Broncos at Patriots second quarter recap

The Denver Broncos would open the second quarter with Drew Lock hitting Albert Okwuegbunam over the middle who would turn it up field for an 18-yard gain to the New England Patriots 40-yard line.

Lock would almost be picked on the next play going deep to Tim Patrick in the end zone. However, two plays later on third and eight, Lock found Albert O again over the middle for a 27-yard gain to the Patriots 11-yard line.

Albert O would drop a catchable pass from Drew Lock on second down on what should have been a touchdown. On third and seven from the Patriots eight-yard line, Lock floated a pass to Jerry Jeudy in the back of the end zone that fell incomplete.

Brandon McManus would come onto the field to increase the Broncos lead to 9-0 in the first half.

The Patriots got the ball moving again on their next drive. They have had early success on third downs converting 4 of their 6 third down attempts in the first half. From their own 49-yard line, Cam Newton had all day to throw but coverage was solid and he gain just a couple of yards.

On the next play, De’Vante Bausby went from the pick six and whiffed. The Patriots wide receiver turned it up field for a 16-yard gain to the Broncos 33-yard line. A quick pass outside gained another first down into the red zone, but Cam Newton had a snap go over his head for a 15-yard loss.

That put the Patriots on the edge of field goal range for a second and 25, but Newton got the ball out as he was hit to get 12 yards back. On third and 13, Newton was rushed to a throw that fell incomplete.

The drive ended up cutting the Broncos lead to 9-3 after a 43-yard field goal by Nick Folk with just over five minutes left in the first half.

Denver would start from their own 18-yard line on their next drive. Phillip Lindsay took that first down hand-off and broke through the line on his way to a big 20-yard gain. After a follow-up two yard gain by Lindsay, Drew Lock found Tim Patrick over the middle for a 17-yard gain and a first down to put Denver on the fringe of scoring range.

Two plays later, Dionte Spencer took a jet sweep for a nine yard gain to bring up a third and one for Denver.

Royce Freeman would convert on a third yard gain to bring the first half to the two minute warning.

One first down, Lindsay would break a tackle on his way to a six yard gain. From the shotgun, Lock handed off to Freeman who bullied his way to the first down marker.

With 40 seconds to play, Lock threw the ball away while under pressure on first down from the Patriots 21-yard line. Lock would take a terrible sack for a 13-yard loss on second down. Denver tried to run to get a few yards back, but Freeman is stuffed at the 34-yard line.

Brandon McManus would nail a 52-yard field goal to extend the Broncos lead back to nine for a 12-3 halftime lead.