A 49-yard punt from Britton Colquitt gave the Patriots possession on their own 16-yard line. The first play was a 12-yard completion from quarterback Tom Brady to slot receiver Wes Welker.
New England picked up another first down on two carries by running back Stevan Ridley, then moved across midfield with another first-down completion to Welker.
Then, the Patriots got inside the red zone with another two runs to Ridley and an 8-yard completion to Welker.
Two runs by running back Brandon Bolden netted two yards, and the Patriots faced a third down from Denver’s 17-yard line.
Needing eight yards for the first down, the Pats picked up nine yards on a completion over the middle to wide receiver Brandon Lloyd.
New England finished the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Brady to Welker. It was Welker’s fourth catch of the drive.
Following the extra point conversion, the Patriots lead 7-0 with 3:08 remaining in the first quarter.