Well, it's Patriots week for us! Complete Broncos Breakdown

[Zeus]

Brady is better, stronger and actually more nimble than ever before.

Brady is a better player right now than he was seven years ago, mostly because his understanding of the game allows the Patriots offense to do things most other teams wouldn't even dream of trying.

 

[MoneyFX]

Good ol' fashioned shootout like we all were used to seeing in the early-mid 2000s with the Colts and Pats. Brady and Peyton throw 3 TDs each. Patriots go up big early and Broncos make a comeback. Peyton forces and makes a critical mistake late in the game. Patriots use the running game to put the game away.

Patriots 33
Broncos 27

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I am guessing a lower scoring game then most here think

Winning team will score about 27 IMO

 

[CityOfChampions]

Similar to how Brady isn't the same QB he once was but is still dominant

Says who? Brady still looks like the best QB in the league to me.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Says who? Brady still looks like the best QB in the league to me.

I'd take Rodgers over him today, and there's a few guys I'd take over him if I was building a team for the future, but Brady's decline has been barely noticeable. Manning's decline could be seen even in 2010, and while he's still a good QB, he's far off of what he used to be. Brady didn't exactly light the world on fire to start 2009, though, so it could just be a matter of shaking off the rust still.

 

[RYObroncosfan]

I'd take Rodgers over him today, and there's a few guys I'd take over him if I was building a team for the future, but Brady's decline has been barely noticeable. Manning's decline could be seen even in 2010, and while he's still a good QB, he's far off of what he used to be. Brady didn't exactly light the world on fire to start 2009, though, so it could just be a matter of shaking off the rust still.

I'll concede to this. I do think it's 3/4 shaking off rust, 1/4 losing a little bit of what he once had.

Anyway, no need to nit pick, my main point was that Brady is still a dominant QB and I think Peyton is too. So Brady hasn't lost anything, fine.

 

[PATS16N0]

Your prediction is a joke.

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady used to hand Manning his ass back to him and leave him with the patented Peyton pouty-face on the sideline on a regular basis.

Manning didn't get his first win against Brady until once in the 2005 season and then once in the 2006 season which was the season that the Patriots completely stripped their team of virtually all of its offense until the next season which Brady made Manning one of his 16-0 victims.

Everything beyond that is a wash because Brady was injured and then rehabilitating his injury in 2009.

Bottom line is: Brady owns Peyton. Belichick owns Peyton Manning.

We absolutely humiliated you last year in the post season in record shattering fashion. I don't think you bringing in a broken down Peyton as some sort of quarterback mercenary is going to help you in the slightest.

My prediction: Brady torches the Denver defense and Peyton throws 3 interceptions.

Total blow out.

 

[PATS16N0]

I'd take Rodgers over him today, and there's a few guys I'd take over him if I was building a team for the future, but Brady's decline has been barely noticeable. Manning's decline could be seen even in 2010, and while he's still a good QB, he's far off of what he used to be. Brady didn't exactly light the world on fire to start 2009, though, so it could just be a matter of shaking off the rust still.

Rodgers hasn't done squat this season. He had one stand out year last year after the lock out noticeably hurt defenses all around the league. It was no coincidence that two quarterbacks (Brees and Brady) both broke Marino's passing record last year, the same year Rodgers played well. As the season went on, Rodgers got less and less impressive, in a few games just outright stunk, then went one and done in the post season.

This year his over rated Packers got dominated by the Niners, couldn't even blow out the Bears at home who gave them every opportunity to do so, lost to Seattle and just barely got past the now 0-4 Saints after a missed field goal that had Rodgers jumping around on the sidelines like a cheer leader.

Brady > Rodgers.

By far.

The talking head media that proclaimed Rodgers the second coming and the Packers a guarantee for the Superbowl are the same cast of characters that called Sanchez an elite quarterback in 2010. Rodgers is the anti-Brady for the Patriot hating NY media. Don't believe the hype.

He's good. He's no GOAT.

 

[CityOfChampions]

I'd take Rodgers over him today, and there's a few guys I'd take over him if I was building a team for the future, but Brady's decline has been barely noticeable. Manning's decline could be seen even in 2010, and while he's still a good QB, he's far off of what he used to be. Brady didn't exactly light the world on fire to start 2009, though, so it could just be a matter of shaking off the rust still.

Then you should change your username . Rodgers is good, but Brady is still better. I wouldn't mind if Brady could run like Rodgers, but that's about it. Besides last year Rodgers has done nothing to impress me much. Brady has been great for a decade now. Assuming you've watched most of the Packers games this year, you think Rodgers looks better than Brady? A lot of his throws are way off target.

2012 season:
Rodgers 7 TD's, 3 INT, 1064 YD's, 95.7 RAT.
Brady 7 TD's, 1 INT, 1227 YD's, 102.4 RAT.

