- Joined
- May 1, 2008
- Messages
- 16,682
- Reaction score
- 3,686
With apologies to PATSNUTme, some early thoughts on keys to beating Denver:
1. Maintain intensity and focus at Mile High. We have imploded at Mile High before, and it would be easy to have a let down after the playoff-like intensity of the Ravens game. The team needs to stay focused and intense, maintain aggressiveness on both offense and defense, and avoid mental mistakes against the opportunistic Donkeys.
2. Contain Brandon Marshall. "At this point, it doesn't look as if the Pats have anyone who can cover Brandon Marshall", writes Vic Carucci today on nfl.com. Marshall seems to me to be Denver's only offensive weapon who could really hurt the Pats. I'm sure BB will focus on preventing him from making the big play, especially after last week's 51 yard TD catch against Dallas.
3. Pressure Kyle Orton and create mistakes/turnovers. So far, Kyle Orton has executed the mistake-free game manager role to perfection, with 5 TDs and 0 INTs and a 97.7 QB rating. The Pats need to pressure him, cause him to make mistakes, and hopefully create some turnovers.
4. Stop Elvis Dumervil. Dumervil has been a one man wrecking machine with 8 sacks in 4 games, as many as the Pats team has recorded so far. Their other pass rushing threats are average at best. The Pats offense has to stop giving up the potential game-changing play like the Suggs sack/fumble/TD and the Aaron Schobel INT/TD. Matt Light has been erratic this season, and will need help containing Dumervil and protecting TB. Denver's first 7 points were created by a sack of Tony Romo at the Dallas 9 and a forced fumble. We need to avoid those big swings.
5. Maintain balance on offense. The Pats need to keep commitment to running the ball, and selectively attack the Denver secondary despite Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. Romoesque gunslinging and interceptions inside the opponent's red zone won't work. Despite a defense that ranks 3rd against the pass, 5th against the run and 1st overall, we should be able to do both if we execute. Some red zone execution would also be nice, obviously.
Should be a winnable game, but could easily be a loseable game.
1. Maintain intensity and focus at Mile High. We have imploded at Mile High before, and it would be easy to have a let down after the playoff-like intensity of the Ravens game. The team needs to stay focused and intense, maintain aggressiveness on both offense and defense, and avoid mental mistakes against the opportunistic Donkeys.
2. Contain Brandon Marshall. "At this point, it doesn't look as if the Pats have anyone who can cover Brandon Marshall", writes Vic Carucci today on nfl.com. Marshall seems to me to be Denver's only offensive weapon who could really hurt the Pats. I'm sure BB will focus on preventing him from making the big play, especially after last week's 51 yard TD catch against Dallas.
3. Pressure Kyle Orton and create mistakes/turnovers. So far, Kyle Orton has executed the mistake-free game manager role to perfection, with 5 TDs and 0 INTs and a 97.7 QB rating. The Pats need to pressure him, cause him to make mistakes, and hopefully create some turnovers.
4. Stop Elvis Dumervil. Dumervil has been a one man wrecking machine with 8 sacks in 4 games, as many as the Pats team has recorded so far. Their other pass rushing threats are average at best. The Pats offense has to stop giving up the potential game-changing play like the Suggs sack/fumble/TD and the Aaron Schobel INT/TD. Matt Light has been erratic this season, and will need help containing Dumervil and protecting TB. Denver's first 7 points were created by a sack of Tony Romo at the Dallas 9 and a forced fumble. We need to avoid those big swings.
5. Maintain balance on offense. The Pats need to keep commitment to running the ball, and selectively attack the Denver secondary despite Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. Romoesque gunslinging and interceptions inside the opponent's red zone won't work. Despite a defense that ranks 3rd against the pass, 5th against the run and 1st overall, we should be able to do both if we execute. Some red zone execution would also be nice, obviously.
Should be a winnable game, but could easily be a loseable game.