NFL WEEK 12: Denver hands Patriots their first loss; Carolina stays perfect

The Denver Broncos needed overtime to take down the defending champions who continue to battle serious injuries to key players. The Carolina Panthers remain unbeaten as they trounced Dallas on Thanksgiving Day.

The Denver Broncos (9-2) handed the New England Patriots (10-1) their first loss of the season, 30-24, but had to take the reigning Super Bowl champions into overtime to do it. A driving snow storm in Denver only added to the difficulties that both teams, especially the Patriots, had to face on Sunday night.

The injury-plagued Patriots continue to struggle with the loss of five key offensive players, including star tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was felled by a knee injury late in the game. In addition, the Patriots made uncharacteristic mistakes, especially on defense, that cost them the win. The Patriots are already without their premier receivers Danny Amendola and Julian Edleman, as well as their go-to running back Dion Lewis.

Denver’s backup quarterback, Brock Osweiler, 25, has led the Broncos to two straight wins since taking over for the injured Peyton Manning. The Patriots had the lead in the second half, 21-7, and that should have been more than enough to seal the win, but a costly fumble on a punt and defensive lapses allowed the Broncos to climb back into it.

The Broncos were able to pound the running game against the Patriots as they rushed for 179 yards. After going ahead late in the fourth quarter, the Broncos allowed a late field goal to send the game into overtime. Once again, the Broncos ran wide for 48 yards and the winning touchdown. The Patriots are sorely missing Dion Lewis as they only managed 39 yards rushing in the game.

On Thanksgiving Day the Carolina Panthers (11-0) picked off Tony Romo three times to seal a decisive 33-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys (3-8) to keep their perfect season alive. Romo went down with his second collarbone injury of the season. The Panthers defense remained strong as they ran back two of Romo’s interceptions for touchdowns. While many critics believe the Panthers haven’t really played any contending teams, the fact remains that they continue to be the favorite to win the NFC and head to the Super Bowl.

WEEK 12 SCOREBOARD

New England 24, Denver 30

Pittsburgh 30, Seattle 39

Arizona 19, San Francisco 13

New Orleans 6, Houston 24

St. Louis 7, Cincinnati 31