1. Play of the Game: DT Leonard Taylor III blocks the 46-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter
With a three-point lead, the Patriots punted from their own end zone to their own 33 yard line in the middle of the final quarter. The defense held firm again: NT Khyiris Tonga first made a tackle for loss, then an incomplete on second down and finally a stop on QB Jarrett Stidham on a scramble on third down. Denver had to settle for a 46-yard field goal attempt – anything but a sure-fire success in the snow and potentially the equalizer to make it 10:10 (4:46 remaining).
Instead, the big moment came for practice squad call-up Leonard Taylor III: The defensive tackle got his right hand on the kick and directed the ball next to the bars – a game-winning block.
“We just lined up and pushed the guy in front of us back. Head down, work, make plays,” Taylor said after the game. “In the end, I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do.”
Taylor’s story is emblematic of this Patriots season: released by the Jets in October, shortly afterwards added to New England’s practice squad, he fought for a role as a game day elevation in all three playoff games. We all we got. We all we need. – personified.
Honorable Mention: CB Christian Gonzalez sealed the win with an interception in the fourth quarter
In a playoff cracker there is rarely just one key scene. Also representative of this season: CB Christian Gonzalez, one of the best players in the squad, made a Pro Bowl-worthy play at the crucial moment.
With a 10-7 lead late in the fourth quarter, Gonzalez erased an earlier mistake and picked off a deep pass from Jarrett Stidham that was intended for WR Marvin Mims. The Patriots rotated in man-free (single-high), Gonzalez played off-coverage against the speedster. Stidham tried to carry a 30-yard ball through the snow and wind – Gonzalez read the throw with his eyes in the backfield and intercepted it. The Pats got the ball back with 2:11 to go – and didn’t give it away again.
“Six, eight weeks ago – I don’t remember exactly, maybe after the Ravens game – I saw something move around at Gonzo,” said Mike Vrabel. “Different player, different guy. He’s so talented.”
Like his predecessor at the lockdown corner position, Gonzalez now has his “Stephon Gilmore moment” – two very similar, iconic interceptions that now have their place in Patriots history.
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