Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images Several rookies stepped up to help secure a victory. Entering Sunday night with a laundry list of key injuries, Christmas Eve marked a prime opportunity for several rookies to guide the New England Patriots sleigh against the Denver Broncos. They delivered when called upon en route to a 26-23 win. It started on the offensive side of the ball, where New England had ruled out veteran tight end Hunter Henry and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster prior to Sunday’s contest. Down two of their top receiving options, it again thrusted rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas into a large role. Douglas answered the bell as led all of New England’s pass catchers with 74 yards, which included a spectacular full-extension 41-yard grab to help kickstart the Patriots’ first touchdown drive. But beyond the highlight reel grab, Douglas proved to be a problem in the slot for Denver’s defense due to his speed and separation ability — as seen on a nasty ‘whip’ route below. “He’s continuing to develop his savviness and ability to play inside,” wide receivers coach Troy Brown explained. “Everything don’t always have to be full speed all the time. Just developing a good sense on how to play in the slot.” 
On the defensive side of the ball, New England’s pressure scheme was key in slowing down Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense. The Patriots generated their second best pressure rate in a game this season — close to 42 percent — with Christian Barmore leading the charge with three sacks. But beyond Barmore and some of the usual suspects on the defensive line, rookie Keion White caused havoc along New England’s front. In one of his best games of the season, the second-round pick flashed his athletic ability to log a QB hit and hurry on a stunt, while also recorded a run stuff and batting down a pass. “The more snaps he’s seen over the course of the season, he’s able to play faster with better awareness. He’s getting better with his fundamentals and technique,” defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington said. “He’s an aggressive player that plays with an aggressive mentality — which we like about him. He's a high effort guy.” The contributions from the rookie class then rolled over to a special teams unit that was down long-time captain Matthew Slater. After a touchdown to go up 16-7, third-round pick Marte Mapu was on the scene on the ensuing kickoff to create a big turnover for the second straight week, as he poked the ball away from returner Marvin Mims which Cody Davis recovered for a touchdown. Then in a tie game with seven seconds remaining, rookie kicker Chad Ryland nailed a 56-yard field goal to clinch the victory for the Patriots. “[Chad] knew he had the opportunity to win the game and he was completely focused in the net ready to go,” special teams coordinator Cam Achord said. “It just shows his mental toughness — something that goes unspoken, but you have to see that through kickers.” With two games left in the season, a strong finish from the rookie class would be a welcomed sight as eyes the Patriots continue to search for key contributors moving forward. Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2023/12/26/2 ... ry-broncos
