New England’s dormant offense received a jolt of energy from Elliott’s electrifying play. Quarterback Bailey Zappe found him in the flat, and Elliott hurdled Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian on the way to the go-ahead touchdown.
Earlier on the drive, Zappe made an excellent throw to wide receiver Demario Douglas for a 41-yard gain after stepping up into the pocket to avoid the Broncos’ pass rush.
Because points are hard to come by for the Patriots, kicker Chad Ryland missed the extra point following Elliott’s score, making it a 9-7 game.
Elliott has had a quiet first season in New England. Entering Week 16, he had 145 carries for 522 yards, his 3.6 yards per carry the lowest of his career.
The entire offense has been unwatchable this season, averaging a league-low 13.3 points per game. Elliott’s touchdown, and Bailey’s throw before it, is one of the rare instances where the unit’s been worth watching.
