Patriots vs Broncos Week

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

I hope Gronk delivers a shot to TJ Ward....the little puke...

 

[Oswlek]

"Maybe at the time, but halfway through the season Denver's defensive line is #1 against the run."


While it is true that Denver leads the league in total rushing yards allowed, let's keep in mind that the main reason for that is that teams have found themselves behind, and then abandon the run in an attempt to catch up. I wouldn't automatically take that rushing yards per game statistic and conclude that the Broncos have the best defensive line in the NFL.

In week one the Broncos stopped Trent Richardson; they're certainly not the first team to do so.
In week two the Chiefs were without Jamaal Charles.
In week three Seattle ran for 129 yards on Denver.
In week five the Cardinals started Drew Stanton, and then he had to leave the game. Denver stacked the line and dared Arizona to beat them with Stanton, and then third-string QB Logan Thomas.
In week six Rex had Geno Smith drop back to pass 49 times. Rex is not too bright.
In week seven the Niners fell behind, though to Denver's credit they did hold SF to 3.4 yards per carry.
In week eight the Chargers, who rank 30th in rushing in the NFL, averaged 4.1 yards per carry vs Denver


I'm not trying to say Denver is not good (they are) or that they aren't good on defense against the run (again, they are).

I'm just saying that the total rushing yards allowed statistic may be a bit misleading.

I agree that Denver has had some opponent luck, but you are off a little in some of your information. While it is true that losing teams run less, they generally do so at a higher ypc clip since the defense is playing pass. Despite this, Denver is 5th in the league at defensive ypc.

The Chargers may have run for 4.1 ypc, but they were held to 13 yards on their first 11 carries. It was a dominant performance while the game was still in doubt. SD's yards all came after Denver went up 28-7, including a meaningless 17 yard scramble by Rivers.

 

[RIpats88]

no one seems to be mentioning that Sunday is expected to be windy and cold...BIG advantage for the patriots as that alone should slow down manning and that offense.

manning doesnt do well in cold and windy weather

 

[Kontradiction]

I agree that Denver has had some opponent luck, but you are off a little in some of your information. While it is true that losing teams run less, they generally do so at a higher ypc clip since the defense is playing pass. Despite this, Denver is 5th in the league at defensive ypc.

The Chargers may have run for 4.1 ypc, but they were held to 13 yards on their first 11 carries. It was as dominant a run performance as I've seen by a defense. SD's yards all came after Denver went up 28-7, including a meaningless 17 yard scramble by Rivers.

Agreed. Denver has caught a few lucky breaks here and there as it relates to opponents, but they're still a good run defense. I think the Pats should adopt the 2006 Minnesota Vikings gameplan and spread them out. Have Talib and Harris worry about LaFell and Edelman and pound the Broncos with 2TE sets. Send Gronk and Wright over the middle, down the seam, and to paydirt. Run at them as a change of pace when they declare that they're beginning to sell out against the pass.

 

[tmajr3]

Agreed. Denver has caught a few lucky breaks here and there as it relates to opponents, but they're still a good run defense. I think the Pats should adopt the 2006 Minnesota Vikings gameplan and spread them out. Have Talib and Harris worry about LaFell and Edelman and pound the Broncos with 2TE sets. Send Gronk and Wright over the middle, down the seam, and to paydirt. Run at them as a change of pace when they declare that they're beginning to sell out against the pass.

YES!

I think Wright is going to have a huge game, because DEN will try and cover him with a LB

 

[jmt57]

I somehow missed this story out of Denver from last week.

Police: Ex-Bronco John Boyett punched cabbie, urged cops to call Elway - The Denver Post

Before his arrest, Boyett had been drinking at the Sports Book Bar & Grill, where a bartender and patrons said he was highly intoxicated and making threats, police say.

Police said Boyett tried to take food off another patron's plate and was asked to leave when he became agitated, threatening to punch a bartender and refusing to pay his tab.

Two police officers responded and called Boyett a cab. About five minutes later, the driver called authorities to report he had been assaulted by Boyett on the 9700 block of East Arapahoe Road, records say.​

But wait, there's more!

Police say he drunkenly head-butted and punched a cab driver, stole a shovel from a construction site then tried to hide from officers by covering himself in mulch, court records show.

Boyett, 24, told arresting officers to "contact his boss John Elway" before repeatedly slamming his head into a patrol car window while yelling and spitting, records say.​

Not a bright career decision for a practice squad player. Maybe he was attempting to 0ne-up Talib in regards to showing a cabbie who's the boss... Not surprisingly, Boyett is now unemployed.

 

[condon84]

I think Peyton's gonna be able to move his team. The key will be in the Red Zone and our ability to stop the run in a sub defense set up to stop the pass. Our front 4 and 2 LBs have to be able to stop the run without having to commit extra guys.

When we are on offense, Denver's LBs are fast and athletic. With the way the front four is playing for them, the LBs have been able to stay at home and defend the middle of the field really well. We gotta make those guys commit to defending the run if we are to exploit the middle. If we don't commit to the run and make those guys defend it, then we are looking at Brady trying to move the ball strictly through the air on the outside. Not really a strong point for this team.

Another thing I've noticed about Denver's D, because LBs are fast and stay at home, they're great at defending screens. I don't expect that to work and might lead to TOs if we try it.

