Entering Sunday night with a laundry list of key injuries, Christmas Eve marked a prime opportunity for several rookies to guide the New England Patriots sleigh against the Denver Broncos.
They delivered when called upon en route to a 26-23 win.
It started on the offensive side of the ball, where New England had ruled out veteran tight end Hunter Henry and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster prior to Sunday’s contest. Down two of their top receiving options, it again thrusted rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas into a large role.
Douglas answered the bell as led all of New England’s pass catchers with 74 yards, which included a spectacular full-extension 41-yard grab to help kickstart the Patriots’ first touchdown drive.