Patriots vs. Broncos: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2016 Regular Season

Tom Brady wasn’t at his best. No one ever is against the Denver Broncos secondary.

That didn’t stop the New England Patriots from getting a few lucky bounces and a strong defensive effort on their way to a 16-3 win over the Broncos on Sunday. The Patriots clinched their eighth straight AFC East championship, breaking the record for most consecutive division championships in NFL history.

The Los Angeles Rams previously held the mark after winning the NFC West seven straight years from 1973 to 1979. New England also clinched a first-round bye and has a seeming stranglehold over the AFC playoff picture with two games remaining. 

Recent losses by the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs have made it all but certain the Patriots will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This also marks the team’s seventh straight year with at least 12 victories.

Of course, things did not start out that way Sunday. Brady missed on his first six throws and was throttled by the Broncos defense, getting hit in the pocket and even fumbling before finally completing his first pass. He looked completely out of sorts, while Trevor Siemian looked like the unflappable veteran. 

Michael Hurley of CBS Boston pointed out Bill Belichick had reason to be unfazed:

Brady’s first game starting 0/4 since 10/10/04. Brady went 7/19, 76 yards, 2 TDs. Wes Welker kicked a FG for Miami. Belichick fell in love.

— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) December 18, 2016

And of course, things soon reverted to normal. Brady never quite settled into an elite rhythm, but he still finished 16-of-32 passing for 188 yards. It was only his second time all season under the 250-yard mark, with Brady and Julian …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com