Editor: Joe Bryant. Game Recap Contributors: Mike Anderson, Michael Brown, Chris Burtt, J.D. Caldwell, David Dodds, Bobby Elder, Jim Enochs, Joel Faulhaber, Michael Flynn, Kevin Goldblum, Clayton Gray, Bob Harris, Fred Hebert, Jesse Hilsenrad, Drew Kendall, Jeff Lewis, Joey Matusek, Justin Oliver, Steve Prosapio, David Shick, Cody Smith, Scott Smith, Jeffrey Stout. Denver 24 at New England 16 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Denver Broncos: The Broncos looked very good on both sides of the ball. They were able to stop the Patriots from sustaining drives and kept them out of big plays. QB Brian Griese looked to WR Ed McCaffrey more than in previous games, throwing him 8 passes for 116 yards. Shannon Sharpe returned to Earth catching 2 passes for 19 yards although he did score. The Broncos defense is firing on all cylinders, hitting hard, forcing fumbles, and getting five sacks. New England Patriots: The Patriots struggled in the red zone, although they did convert an Antowain Smith touchdown run. WR Troy Brown was held to 59 yards while David Patten and Deion Branch did not make a catch the entire game. The Patriots fell behind early and were forced to pass. This allowed the Broncos to dictate the Patriots play calling. As a result, Brady completed just over 50% of his passes, while Antowain Smith averaged 4.5 yards on just 13 carries. The Patriots defense didn't come together until the fourth quarter, when the Broncos started to run out the clock. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Denver Broncos QB: Griese missed a long pass to Shannon Sharpe which could have been a touchdown, but got a pass interference call instead. Overall, he was 18 for 23 and 229 yards with 1 TD and 1 Interception. Not incredible numbers but good enough to win. RB: Clinton Portis had 26 carries for 111 yards and a pair of scores. He looked great running and blocking, but was not used as a receiver out of the backfield. He got 26 carries, compared to Griese's 23 pass attempts, showing that he is the first option on the Denver offense. Portis owners were thrilled to see him get the short yardage work as his TD runs were from 1 yard and 4 yards out. Mike Anderson is not totally out of the picture though. He received two goalline carries inside the 5 yard line on one series in the 4th Quarter. Probably to the benefit Portis owners, Anderson was stopped on both carries. For the day, he gained 21 yards on 7 carries. WR: Ed McCaffrey was the focal point of the offense. He caught 8 passes on his first 8 targets, getting 116 yards. He looks to have regained the form that he had before breaking his leg last year. Rod Smith caught seven passes but seemed to be the third option in the offense after Portis and McCaffrey. TE: Griese threw a touchdown pass to Shannon Sharpe, and the two almost connected on another long pass. Obviously, Sharpe was not as big a part of the offense as in the previous week, but did catch Griese's only touchdown pass. Pass Defense: An excellent job shutting down the Patriots. Holding Troy Brown to under 60 yards while totally shutting out David Patten and Deion Branch is saying something. Some credit goes to the Denver offense for controlling the game but this was an outstanding day. Rush Defense: The game plan changed as New England was forced to play catch-up. Antowain Smith was effective when he ran the ball, but he only carried it 13 times. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/** New England Patriots QB: Brady did throw deep to David Patten and Deion Branch, but without success. He ended up an anemic 15/29 for 130 yards and 1 TD. In one red zone appearance, Tom Brady threw what would have been a 12 yd TD right through David Patten's hands. Brady was almost picked off in the end zone on the next play. He was sporting gloves on both hands in case that interests you... RB: Antowain Smith was once again effective with the limited number of carries he got. He had 13 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown against a very stingy Denver defense. His lack of production is tied to the Patriots low time of possession. WR: Troy Brown did not catch the short slants that had been a staple of the Patriots offense earlier in the season. He did, however, catch a number of short screen passes. David Patten and Deion Branch did not make a catch the entire game. Patten dropped a sure long touchdown, but set up a field goal with a pass interference call at the 10 yard line. TE: Christian Fauria was the Patriots starting tight end. He caught three passes including an eight yard rainbow in the back corner of the end zone for a touchdown. The Patriots use the tight end a lot in the end zone, so Fauria may be a good fantasy option. Pass Defense: The Patriots pass defense generated a pair of sacks and an interception, but allowed Brian Griese to complete 18 of 23 passes on the day. Run Defense: The Patriots allowed Clinton Portis to become the fifth consecutive 100 yard rusher they have faced. The Patriots did give up fewer rushing yards than in weeks past, but were unable to tighten up in the red zone and allowed a pair of rushing touchdowns.