Patriots use running game to stop possibly ruinous losing streak

Sporting News, The, Nov 1, 1999 by Chris Jenkins

After the Patriots ended a two-game losing streak with a win last Sunday over the Broncos, concerns about another midseason swoon from Pete Carroll's team can be put to rest--at least, for now.

It wasn't really a surprise to see New England beat a Denver team that, despite a two-game winning streak, still is reeling from losing John Elway, Terrell Davis and Shannon Sharpe. But the way the Patriots scored their points was unexpected. The passing game played Paul Shaffer to the running game's David Letterman for a change, as the Patriots ran for a season-high 133 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns.

Coming into the game, the Patriots' rushing attack ranked 27th in the league. The league's most productive passing game helped them to a 4-0 start, but the lack of a running game contributed to losses against the Chiefs and Dolphins. Their prospects for improvement didn't look good heading into Sunday's game. No team stopped the run better than the Broncos had the two previous weeks. Denver held Oakland to 55 yards in Week 5 and Green Bay to 21 yards in Week 6. But with the help of a surprisingly good effort from his offensive line, Terry Allen rushed for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie Kevin Faulk added 24 yards on five carries. Drew Bledsoe barely broke 200 yards passing, but it didn't matter.

OK, when you nearly lose to a Broncos team without Elway, Davis and Sharpe, it's no time to gloat. But if the Patriots can build on Sunday's effort and develop a respectable running game to complement their passing game, their surprising run in the AFC East has a much better chance of continuing.