Honorable Mentions: Quarterback Tom Brady led whatever players were put on offense to overtime. The Patriots held the lead for most of the game. Brady did everything that he possibly could to leave with a victory, but the whole team came up short.
Third Star: Defensive tackle Alan Branch had his best game in a Patriots uniform, registering two passes defended, a quarterback hit, a tackle for loss, and numerous pressures. He was a menace and the Patriots are still strong on the defensive interior.
Second Star: Punter Ryan Allen kept the Patriots in the game while the offense was struggling to piece together quality drives. Allen punted 10 times and pinned the Broncos inside the 20 yard line five times. He was great all game.
First Star: Cornerback Logan Ryan deserves all of the credit for shutting down Demaryius Thomas. At one point Thomas had zero receptions on 11 targets, which is fantastic. Thomas caught a pass, but then dropped another. Thomas ended with 1 reception for 36 yards on 13 targets. Well played, Logan Ryan. Well played.