Just like in Super Bowl 50, Cam Newton came out on the short end of the score against the Broncos.
The Patriots quarterback fell to 0-4 in his career versus Denver as New England's offense fizzled for most of the day, falling into an 18-3 hole in the fourth quarter. And despite a pair of late interceptions, New England's comeback bid came up short when Newton's pass for N'Keal Harry fell incomplete with under a minute remaining.
Newton and the New England offense had trouble finding a rhythm Sunday, as Newton went just 17-of-25 for 157 yards and a pair of interceptions, adding 76 yards on the ground. Julian Edelman was almost invisible as a receiver, catching a pair of balls for only 8 yards, though he did complete two passes on trick plays in the Patriots' last drive.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Patriots Overreactions: New England needs more offensive weapons
As for the defense, New England bent but didn't break, allowing field goals on Denver's first six drives -- but keeping Drew Lock and Co. out of the end zone to keep the game within reach.
With the loss, the Patriots find themselves in very unfamiliar territory: they're below .500 in October or later for the first time since 2002.
FINAL SCORE: Broncos 18, Patriots 12
New England Patriots
Find the latest New England Patriots news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
Patriots Record: 2-3
HIGHLIGHTS
DeShawn Williams makes the incredibly athletic interception to set the Broncos up for 3
Adding insult to injury: Newton sacked, Jermaine Eluemunor injured on the same play
Just as the Patriots convert on third down and get into Denver territory, Ryan Izzo coughs it up
Bryce Callahan intercepts the Cam Newton pass for the Patriots' third turnover of the game
Cam Newton takes off and rushes for a 38-yard gain
Cam Newton plunges in from a yard out to close the deficit to 18-9
J.C. Jackson's second interception of the season sets the Patriots up in prime field position, and a Nick Folk FG makes it 18-12
On the Broncos' next play from scrimmage, Jonathan Jones makes it two Drew Lock picks in a row
Julian Edelman had a quiet day as a receiver -- but he completed two passes on the Patriots' final drive
UP NEXT
Sunday, Oct. 25: vs. 49ers, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Nov. 1: at Bills, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Monday, Nov. 9: at Jets, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)