Ghost of Christmas Past: Patriots Upset Broncos on Last-Second Field Goal
So now we know how the Ghost of Christmas Past spent its Sunday night.
The New England Patriots, mired in their worst season in 30 years, pulled off one of their more remarkable wins in franchise history late in the frigid, Mile High mountains on Christmas Eve. Though they only improved to 4-11, the wild upset provided a momentary reminder of past success for one of the NFL's greatest dynasties.
After missing an extra point and a field goal earlier, rookie kicker Chad Ryland saved the game - and likely his job - with a 56-yarder with two seconds remaining as the Pats stunned the Denver Broncos, 26-23.
Said Ryland of his game-winner, "Often times, you find the greatest treasure in the darkest caves. I've obviously been struggling a little bit this year, and I was really, really fortunate to be surrounded by a team that believes in me."
New England Patriots place kicker Chad Ryland (37) reacts with punter Bryce Baringer (17) after a field goal in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots also got a heroic night from defensive lineman Christian Barmore, who had eight tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.
Emotions were yanked all over the field during the game, with the Ghost of Christmas Present taking the steering wheel into an almost colossal New England collapse. The Pats led 23-7 and had the ball near midfield with 13 minutes, yet somehow found themselves in a tie game and without momentum late.
Helped by New England's offense stymying to the tune of nine plays for only 11 yards and three punts over three possessions, the Broncos stormed back with two touchdowns and two two-point conversions to tie the game at 23-23.
The Broncos got the ball again, but New England forced a crucial three-and-out in the final minute. But with Denver calling timeouts in anticipation of getting the ball back and the Pats facing 3rd and 3, quarterback Bailey Zappe hit DeVante Parker with a crucial, acrobatic 27-yard completion into Denver territory. Four plays later Ryland - who missed from 47 yards earlier - drilled the game-winner down the middle.
Playing out the string in a season which still might cost coach Bill Belichick his job, the Patriots have won two of their last three.
The Broncos took a 7-0 lead, but then - amazingly - the Patriots score 23 unanswered points. New England, which had scored 20+ points only three times all season, erupted for 20 in the third quarter. It was the Pats' most in a quarter since Week 17 of 2021, and it could've been more if not for the miscues by Ryland.
Ezekiel Elliott put them ahead by leaping over a tackle on a 15-yard touchdown pass. Ryland missed the PAT to keep the lead at 9-7. Zappe then found tight end Mike Gesicki in the back of the end zone for a 16-7 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, special teams maven Cody Davis scooped a Broncos' fumble at the 1-yard line and fell into the end zone to push the margin to 23-7.
In a season with few highlights, the Patriots can forever look back to this Christmas miracle and a glimmer back at their glorious past.
