Best of Social Media: Week 15 Patriots vs Broncos

The New England Patriots entered Week 15 of the NFL season in a tight race for the AFC’s number one seed in the playoffs, with a win they would also clinch the East division title for the eighth consecutive season.

The team knew a tough challenge lied ahead against the Denver Broncos top ranked defense and a building that has historically been a “house of horrors” for the Patriots to the tone of two AFC Championship losses in the last three years.

The first quarter began with some early fireworks by the Patriots special teams unit, a bit of a reversal from the struggles against the Ravens as rookie Jonanthan Jones recovered a Jordan Norwood fumbled punt.

https://twitter.com/FirstDownFR/status/810601702239961089

https://twitter.com/FitzyGFY/status/810597799708463105

Quarterback Tom Brady struggled early on, starting 0 for 6 and unable to complete his first pass until the second quarter.

The #Patriots kicked a field goal and Tom Brady hasn't completed a pass. This will not happen often.

— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) December 18, 2016

The Patriots would cash in on the turnover, 3-0 after a Stephen Gostkowski field goal midway through the first quarter.

Following return struggles against Baltimore last week, Julian Edelman saw brief action on special teams.

Julian Edelman was back deep on the Patriots' first punt return of the afternoon. Finished the play by fist-bumping a ref.

— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) December 18, 2016

Pink Stripes.

Shea McClellin was just playing WR.

— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) December 18, 2016

Tom Brady: 0-for-6 in the 1st quarter

The last time he went an entire first quarter without a completion was Week 15, 2009 at Bills

— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) December 18, 2016

The Patriots offense continued to struggle to find its groove, but the defense kept the Broncos in check. Allowing a lone field goal to keep the game tied at 3 following one quarter of play.

Logan Ryan with the 42-yard interception return for the #Patriots

— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) December 18, 2016

The first Patriots player to catch a pass in this game was Logan Ryan.

— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) December 18, 2016

https://twitter.com/RFootball/status/810611684796727296

Following the turnover, Brady at last made the Broncos pay.

BREAKING NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT: Tom Brady has completed a forward pass.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 18, 2016

Things I didn't expect to type: Tom Brady's first completion comes 16 minutes into the game.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 18, 2016

Julian Edelman makes some stewwwwwwpid catches.

— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) December 18, 2016

The short field setup the Patriots first touchdown of the game, and it was a record breaker for running back LeGarrette Blount.

.@LG_Blount scores his 15th rushing TD of the season!

That’s a new @Patriots single-season record! #Patriots https://t.co/ndMaUMmFer

— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2016

LeGarrette Blount is now the Patriots single-season record holder for rushing TDs in a season, with 15. Breaks Curtis Martin's record.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 18, 2016

.@LG_Blount: the most rushing touchdowns in a single season in #Patriots history. #NEvsDEN pic.twitter.com/SnW4s4zBZC

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 18, 2016

Brady starts 0 for 6, finishes the half 8 for 10 for 73 yards

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 18, 2016

The Patriots would enter halftime with a 10-3 lead.

Heading into the third quarter, Julian Edelman said some NSFW things that were captured by the CBS microphones.

He mad https://t.co/CqvT2ZlNX5

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 18, 2016

Julian Edelman is willing to fist-fight every Bronco.

— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) December 18, 2016

Interesting graphic from CBS on LeGarrette Blount and where he stands among other notable undrafted running backs. pic.twitter.com/TdiMPPGGAi

— Oliver Thomas (@OliverBThomas) December 18, 2016

The scoring remained minimal the remainder of the game as Stephen Gostkowski tacked on two more field goals in the third and fourth quarters to bring the Patriots lead to 16-3.

Devin McCourty and the defense stifled Trevor Siemian’s offense until the final whistle.

#Patriots ball!

Devin McCourty with the huge hit on Thomas on #Broncos 4thdown.#NEvsDEN #PatriotsNation pic.twitter.com/OS9mbPnuPI

— KeekoMetty (@KeekoMetty) December 19, 2016