CJ ANDERSON BUSTED loose in driving snow flurries for the winning touchdown as the Denver Broncos completed a brilliant comeback to beat New England 30-24 in overtime, handing the Patriots their first loss of the season.
Denver’s defense thwarted quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots on the first overtime possession, and running back Anderson broke free from a couple of Patriot defenders for the 48-yard winning run.
“This league is about overcoming adversity many, many, many times over. Not just once,” said Denver coach Gary Kubiak.
Quarterback Brock Osweiler, making his second career start in place of injured future hall-of-famer Peyton Manning, was 23-of-42 for 270 yards, including a touchdown pass to wide receiver Andre Caldwell in the final moments of the fourth quarter. Osweiler was intercepted once.
Brady completed 23-of-42 for 280 yards, connecting with running back Brandon Bolden and tight ends Scott Chandler and Rob Gronkowski for touchdowns.
Gronkowski took a hard hit trying to make a catch with just under three minutes remaining and was carted off the field with a knee injury. Gronkowski, who finished with six catches and 88 yards, is expected to see team doctors later today.
Osweiler gave Denver (9-2) its first lead of the night 24-21 when he completed a four-yard touchdown pass to Caldwell with 1:09 remaining in regulation.
That was enough time for Brady to drive the Patriots to Denver 29-yard line. With no time left, kicker Stephen Gostkowski drilled a 47-yard field goal amidst the snow flurries to send the game into overtime.
