Christmas Jeer: Patriots Offense, Special Teams Mishaps Lead to 7-3 Halftime Deficit

The New England Patriots are once again struggling on offense and special teams as they trail 7-3 at the half of their Christmas Eve matchup against the Denver Broncos.

The New England Patriots needed a Christmas miracle to kickstart their Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field.

While Die Hard's Hans Gruber had the FBI, the Pats did not enjoy the same "good cheer." 

New England's fortunes on offense seemed headed for a negative turn on their very first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Bailey Zappe was sacked by Broncos defender D.J. Jones, who made quick work of Pats offensive lineman James Ferentz for the easy strip of New England's second-year quarterback. The strip-sack of Zappe resulted in -16 yards of offense. Thanfully for the Patriots, their defense was able to hold the Broncos to a four-and-out. 

Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High / Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY

Still, Denver would capitalize on another Pats breakdown in coverage — this time on special teams. Without the services of team captain Matthew Slater for the first time since 2017, New England's special teams trio of aces Brenden Schooler, Chris Board and Cody Davis —failed to tackle Denver return specialist Marvin Mims. As a result, Mims returned the punt 52 yards. 

MARVELOUS MARVIN‼️#ProBowlVote + @marvindmims pic.twitter.com/XWMy4aHtqw

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) December 25, 2023

Taking over at the New England 25, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson needed only five plays to lead his team to the end zone, capping the scoring drive with a three-yard touchdown run from Javonte Williams.

With New England's subpar performance in two of three phases defining the night, thus far, Denver took a 7-3 lead into halftime. 

The Pats are playing on Christmas Eve for the eighth time in team history, sporting a 5-3 record in those games. New England enters this game on the heels of a 27-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos also suffered a 42-17 demoralizing defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions.

Patriots vs. Broncos: Zappe Among ‘3 To Watch’ on Christmas Eve

In addition to safety Jabrill Peppers, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, running back Rhamondre Stevenson and tight end Hunter Henry — who were previously ruled out due to injuries, the Pats are without the services of defensive end Sam Roberts (healthy inactive) and special teams captain Matthew Slater, who has been battling a hamstring injury. Slater, whose streak of 100 straight regular-season appearances ends with Sunday night's designation, misses his first game for the Pats in six seasons. 

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