WATCH: Christmas Eve Miracle: Ryland 56-Yard FG Gives Patriots Win Over Broncos
"Merry Christmas to all ... and to all a good night."
The New England Patriots rode the leg of rookie kicker Chad Ryland to a 26-23 victory over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve, giving the Pats their fourth win of the season.
With the game tied at 23 and 58 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Pats quarterback Bailey Zappe led the team on a seven-play, 43-yard drive to the 38-yard line with only two seconds left in regulation ... just enough time to attempt a potentially game-winning field goal.
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Ryland, who had previously made a 33-yarder, while also missing a 47-yard attempt, lined up for the 56-yard attempt. The rookie's kick sailed straight through the uprights at Empower Field at Mile High, giving the Pats the road victory in.
The Pats played on Christmas Eve for the ninth time in team history, sporting a 5-3 record in those games. New England entered 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 were 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 ended with Sunday night's designation, missed his first game for the Pats in six seasons.
