Patriots vs. Broncos: Three Week 12 Stars of the Game

Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with teammates in the huddle during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday night, but it was not because of these players. Who were the Pats Week 12 stars?

The New England Patriots tried to battle through, but the Brock Osweiler and the Denver Broncos proved to be too much, as their undefeated run came to an end. The Broncos gave the Patriots their first loss of the season on Sunday night, a thrilling back-and-forth 30-24 overtime affair.

The Broncos were able to step up and make plays when needed, defending their home field. The Patriots moved to 10-1 on the season, while the Broncos sit right behind them at 9-2, now holding the tie-breaker between the teams.

Injuries continue to be the story for New England, as they lost another two stars in this one. Late in the first half, linebacker Dont’a Hightower went down with a knee injury, and did not return. Late in the fourth quarter, tight end Rob Gronkowski suffered a knee injury that appeared to be ugly, and rode a cart to the locker room.

The injuries to both star players do not appear to be overly serious (Hightower update and Gronkowski update), but we will wait for MRI confirmation to un-cross our fingers. In the meantime, let’s take a look back at the positives from the Patriots’ loss to the Broncos.

Obviously, this was far from the most impressive showing of the Patriots’ season, but they were able to receive great play from many players across the board. Here are the top three stars of Week 12 for the New England Patriots.

Next: Third Star