The offensive line rotation is BACK
The Patriots featured four players on 100% of the offensive line snaps: Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon, Bryan Stork, and Josh Kline. Shaq Mason played 50 snaps at left guard (76%) and Tre Jackson played 18 snaps at right guard (27%) while Kline flipped back-and-forth accordingly. But it's clear that the Patriots best line was Vollmer, Mason, Stork, Kline, and Cannon.
James White outsnapped LeGarrette Blount
The second year back saw 31 snaps (47%), while Blount played 26 (39%). Brandon Bolden (14, 21%) made the most of his opportunities. I still find it hard to believe that White only had two catches for five yards. Brady threw away a couple passes in his direction. Get the pass-catching back involved, especially in space in the snow!
Brandon LaFell and Keshawn Martin were ironmen
LaFell (66, 100%) and Martin (61, 92%) played nearly every snap, while Chris Harper (5, 8%) came on for Martin on a couple occasions. The Patriots favored the two tight end set as Rob Gronkowski (56, 85%) and Scott Chandler (54, 82%) saw heavy time and Asante Cleveland (5, 8%) saw some action, too.
The secondary remains complete
Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty, Malcolm Butler, and Logan Ryan all played 100% of the snaps (79) on the day. Safety Duron Harmon (54, 68%) was the nickel player, with Tavon Wilson (13, 16%) seeing a reduced role after a week of heavy action. Rashaan Melvin (4, 5%) and Nate Ebner (1, 1%) were involved, too.
Jonathan Freeny now leads the linebacker corps
Is this scary? Freeny (75, 95%) was the only non-defensive back to play over 80% of the snaps. Jerod Mayo (44, 56%) and Freeny held down the linebacker role after Dont'a Hightower (32, 41%) went down with an injury. Darius Fleming (17, 22%) saw serious time, while Jonathan Bostic (1, 1%) got on the field.
The pass rush rotation is back in action
Chandler Jones (62, 78%), Rob Ninkovich (61, 77%), and Jabaal Sheard (52, 66%) continued to share snaps at defensive end, while rookie Geneo Grissom didn't see a snap on defense. This is the best possible way for the Patriots to keep these pass rushers fresh down the stretch.
Malcom Brown continues to head the defensive tackles
The rookie first round pick (43, 54%) is now the key starter at defensive tackle, even though Alan Branch (35, 44%) had a career day. Dominique Easley (21, 27%) had a reduced role due to the Broncos reliance on their rushing attack, while Akiem Hicks (20, 25%) and Sealver Siliga (18, 23%) hit their weekly average.
The following players saw 15+ special teams snaps:
Nate Ebner (33), Jonatha Freeny (31), Tavon Wilson (27), Brandon King (26), Matthew Slater (26), Brandon Bolden (25), Patrick Chung (23), Darius Fleming (22)
Jonathan Freeny played 106 snaps
There's a lot to be said about the value he brings to the team. Maybe you don't want him playing so much on defense, but he's an undeniably valuable asset to this team.