Imagine if we weren't forcing a balance offense so much - Brady would have how many more TD's???

 

[cmc0605]

Your prediction is a joke.

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady used to hand Manning his ass back to him and leave him with the patented Peyton pouty-face on the sideline on a regular basis.

Manning didn't get his first win against Brady until once in the 2005 season and then once in the 2006 season which was the season that the Patriots completely stripped their team of virtually all of its offense until the next season which Brady made Manning one of his 16-0 victims.

Everything beyond that is a wash because Brady was injured and then rehabilitating his injury in 2009.

Bottom line is: Brady owns Peyton. Belichick owns Peyton Manning.

We absolutely humiliated you last year in the post season in record shattering fashion. I don't think you bringing in a broken down Peyton as some sort of quarterback mercenary is going to help you in the slightest.

My prediction: Brady torches the Denver defense and Peyton throws 3 interceptions.

Total blow out.

Your absolute confidence is misplaced, and last I checked Denver is the only team with a winning record against NE in the Belichick-Brady era. I'm not using that as an argument though. Sure you owned us last year, and you may very well win again this week, but the arguments that Brady owns Manning (as if Brady were a linebacker or something) or that Belichick owns Manning are just as useless lines of thought as the Denver vs. NE statistic...it's ultimately irrelevant, and the surrounding teams are entirely different.

One notable difference is that the NE defense is not what it used to be back in the Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Seymour, Ty Law, etc type days. Another is that you will see much different type of receivers than back in the old Colt days. Rather than mugging the small guys like Marvin Harrison and blitzing Manning, you'll have to try that on a guy like Demaryius Thomas, someone as big and as hard to bring down as a Brandon Marshall type player. Still another is that we have a better running game that what Manning used.

Regarding the comparisons to last year, NE most certainly did own the Broncos. However, very few people thought Denver should be in that game in the first place. We shouldn't have been, and Denver fans had a false sense of confidence owing to some absurd victories and help from a poor division. This is not the case this year. I'm not convinced we're super bowl ready yet, but we've lost by a combined 12 points to Houston and Atlanta...two super bowl quality teams. This team is not a pushover. Expect a good fight, win or lose.

The other discussions on whether Manning or Brady have slowed down is rather beside the point, IMO. Both QBs still have the ability to tear apart a secondary. Both QBs know the game inside and out. Expect it to be close. Manning has never been someone with high mobility or a cannon arm in the first place.

 

[PATS16N0]

Well, I disagree entirely. The arrival of Manning isn't going to drastically change the outcome from last year. He isn't THAT significant. More over, it's no secret he has a noodle for an arm now. It isn't like our defense is going to have to worry about him throwing a 60 yard bomb. It's just out of the question and if he's foolish enough to try it he's going to get intercepted.

The fact that the Broncos are the only team in the NFL (iirc) to have a winning record against the Patriots in the Brady/Belichick era means nothing to me. It isn't as if there's any logic to it. It's just one of those weird, flukey bits of sports trivia. Last season is the real and true team comparison.

The fact is the Broncos aren't anywhere remotely close to being on New England's level. 2-2 does not tell the story of this Patriot team AT ALL. With real referees starting the season they would stand at 4-0.

You're making the same mistake a lot of fans make (and I can't blame you for making it as a football fan.) It's the same mistake you made last year the week leading up to the post season match up. You let your imagination theory-craft out how it's going to be a close game and how you have a real great chance if you can only do X, Y, and Z, and then game day arrives and by the end of the 2nd quarter your'e disgusted, demoralized, down by 40 points and channel surfing for an action movie.

 

[ATippett56]

- Concerning our defense, it is fairly inconsistent, but we do have plenty of star players. We've upgraded the secondary with Tracy Porter at CB and Mike Adams at safety since last year, and it helps us that Aaron Hernandez won't be around. Rahim Moore (the other safety) is a liability. Champ is still doing what Champ does...it's true that he lost a step, and gives up some 10-15 yard passes once in a while, but if you watch Denver games you will see that teams still only challenge him maybe 2-3 times a game, and none of the plays are usually game-changing (like big touchdowns over his head, etc). He might not intercept every other pass going his way anymore, but he still is avoided and should be in the discussion of top 5 CBs...and is still one of the best tackling defensive backs in the NFL. Look to see Tracy Porter and Chris Harris' name quite a bit.

I suspect Brady will have a very solid stat line against us, particularly with intermediate throws and screens, but it shouldn't be like the blowouts last year...both because the defense is better.

- Our pass rush is inconsistent, which might seem odd given that we have two pro bowl pass rushers on our squad. Von Miller is a beast, and Elvis Dumervil is very good at getting sacks, but it's been tough getting consistent pressure. We might have the best pass rush in the league when up by a few scores, but that will be tough to do against your team...the first half pressure has been tamed somewhat by quick passes.