 

[fightingirish595]

Why do people want Browner on DT? HJe is their best WR...Revis is our best CB...it shouldn't be that hard to figure out

While I agree, I just think if your going to use browner on a reciever, then demaryius is the guy. We have seen in the past the press corners can give him trouble. No doubt if browner is on Julius. Then revised is on DT.

 

[Belichick8384]

Shouldn't the O line stay on top of their game every game?

Yes, but they're up against the #1 defensive line, and exaggerated or not I don't think they've been at their best this season.

 

[chasa]

this is one of those games where I'm afraid the patriots are going to embarass them so bad that when we meet in the playoffs they are going to have some extra motivation

 

[Bruins29]

Yes, but they're up against the #1 defensive line, and exaggerated or not I don't think they've been at their best this season.

What were the stats on hurries, knockdowns and sacks last game.

Also, if we are gonna win with Brady, The Broncos don't have the best D line.

 

[saspack]

this is one of those games where I'm afraid the patriots are going to embarass them so bad that when we meet in the playoffs they are going to have some extra motivation

Not an issue if we can secure HFA.

 

[JMC00]

I think Peyton's gonna be able to move his team. The key will be in the Red Zone and our ability to stop the run in a sub defense set up to stop the pass. Our front 4 and 2 LBs have to be able to stop the run without having to commit extra guys.

When we are on offense, Denver's LBs are fast and athletic. With the way the front four is playing for them, the LBs have been able to stay at home and defend the middle of the field really well. We gotta make those guys commit to defending the run if we are to exploit the middle. If we don't commit to the run and make those guys defend it, then we are looking at Brady trying to move the ball strictly through the air on the outside. Not really a strong point for this team.

Another thing I've noticed about Denver's D, because LBs are fast and stay at home, they're great at defending screens. I don't expect that to work and might lead to TOs if we try it.

They haven't been that great against defending TEs. I mean especially if you are one who thinks Pats are terrible against TEs

Denver in 7 Games
35 receptions
380 yards
4 TD

Compared to the Pats
8 games
39 receptions
490 yards
3 TD

So because Denver has played 1 less game, let's look at the average per games

Denver:
5 rec
54.2 yards
0.57 TD

NE:
4.8 rec
61.2 yards
0.37 TD

Now there is no-way you can sit there and say the Pats suck against TEs but the Broncos play really well against them.

 

[condon84]

They haven't been that great against defending TEs. I mean especially if you are one who thinks Pats are terrible against TEs

Denver in 7 Games
35 receptions
380 yards
4 TD

Compared to the Pats
8 games
39 receptions
490 yards
3 TD

So because Denver has played 1 less game, let's look at the average per games

Denver:
5 rec
54.2 yards
0.57 TD

NE:
4.8 rec
61.2 yards
0.37 TD

Now there is no-way you can sit there and say the Pats suck against TEs but the Broncos play really well against them.

You're right, there is no way I can sit here and say the Pats suck against TEs.....because I never posted that.

 

[SVN]

Broncos best at creating and stopping big plays | CSNNE.com

When it comes to “explosive plays” no team in the league is better than the Broncos at making them happen and stopping them from happening.

In seven games, Denver has knocked out 20 big-play rushes (10 yards or more) and 19 big-play passes (25 yards or more) for 39 “explosive plays.”

Defensively, they’ve allowed just 20 explosive plays to opponents. Their big-play ratio is plus-19. That’s the best in the league.​

 

[SVN]

this is one of those games where I'm afraid the patriots are going to embarass them so bad that when we meet in the playoffs they are going to have some extra motivation

Iam worried it could be the other way round like in 2006. Pats blow out vikings before home game vs colts and then get beat in a mostly one-sided affair at home. But this pats team is better and the weather could be a factor.

 

[SVN]

no one seems to be mentioning that Sunday is expected to be windy and cold...BIG advantage for the patriots as that alone should slow down manning and that offense.

manning doesnt do well in cold and windy weather

Yes .But this is where our issue vs the run this year and their's being strong rush defense comes into play. We dont want another jet game like 38 min TOP for denver running the ball because of the wind.

 

[JMC00]

You're right, there is no way I can sit here and say the Pats suck against TEs.....because I never posted that.

Well you were talking about their LBs defending the middle of the field really well and that's where TEs do most of their work.

 

[condon84]

Well you were talking about their LBs defending the middle of the field really well and that's where TEs do most of their work.

My post was about what the Broncos do well from what I've seen. But it also doesn't mean that they do it better than the Pats defense.

You know, it is possible to break down an opponent's strengths without it being a slight to the Pats lol.

 

[Nflfan88]

I agree that Denver has had some opponent luck, but you are off a little in some of your information. While it is true that losing teams run less, they generally do so at a higher ypc clip since the defense is playing pass. Despite this, Denver is 5th in the league at defensive ypc.

The Chargers may have run for 4.1 ypc, but they were held to 13 yards on their first 11 carries. It was a dominant performance while the game was still in doubt. SD's yards all came after Denver went up 28-7, including a meaningless 17 yard scramble by Rivers.

Also keep in mind to end the Chargers game there was a meaningless 30 yard draw play by the chargers to end the game. Regarding Seattle that game went to overtime and Russel Wilson ran for a lot of those yards in overtime. (Despite that they still kept the Seahawks 30 yards under there average)