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NFL · Week 7 · October 28, 2001 · 12 min read

New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos: 2001 Week 7 Recap

Broncos defeat Patriots 31–20 in Week 7

Ryan Smith led Fantasy Impact as Broncos prevailed in a 20–31 Week 7 finish.

New England Patriots 20 3–4
Final 20–31
Denver Broncos 31 4–3 Winner
Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
20–31
Halftime
New England Patriots 17–10 Denver Broncos
Top passer
T. Brady
FantasyHQ MVP
Ryan Smith
Game date
October 28, 2001

Top fantasy performers · Patriots

  • Trent Brown
    Trent Brown 1 CAR · 31 YDS +2.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Mike Edwards
    Mike Edwards 2 CAR · 6 YDS +1.9 Fantasy Impact
  • D.Patten 1 CAR · 13 YDS +0.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Broncos

  • Ryan Smith
    Ryan Smith 6 REC · 159 YDS · 1 TD +11.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Dean Clark
    Dean Clark 6 REC · 94 YDS +8.1 Fantasy Impact
  • B.Griese 19/32 · 269 YDS · 2 TD +5.5 Fantasy Impact
View Patriots vs Broncos box score View all 2001 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
Denver Broncos 31–20 New England Patriots
Halftime
New England Patriots 17–10 Denver Broncos at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Ryan Smith
Top passer
T. Brady
Biggest EPA play
(2:34) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 80-T.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Walker at NE 39. 27-D.W…
Game date
2001-10-28

Game summary

The Denver Broncos beat the New England Patriots 31–20 on 2001-10-28, overcoming New England Patriots's 17–10 halftime lead. Ryan Smith posted a game-high +11.40 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 17 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
New England Patriots10730020
Denver Broncos73147031

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

NENew England Patriots
DENDenver Broncos

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. NENew England Patriots
    Q1 9:48FG
    AVA. Vinatieri

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 7
    Score
    3-0

    (9:48) 4-A.Vinatieri 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.

  2. NENew England Patriots
    Q1 5:03TD
    DPD. Patten

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 30
    Score
    9-0

    (5:03) 12-T.Brady pass to 86-D.Patten for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. NENew England Patriots
    Q1 4:57XP
    AVA. Vinatieri

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    10-0

    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.

  4. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 1:02TD
    MAM. Anderson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NE 8
    Score
    10-6

    (1:02) 38-M.Anderson up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 0:57XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NE 2
    Score
    10-7

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.

  6. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 4:49FG
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+3

    Yard line
    NE 32
    Score
    10-10

    (4:49) 1-J.Elam 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.

  7. NENew England Patriots
    Q2 1:24TD
    Trent Brown

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 5
    Score
    16-10

    (1:24) 12-T.Brady pass to 80-T.Brown for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. NENew England Patriots
    Q2 1:21XP
    AVA. Vinatieri

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    17-10

    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.

  9. NENew England Patriots
    Q3 11:04FG
    AVA. Vinatieri

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 26
    Score
    20-10

    (11:04) 4-A.Vinatieri 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.

  10. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 10:47TD
    Ryan Smith

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NE 65
    Score
    20-16

    (10:47) 14-B.Griese pass to 80-R.Smith for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 10:35XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NE 2
    Score
    20-17

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.

  12. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 3:39TD
    DCD. Carswell

    Points+6

    Yard line
    NE 6
    Score
    20-23

    (3:39) 14-B.Griese pass to 89-D.Carswell for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 3:35XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NE 2
    Score
    20-24

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.

  14. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 2:34TD
    Devontez Walker

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 69
    Score
    20-30

    (2:34) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 80-T.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Walker at NE 39. 27-D.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  15. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 2:24XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    NE 2
    Score
    20-31

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Ryan SmithRyan Smith · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +11.40 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.90 EPA/play
  2. 2Dean ClarkDean Clark · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +8.08 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.01 EPA/play
  3. 3B. Griese · Denver Broncos · Passing · +5.54 total EPA · 32 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
  4. 4D. Carswell · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.67 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
  5. 5Trent BrownTrent Brown · New England Patriots · Rushing · +2.29 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.29 EPA/play
  6. 6Mike EdwardsMike Edwards · New England Patriots · Rushing · +1.95 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play
  7. 7Mike EdwardsMike Edwards · New England Patriots · Receiving · +1.28 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.28 EPA/play
  8. 8D. Patten · New England Patriots · Rushing · +0.93 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Ryan Smith

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Ryan Smith — DEN · Receiving

Ryan Smith posted the highest total EPA (+11.40) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Denver Broncos. Across 6 counted snaps, they averaged +1.90 EPA per play.

