Gameplanning the Broncos - New England Patriots Forums

JSn · 10-17-2008, 09:03 AM

I think this forum has the best armchair coaches ever (also lot's of lame bashers, but that's the world for ya).

How would you game-plan the Broncos? I've heard people say they are this year's Pats. At least they were up until a couple of weeks ago.

I'm still getting caught up on the Broncos strengths and weaknesses, but to start things off, here's an excerpt from Lombardi at the National Football Post:

Quote:

Part of the reason why [Brandon] Marshall fumbles so often is that he is always fighting and trying to get the extra yard. Add in the fact that receivers get hit from all angles, especially from behind. The Broncos will struggle offensively if they don’t have at least Eddie Royal for the game. It is clear from Mike Klis’s report that Brandon Stokley is not going to play because of his concussion and if Marshall is the only real wide out, it will make the Patriots game plan a little easier to execute. The key for the Broncos is Ryan Torain. They need a big back and he would be a huge asset as the weather turns and throwing the ball becomes a little more difficult.

LINK

Here is a link to Reiss's analyses:

Reiss's Pieces - Broncos in Focus

Excerpt:

Quote:

This is a dangerous matchup for a Patriots defense that was beaten on long passing plays of 48, 49 and 59 yards last week, and also committed a 32-yard pass interference penalty in the end zone. The Broncos rank second in passing yards per game, which reflects that they can move the ball through the air. On the flip side, Denver's defense is poor, so the Patriots will look to duplicate what they did against San Francisco -- possessing the ball and playing a complementary game. That sets up a scenario where third downs and turnovers will be especially important.

Key questions: Can we run against this team? Can we pass against this team?

I'll leave detailed figures to others, but regarding passing at least I think we could do very well against their D, just as we could have done well against SD, but for our O-Line. If that has been sorted out/improved, I expect Matt to have a banner day as I believe the game is slowing down for him.

As for running, it seems like anybody's guess. We need the full stable available and producing.

102 Pat · 10-17-2008, 09:44 AM

My plan isn't as detailed but I would say limit the long passes and try to stop them on 3rd down. I'd see less man to man coverage, maybe somebody to help O'Neal out as it's obvious that Cutler will try a few passes at his direction. Test the Bronoco's o-line with some early blitzes.

For the Pats offence, try to build off of the last few drives from the San Diego game. Try no huddle, see if that will be effective.

cavtroop · 10-17-2008, 10:32 AM

I think against SD, our plan was to stop LT and Gates, which we did pretty well. However, Jackson burned us, and good.

I think the Pats will come out knowing they have to stop Marshall, and will rotate S help over to double him up. This will force the Broncos to rely on their other WR (who?) and the running game more. So I expect to Denver to get their yards on the ground, and struggle a bit through the air. Unless our CB really *are* that bad, and then we're in trouble

As for pressure on Cutler, I think we'll bring more blitzes (5 man anyways) this week, and I'm curious to see who they bring, and if it's going to be successful. We haven't had much luck in this area yet this year.

On the flip side, like the poster above said, I expect a game like we had in SF on offense, ball control.

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 10-17-2008, 10:40 AM

Defense: Keep Cutler in the pocket and clog the throwing lanes with big bodies, don't let the WR get behind you. TACKLE!

Offense: Based on injury reports, the Pats may be starting reserves at both Tackles. Running the ball will help those reserve tackles, Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis may get more reps to shake and bake the Denver defense while Sammy pounds them on the change of pace. Stick with the short passing game to attack the linebackers and eat the clock, but toss a few deep ones off play action to keep the Safeties deep.

denverpatsfan · 10-17-2008, 11:02 AM

Real simple here folks. Broncos will shut down the run with 8-9 in the box. Dare MC to beat them. He has missed wide open receivers all season. Lots of blitzes too on obvious passing downs which will be easy to tell because the Pats have not been too unpredictable this season at all. Denver's corners are among the best in the league. I think they play man for most of the game.

Pats will have a very tough time staying competitive UNLESS the D-line can pressure Cutler. They need to play their best game of the season against one of the best pass protecting lines in the league. No small task.

Frankly I haven't seen enough from this team this year to give me hope for a favorable outcome in this game.

TheGodInAGreyHoodie · 10-17-2008, 11:21 AM

Having read this board, I will compile the collective wisdom for winning not only this game but every game.

1) QB either start Kevin or bring in Bledsoe from retirement. Preferably Bledsoe he already know the offense. How much could it have changed since 2001?

2) Release the entire o-line, there are plenty of undrafted and unsigned FA that are better than these bums.

3) For the secondary see #2.

4) Give Gost a pay raise. He is the only decent player on the entire team.

5) Fire Josh, BB, and Dean. Replace them with Patsfansfor life and PatsfaninPA.

signbabybrady · 10-17-2008, 11:33 AM

IMO this week the game plan is simple. Our backs are hurt and they don't seem to care about running anymore so this game will be decided in the air. Both Secondaries have talent but are struggling right now. Which everone steps up more will win the game. I call the offensive side of this a push because their WR are hurt and we are on our back up QB.

JSn · 10-17-2008, 03:12 PM

Well, the injury report is in and loaded with doubtfuls...

Patriots injury report - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

Quote:

Doubtful
LB Eric Alexander (hamstring)
DE Jarvis Green (right ankle)
RB LaMont Jordan (right calf)
OT Nick Kaczur (right ankle)
RB Laurence Maroney (doubtful)
WR Kelley Washington (right ankle)
CB Jonathan Wilhite (flu-like symptoms)

None of those players participated in today's practice.

dtbrks · 10-17-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 102 Pat

Try no huddle, see if that will be effective.

I would like to see how this would work as well (taking the full leash off cassel) but he might not be ready yet. I think it could keep the opposing D off balance and maybe giving the O some confidence if they can move the ball.

D - Stop the big plays in the passing game, which I think they can. I don't know much about Denver but I did see Marshall tear up a few teams so maybe BB will game plan on stopping him

SVN · 10-17-2008, 06:50 PM

mcd should run the damn ball and stop trying a 100 different things . he still thinks he has brady . should realize its a young QB. be patient..keep running the ball.