Denver Broncos linebacker Shaq Barrett tries to tackle New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The slide continues for the Denver Broncos. Make that five consecutive losses.
Tom Brady threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns as the Patriots handled the Broncos 41-16 on "Sunday Night Football" in Denver.
Isaian McKenzie muffed a punt after the Broncos' defense came up with a three-plays-and-out series on the Patriots' opening series. New England recovered the loose ball and two plays later, Tom Brady threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Rex Burkhead for a 7-0.
After the Broncos cut the lead to 7-3 on Brandon McManus' 39-yard field goal, Patriots running back Dion Lewis returned the ensuing kickoff 103 yards for another score and a 14-3 lead.
The tone was set.
Later, Burkhead blocked a punt. That led to a field goal and a 20-6 lead for New England. In all, the Broncos' mistakes on special teams led to 24 Patriots points.
"That's where it started," Broncos coach Vance Joseph told Voice of the Broncos Dave Logan on KOA NewsRadio after the the game. "We gave up 24 points on [special] teams alone. [When] that happens in an NFL game, you can't win."
The Pats have won five straight to get to 7-and-2. The Broncos are now 3-6.
Denver has been outscored 92-to-39 the last two weeks and have dropped five in-a-row. Brock Osweiler threw for 221 yards, one TD and one pick for the 3-and-6 Broncos.
KOA NewsRadio postgame interviews with Coach Joseph, tackle Garret Bolles, safety Justin Simmons, linebacker Todd Davis and quarterback Brock Osweiler are at the link below.
The Broncos host the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday, November 19. Coverage starts at 8 a.m. MST on KOA NewsRadio 850 AM and 94.1 FM.