The New England Patriots improved to 4-11 on the season after a Christmas Eve win over the Denver Broncos. Here are eight players we graded UP or DOWN based on their performance…
UP: QB Bailey Zappe
Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) calls out in the first half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The game certainly didn’t start like Zappe wanted, and it sure looked like the Pats’ new starting quarterback was going to have an inauspicious night. But, lifted by a big fourth-down stop and picking up steam in the second half, Zappe responded well to the adversity. He finished 25-of-33 for 256 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Zappe was 3-of-3 for 36 yards on the Patriots’ final go-ahead drive, including a 27-yard connection with DeVante Parker to get the Patriots into Broncos territory. Zappe completed five passes of 20 or more yards total, and both of his TD passes came in the red zone.
Down marks for Zappe: the aforementioned fumble on the first play from scrimmage, and a relatively quiet fourth quarter as the Broncos came back from down 16 to tie the game late. But Zappe certainly played well enough to win in his own right, and he got big plays out of all his most important playmakers.
If Zappe can carry that momentum through the Patriots’ final two games, he could make a case to be in the lead to start in 2024. At least make it interesting between himself, Mac Jones, and any possible draft pick for the Patriots at quarterback.
UP: K Chad Ryland
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 24: Place kicker Chad Ryland #37 of the New England Patriots kicks a field goal late in the 4th quarter during the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Ryland was well on his way to a DOWN after missing both a field goal try and an extra point earlier in the game. But when you hit a 56-yarder to give your team a win, you undo all the negatives that came before it. Huge night for Ryland and a potential narrative-changer going forward.
UP: DT Christian Barmore
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 24: Defensive tackle Christian Barmore #90 of the New England Patriots sacks Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos during the 3rd quarter of the game at Empower Field At Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Barmore has simply been a force. This game was the first three-sack night of his career, and was well-earned. Barmore has made plenty of impact without racking up sacks, but in Denver he made a little more noise. He was also key on the Patriots’ first defensive stop of the game on fourth down by the goal line, which kept the game from going too badly early on. The third-year pro should be a candidate for an extension with the Patriots within the next two years.
DOWN: OT Vederian Lowe
Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) prepares to pass in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Not much needs to be said here. Lowe has been a disaster whenever called upon. He’s not even close to a starting-level tackle in the NFL, and might not be serviceable enough as a backup, either. Lowe committed an egregious holding penalty that stalled a drive in this one.
UP: WR Demario Douglas
Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke (6) tackles New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (81) in the second quarterf at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
It’s about time the Patriots got some big plays out of their wide receivers. Douglas’ 41-yard catch seemingly sparked the entire third quarter, which saw the Patriots build a 23-7 lead. He’s one of the team’s few legitimate playmakers on offense. It was great to see Douglas (five catches for 74 yards) have a big game with Zappe throwing him the ball.
UP: LB Jahlani Tavai
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 24: Running back Javonte Williams #33 of the Denver Broncos fumbles the ball for a turnover during the 2nd quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field At Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Tavai’s terrific season continued Sunday night with a forced fumble that kept the game close at the time. Tavai also logged a QB hit and four total tackles. Solid night for him and one of the few pleasant surprises on a bad team.
DOWN: CB Myles Bryant
Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Myles Bryant (27) deflects a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Schooler saved Bryant’s ass on his muffed punt return early in the fourth quarter. Talk about trying to give the game back to the opponent. The Broncos eventually came back and tied it anyway, so it’s fair to wonder if that play gave them a smidgen of life at the time.
Next Patriots Ups & Downs will come after the Pats head to Buffalo to take on the Bills, who are going to be fighting for their playoff lives.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