Ryan Smith's top snap (+5.38 EPA): (10:47) 14-B.Griese pass to 80-R.Smith for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-8.00 EPA): T. Brady — (2:34) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 80-T.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Walker at NE 39. 27-D.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

T. Brady led all passers in efficiency for New England Patriots, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • T. Brady (New England Patriots) · 43 dropbacks · 58.1% completion · -0.12 EPA/play · -5.05 total EPA
  • B. Griese (Denver Broncos) · 32 dropbacks · 59.4% completion · +0.17 EPA/play · +5.54 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatNew England PatriotsDenver Broncos
Offensive EPA/play-0.045+0.067
Offensive success rate51.2%43.4%
Pass EPA/play-0.171+0.173
Rush EPA/play+0.036-0.177
Defensive EPA/play-0.067+0.045
Defensive success rate56.6%48.8%

Drive & efficiency notes

Denver Broncos held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.07 vs -0.04), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • New England Patriots: -0.04 EPA/play (42nd percentile vs. 2001 team-game averages)
  • Denver Broncos: +0.07 EPA/play (71st percentile vs. 2001 team-game averages)
  • Denver Broncos: 12 drives, +5.07 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • New England Patriots: 12 drives, -3.84 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • New England Patriots — D. Patten (T. Brady pass) (Q1 5:03)
  • Denver Broncos — M. Anderson (Q1 1:02)
  • Trent BrownNew England Patriots — Trent Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q2 1:24)
  • Ryan SmithDenver Broncos — Ryan Smith (B. Griese pass) (Q3 10:47)
  • Denver Broncos — D. Carswell (B. Griese pass) (Q3 3:39)
  • Devontez WalkerDenver Broncos — Devontez Walker (Q4 2:34)

Field goals

  • New England Patriots — A. Vinatieri (Q1 9:48)
  • Denver Broncos — J. Elam (Q2 4:49)
  • New England Patriots — A. Vinatieri (Q3 11:04)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: New England Patriots won the period 10–7. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the DEN 7 (Q1 9:48) — (9:48) 4-A.Vinatieri 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the DEN 30 (Q1 5:03) — (5:03) 12-T.Brady pass to 86-D.Patten for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q1 4:57) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the NE 8 (Q1 1:02) — (1:02) 38-M.Anderson up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q1 0:57) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen..

The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 7–3. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the NE 32 (Q2 4:49) — (4:49) 1-J.Elam 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the DEN 5 (Q2 1:24) — (1:24) 12-T.Brady pass to 80-T.Brown for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 1:21) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter..

The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–3. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the DEN 26 (Q3 11:04) — (11:04) 4-A.Vinatieri 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the NE 65 (Q3 10:47) — (10:47) 14-B.Griese pass to 80-R.Smith for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q3 10:35) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the NE 6 (Q3 3:39) — (3:39) 14-B.Griese pass to 89-D.Carswell for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q3 3:35) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen..

