Game notes from the Patriots' 30-24 overtime loss to the Broncos, courtesy of the Patriots' P.R. department:
BRADY TIES MARINO
Tom Brady tied Dan Marino for third place on the NFL’s all-time touchdown list with 420 after throwing for three touchdowns (a 23-yarder to Rob Gronkowski in the first quarter, a 9-yarder to Scott Chandler in the second quarter and a 63-yarder to Brandon Bolden in the fourth quarter).
FIFTH STRAIGHT
Brady had his fifth straight game with a pass of at least 40 yards after his 63-yard TD pass to Bolden. His longest streak of games with at least a 40-yard pass was eight, in 2007. He had a seven-game streak in 2009 and a four-game streak in 2003 and 2011.
HE'S NUMBER THREE
Gronkowski's TD reception in the first quarter was his 63rd career touchdown catch, putting him in sole possession of third place for most touchdown receptions by an NFL tight end. He now trails only Tony Gonzalez (111) and Antonio Gates (103).
THE FIRSTS
-- LB Jonathan Freeny registered his first NFL sack when he dropped Denver QB Brock Osweiler for a 13-yard loss on a third-down play in the first quarter.
-- TE Asante Cleveland’s 1-yard reception from Tom Brady in the second quarter was his first NFL catch.
-- DL Chandler Jones recorded his first NFL interception when he picked off a pass that was tipped by DL Jabaal Sheard to give the Patriots a first down at the Denver 15-yard line in the second quarter. It is the first interception by a Patriots defensive lineman since DL Rob Ninkovich picked off a Peyton Manning pass vs. Denver on Nov. 2, 2014.
-- Patrick Chung returned a third quarter punt for four yards, the first NFL punt return of his career.