FINAL: Patriots 26, Broncos 23 - Ryland (two misses) puts NE on top from 56

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Dec 24, 2023 • 3:46 pm

Rookie kicker Chad Ryland, who earlier missed a field goal and extra point, hit a 56-yarder with 4 seconds left to lift the Patriots to 4-11 and dropped them to fourth in the draft order.

Denver coach Sean Payton had a very questionable game, including taking timeouts after the first two plays the Patriots had under a minute left when it looked like the Patriots were content to go to overtime. Patriots made Payton play when Bailey Zappe hit Devante Parker on a backshoulder pass to give them a shot at a field goal.

Zappe had a good game (25 of 33, 256 yards, 2 TDs, 117.7 rating) and was let down a couple of times but receivers. At the end of the day, the Patriots had two drives over 43 yards and put up 20 points.

Christian Barmore had a huge game (three sacks) against a Denver offense that was challenged without Courtland Sutton.

__________________

Regular season Game #15: Patriots (3-11) at Denver Broncos (7-7), 8:15 p.m.
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver.
TV: NFL Network/WPTV05. Rich Eisen (play-by-play), Kurt Warner (color), James Palmer and Sherree Burgess (sidelines).
Radio: 98.5-FM The SportsHub in Boston. **Bedard will be on the postgame show approximately one hour after the game.**
Online: Live Box | Patriots media notes | Broncos media notes | Flipcard
FanDuel Latest Line: Broncos 7.5, o/u 37
AccuWeather forecast: Cold and clear.

ROSTER MOVES/UPDATES

Patriots:

Conor McDermott (IR) and Hunter Henry were been downgraded to out.
OL James Ferentz was signed to the 53-man roster.
CB Breon Borders and TE Matt Sokol have been elevated to the active roster from the practice squad.