Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots: Madden 21 simulation

First quarter

The Patriots got the ball first but the Broncos defense held up nicely and forced a three-and-out.

A nice punt by the Patriots forced Diontae Spencer to call for a fair catch at the Broncos’ 20. Phillip Lindsay was a bright spot in this game, especially on the Broncos’ first drive. Denver was able to get him the ball in the run game but he also had a nice catch. Royce Freeman ran for a 24-yard gain on the very next play.

Against the Patriots, you really need to take some risks. The Broncos did that late in the first quarter when they went for it on fourth and inches. They succeeded, but barely. Lindsay finished the first quarter with nine rushes for 42 yards.

Second quarter

On the goal line (4-yard line), the Broncos continued to run the ball. The Patriots sniffed that out for a 2-yard loss. Lock then took a sack after holding onto the ball too long. It was a loss of 13 yards. Ouch.

Brandon McManus kicked a field goal, making the score 3-0 Broncos. The drive was a long one—15 plays. It’s disappointing that it didn’t result in a touchdown.

Newton found a receiver for a 25-yard gain after rolling right.

Newton used his legs to pick up some yards and extend drives. The Broncos know all about what that is like.

The Patriots were on the Broncos’ goal line and handed off to their running back for a short touchdown. With the extra point by Nick Folk, the Patriots went up 7-3.

Facing a third-and-one, the Broncos chose to throw the football with two minutes left in the first half. The ball went incomplete, and the team punted the ball. It went for 41 yards with no return. Ball on the 18 with 1:50 left in the half.

On 2nd-and-10, Josey Jewell got to Newton for a six-yard sack. Facing 3rd-and-16, the Patriots just ran the football to force Denver to use their second timeout. Then came a punt, which went for 37 yards with no return.

Lock saw a wide open Jerry Jeudy but unfortunately overthrew him. Had the pass been on target, Jeudy would be in the end zone. Lock rebounded on the very next play, though, with a pass to Jeudy. It was a diving catch that resulted in a first down and Jeudy  going out of bounds, stopping the clock.

Lock found Jeudy again a few plays later for a 9-yard touchdown. The Broncos took the lead 10-7 to end the half.

Lock finished the first half with 56 passing yards and a touchdown. Lindsay finished with 11 carries for 49 yards, leading the game. Jeudy finished the half with three receptions for 42 yards and a score.

Three Broncos finished the first half with two tackles: Duke Dawson Jr, Michael Ojemudia, and Kareem Jackson.