- One of the largest problems is our ability to "follow through." There have been a lot of would-be stops on the running back in the backfield, that ended up turning into a 4-5 yard gains. Too many destroying the offense on first and second down, and then giving up a first down on 3rd and 15. Too many "almost sacks" and too many great drives that end in field goals.

No comment about the rush defense. Very interesting!

 

[cmc0605]

No comment about the rush defense. Very interesting!

Sorry, missed out on that!!

Actually our run defense has not been elite, but it has not hurt us in games either...we're ranked 9th, and much improved from last season.

For some perspective, McFadden at 13 carries for 34 yards; Foster had 25 carries for 105 yards; Michael Turner had 17 carries for 42 yards; Redman had 11 carries for 20 yards. Aside from Foster, it's primarily been QBs throwing that have had success against this defense. The science part of me would tell you that you need more games to get much information out of these statistics, but my main concern after watching four games of Denver is Brady to his third and fourth options over the middle of the field. Take from that what you will.

I'm not sure how to attribute that improvement. We have had only small changes to the personnel in our front 7, but we have a new defensive coordinator. Just one of many reasons why direct comparison to last year isn't that great of an idea.

 

[Thirdbasekid24]

Sorry, the Pats aren't losing another game at home this season. Pats 34 Broncos 20.

 

[cmc0605]

Well, I disagree entirely. The arrival of Manning isn't going to drastically change the outcome from last year. He isn't THAT significant. More over, it's no secret he has a noodle for an arm now. It isn't like our defense is going to have to worry about him throwing a 60 yard bomb. It's just out of the question and if he's foolish enough to try it he's going to get intercepted.

The fact that the Broncos are the only team in the NFL (iirc) to have a winning record against the Patriots in the Brady/Belichick era means nothing to me. It isn't as if there's any logic to it. It's just one of those weird, flukey bits of sports trivia. Last season is the real and true team comparison.

The fact is the Broncos aren't anywhere remotely close to being on New England's level. 2-2 does not tell the story of this Patriot team AT ALL. With real referees starting the season they would stand at 4-0.

You're making the same mistake a lot of fans make (and I can't blame you for making it as a football fan.) It's the same mistake you made last year the week leading up to the post season match up. You let your imagination theory-craft out how it's going to be a close game and how you have a real great chance if you can only do X, Y, and Z, and then game day arrives and by the end of the 2nd quarter your'e disgusted, demoralized, down by 40 points and channel surfing for an action movie.

Well, we will find out this week whether we get blown out or not. I do not agree that we're not on your level; I think the Pats and Broncos are both top 10 calibur teams, and I suspect if you play this weeks game 10 times, we'd win 5 and you'd win 5. I'm not making a prediction on which happens this week. I realize ****iness can kick in after being the dynasty and a top team for the last decade, but the fact is that you are now a mortal team, absent a star TE that torched us twice last year, and Denver has a very good-looking squad with no glaring holes in it. You may very well win, but it will not be for the reasons you suggest. As I said, we held our own against Atlanta and Houston, and were one drive away from those games potentially turning out different...and don't think the replacement refs didn't impact us either.

And yes, replacing Tebow (who couldn't complete a pass to save his life) with not only a competent QB, but one of the NFL's greatest, actually has made a HUGE difference. I guess you'd have to watch Denver games to believe me. We have a new defensive coordinator, a different looking secondary, and various other changes, in addition to several starting rookies last year now having some more experience, etc. I'm sure the same applies to you guys. Teams can change quite a bit between seasons, and Denver is certainly one of several who have done so.

I do not see this as a game where the level of talent is the deciding factor. There's enough great talent on both sides. Small things, like missed tackles, an ill-timed interception, a penalty, etc are going to be important. This is why I emphasized the "following through" type things in my original post.

 

[RYObroncosfan]

Well, I disagree entirely. The arrival of Manning isn't going to drastically change the outcome from last year. He isn't THAT significant. More over, it's no secret he has a noodle for an arm now. It isn't like our defense is going to have to worry about him throwing a 60 yard bomb. It's just out of the question and if he's foolish enough to try it he's going to get intercepted.

The arrival of Manning should drastically change the outcome from last year. You're replacing a QB who couldn't throw the ball with one of the better QBs in football. If you think Tebow for Manning is insignificant, why is he still on the bench while the disaster of a QB that is Mark Sanchez is still starting?

He won't be throwing 60 yard bombs, but he doesn't have a "noodle for an arm." There's a difference between losing a little velocity and not being able to throw a football. Maybe you just haven't seen him play yet...but he can still throw the ball and get it to where he wants it pretty damn well.