The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the DEN 69 (Q4 2:34) — (2:34) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 80-T.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Walker at NE 39. 27-D.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q4 2:24) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • New England Patriots (Q4 2:34) — (2:34) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 80-T.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Walker at NE 39. 27-D.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -23.2% · EPA -8.00]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 2:25) — (2:25) 14-B.Griese pass INTERCEPTED by 54-T.Bruschi at DEN 35. 54-T.Bruschi to DEN 32 for 3 yards (80-R.Smith). FUMBLES (80-R.Smith), recovered by NE-26-M.Stevens at DEN 32. 26-M.Stevens to DEN 32 for [WPA -19.7% · EPA -4.76]
  • New England Patriots (Q4 13:12) — (13:12) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 86-D.Patten INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Walker at DEN 0. Touchback. [WPA -17.5% · EPA -4.08]
  • Denver Broncos (Q3 10:47) — (10:47) 14-B.Griese pass to 80-R.Smith for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +16.7% · EPA +5.38]
  • Denver Broncos (Q3 6:03) — (6:03) 14-B.Griese pass to 88-D.Clark pushed ob at NE 40 for 35 yards (36-L.Milloy). [WPA +13.4% · EPA +3.19]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • New England Patriots (Q4 2:34) — (2:34) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 80-T.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Walker at NE 39. 27-D.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -23.2% · EPA -8.00]
  • Denver Broncos (Q3 10:47) — (10:47) 14-B.Griese pass to 80-R.Smith for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +16.7% · EPA +5.38]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 2:25) — (2:25) 14-B.Griese pass INTERCEPTED by 54-T.Bruschi at DEN 35. 54-T.Bruschi to DEN 32 for 3 yards (80-R.Smith). FUMBLES (80-R.Smith), recovered by NE-26-M.Stevens at DEN 32. 26-M.Stevens to DEN 32 for [WPA -19.7% · EPA -4.76]
  • New England Patriots (Q4 13:12) — (13:12) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 86-D.Patten INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Walker at DEN 0. Touchback. [WPA -17.5% · EPA -4.08]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q1 9:48 · DEN 7 · Score 3-0
    (9:48) 4-A.Vinatieri 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
  2. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 5:03 · DEN 30 · Score 9-0
    (5:03) 12-T.Brady pass to 86-D.Patten for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 4:57 · DEN 2 · Score 10-0
    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
  4. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 1:02 · NE 8 · Score 10-6
    (1:02) 38-M.Anderson up the middle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 0:57 · NE 2 · Score 10-7
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.
  6. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 4:49 · NE 32 · Score 10-10
    (4:49) 1-J.Elam 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.
  7. New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 1:24 · DEN 5 · Score 16-10
    (1:24) 12-T.Brady pass to 80-T.Brown for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 1:21 · DEN 2 · Score 17-10
    4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
  9. New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q3 11:04 · DEN 26 · Score 20-10
    (11:04) 4-A.Vinatieri 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-13-K.Walter.
  10. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 10:47 · NE 65 · Score 20-16
    (10:47) 14-B.Griese pass to 80-R.Smith for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 10:35 · NE 2 · Score 20-17
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.
  12. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 3:39 · NE 6 · Score 20-23
    (3:39) 14-B.Griese pass to 89-D.Carswell for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 3:35 · NE 2 · Score 20-24
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.
  14. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 2:34 · DEN 69 · Score 20-30
    (2:34) 12-T.Brady pass intended for 80-T.Brown INTERCEPTED by 27-D.Walker at NE 39. 27-D.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 2:24 · NE 2 · Score 20-31
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-63-D.Diaz-Infante, Holder-16-T.Rouen.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Denver Broncos earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • Ryan Smith (Denver Broncos) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos on 2001-10-28?

The Denver Broncos beat the New England Patriots 31-20 in Week 7, 2001.

What was the score by quarter in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?

Q1: New England Patriots 10, Denver Broncos 7; Q2: New England Patriots 7, Denver Broncos 3; Q3: New England Patriots 3, Denver Broncos 14; Q4: New England Patriots 0, Denver Broncos 7; Final: New England Patriots 20, Denver Broncos 31.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?

New England Patriots touchdown — D. Patten (T. Brady pass) (Q1 5:03) Denver Broncos touchdown — M. Anderson (Q1 1:02) New England Patriots touchdown — T. Brown (T. Brady pass) (Q2 1:24) Denver Broncos touchdown — R. Smith (B. Griese pass) (Q3 10:47) Denver Broncos touchdown — D. Carswell (B. Griese pass) (Q3 3:39) Denver Broncos touchdown — D. Walker (Q4 2:34) New England Patriots field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q1 9:48, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 4:49, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q3 11:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?

T. Brady (New England Patriots), 58.1% completion, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -5.05 total passing EPA. B. Griese (Denver Broncos), 59.4% completion, +0.17 EPA per dropback, +5.54 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos?

Ryan Smith (Denver Broncos) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +11.40 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 6 snaps. Their top snap (+5.38 EPA): (10:47) 14-B.Griese pass to 80-R.Smith for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

New England Patriots

Entered 3-3 Now 3-4 L

Denver Broncos

Entered 3-3 Now 4-3 W

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