hand out the grades for the Patriots.

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