The fact that the Broncos are the only team in the NFL (iirc) to have a winning record against the Patriots in the Brady/Belichick era means nothing to me. It isn't as if there's any logic to it. It's just one of those weird, flukey bits of sports trivia. Last season is the real and true team comparison.

Nor should it matter. It IS just one of those weird sports facts. But last year's team and this year's team have a 100% different offensive gameplan, so there really isn't anything to compare it to.

The fact is the Broncos aren't anywhere remotely close to being on New England's level. 2-2 does not tell the story of this Patriot team AT ALL. With real referees starting the season they would stand at 4-0.

Well that just reeks of bias, honestly. The Broncos have lost to the two best teams in football by 6 points each. They beat a good, not great, Steelers team at home, and crushed a bad team in the Raiders.

For argument's sake, let's pretend the Cardinals loss is equivalent to the Texans loss (even though the Texans are clearly the better team). That's one loss the Pats have to an undefeated team at home. They lost to the Ravens on the road, which matches up well with the Broncos loss to the Falcons on the road. There were awful calls that greatly effected the game for both teams in all of these games (Broncos-Falcons officiating was horrendous, as was Ravens-Pats), so let's not use that as an excuse. Statistically and through watching them, the two teams seem pretty even, for as much as you refuse to admit that as being true.

You're making the same mistake a lot of fans make (and I can't blame you for making it as a football fan.) It's the same mistake you made last year the week leading up to the post season match up. You let your imagination theory-craft out how it's going to be a close game and how you have a real great chance if you can only do X, Y, and Z, and then game day arrives and by the end of the 2nd quarter your'e disgusted, demoralized, down by 40 points and channel surfing for an action movie.

That mistake you're referencing is the one you're making blindly assuming it'll be a blowout because of who you're playing. While it could happen, there's not really much to support it.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Sorry, the Pats aren't losing another game at home this season. Pats 34 Broncos 20.

This is how i feel as well. back at home after 2 strait away games..can't lay an egg like the az game..they will be pumped to be back home

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

The contrast between Bronks fans. Cards fans interesting football analysis and the postings from Jets fans (Gunny aside) and other AFC rivals is striking.

Thanks for your contributions and continued good health to Peyton, neck bolt rust and all.

 

[everlong]

The Patriots averaged 475 yards and 43 points in the two meetings last year. They also averaged 143.5 yards rushing so it wasn't all spreading it out and the Patriots running game is better this year. I don't see where Denver's defense is that much better that they'll slow the Patriots down unless it's Denver's offense playing ball control and stealing the time of possession which Fox likes to do.

On offense there's no question Manning vs Tebow an epic upgrade. There's a reason the Patriots cut Koppen however so Manning having time to do damage will be the question. Koppen will also hurt their running game. I think the matchup of the Denver O-Line and Patriots D-line is the big one in this game. If the Patriots win that battle I think they win by two scores. If they don't it'll be a team with the ball last type of game.

 

[PATS16N0]

The arrival of Manning should drastically change the outcome from last year. You're replacing a QB who couldn't throw the ball with one of the better QBs in football. If you think Tebow for Manning is insignificant, why is he still on the bench while the disaster of a QB that is Mark Sanchez is still starting?

Well, throwing what was the heart and soul of your football organization under the bus to bring in a quarterback-mercenary like Manning might impress and even scare the Kansas City Chiefs or the Oakland Raiders but that doesn't impress me. New England has a long, long history with Peyton Manning, and if you aren't familiar with it, Brady and Belichick have been handing him his ass back to him on a silver platter for a decade.
Unless I'm mistaken, Peyton Manning, with a much better Colts offense, is 4-7 against Tom Brady, with 2 of his wins coming at a time when we completely stripped our offense of all of its weapons before the reload that lead to our 16-0 season (of which Manning was a victim) and the other 2 wins came when Brady was rehabilitating his injured knee, not making practices, etc.

The combination of a quarterback we've regularly owned during the Patriots / Colts rivalry, with a greatly diminished arm, on a new team that we humiliated in the post season last year and defeated twice in the 2011 season, simply doesn't worry me.

We might not have Hernandez for this game (and man would it get ugly if we did) but we have a drastically improved defense from last season and a drastically improved running game.

I see Brady absolutely torching the Denver defense, just like last year.
And I see Manning throwing 3 interceptions.

Patriots win this game by at least 14 points with a decent chance at a complete one sided blow out.

Well that just reeks of bias, honestly. The Broncos have lost to the two best teams in football by 6 points each. They beat a good, not great, Steelers team at home, and crushed a bad team in the Raiders.

I don't care who the power rankings say are two of the best teams in football right now. The Patriots are the best team in football, even if the records don't reflect that yet. Two months from now the entire sports-media will be begrudgingly asking themselves "Who can stop the Patriots?"

Book it.

You're about to play the best team in football.