C.J. Anderson (22) of the Denver Broncos holds off Rob Ninkovich (50) of the New England Patriots in the first quarter. The Broncos played the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver on Nov. 29, 2015. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)
The best and worst from the in their Week 12 game on Sunday…
Running is back. Just when C.J. Anderson started gaining ground in the first half, the Broncos handed off to Ronnie Hillman. Anderson and Hillman split the carries early in the game. Hillman’s sweep around the right side led to a 19-yard TD run in the second quarter. Anderson bolted around left end for a 15-yard TD gallop in the fourth quarter.
Targeted. Emmanuel Sanders was Denver’s most effective receiver Sunday night against New England. He had three early catches for 41 yards, and quarterback Brock Osweiler kept going his way.
Wolfe’s lair. Derek Wolfe caused Tom Brady the most trouble early in the game. He sacked Brady for a 4-yard loss in the first quarter and made a team-high four tackles during the first half.
Waiting game. Brock Osweiler looked like a QB making just his second NFL start. In the second quarter, he waited a beat too long as the pocket collapsed on him. His pass was blocked at the shoulder and intercepted by Chandler Jones. In the first quarter, Osweiler waited long enough for the Patriots to sack him out of field-goal range.
Talib’s flags. Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib received another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty when he blocked a Patriots punt-coverage player through the out-of-bounds area.
Cold-quitt. Britton Colquitt shanked a 25-yard punt after Denver went three-and-out to start the game. He over-punted into the end zone for a net 14-yard punt in the second quarter. Nick Groke, The Denver Post
