WATCH: Zappe Holiday: Patriots Take 9-7 Lead on Zeke TD vs. Broncos
The New England Patriots offense has come alive in Mile High on Christmas Eve.
After a dismal showing throughout the first half of their Week 16 matchup with the Denver Broncos, the Pats made their presence felt on their first offensive series of the second half. Quarterback Bailey Zappe took the passing game vertical on a deep left to rookie Demario Douglas to the Denver 29-yard-line for a 41-yard gain. Two plays later, Zappe and Douglas connected again on a 13-yard route. Zappe capped the drive with a 15-yard pass to running back Ezekiel Elliott to give the Pats the touchdown and a 9-7 lead.
New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) hands off to running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Elliott showcased his athleticism on the leap, hurdle and the dive for New England's first score of the game.
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.
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.
