DENVER -- With special teams playing a huge factor in the New England Patriots building an early lead over the Denver Broncos -- with Dion Lewis' 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, a muffed punt quickly turned into another score, and Rex Burkhead's blocked punt helping lead to a field goal -- here is a look at which players comprise the club's core four units:

Kickoff return: Jacob Hollister, Marquis Flowers, Jordan Richards, Brandon King, Brandon Bolden, Trevor Reilly, Nate Ebner, James Develin, Dwayne Allen, Matthew Slater, Dion Lewis.

Punt return/rush: Matthew Slater, Jonathan Jones, Patrick Chung, Johnson Bademosi, Trevor Reilly, Brandon King, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden. Devin McCourty, Nate Ebner, Danny Amendola.

Punt coverage/protection: Matthew Slater, Jonathan Jones, Brandon King, Marquis Flowers, Trevor Reilly, Joe Cardona, James Develin, Jacob Hollister, Brandon Bolden, Nate Ebner, Ryan Allen.

Kickoff coverage: Jordan Richards, Jonathan Jones, Trevor Reilly, Matthew Slater, Nate Ebner, Brandon Bolden, Rex Burkhead, Patrick Chung, Brandon King, Jacob Hollister, Stephen Gostkowski.

As for the coach leading them, Joe Judge, he isn't as well known as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. He had shared his "football journey" as part of ESPN.com's weekly feature last week.