Patriots 2015 Opponents, Five First Impressions of the Broncos

Patriots 2015 Opponents, Five First Impressions of the Broncos

Steve Balestrieri

The Denver defense led by their pass rush of Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Shane Ray keys the top pass defense in the NFL. They'll be looking to shut down Tom Brady just like they did with Aaron Rodgers.

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Great Job Steve.

I would not consider the Bears defense as good. I have not watched them play but statistically they rank in the bottom ten in just about every major defensive stat with the exception of yards per game. Sacks, Point per game, INT's, etc... Osweiler may have performed well but it was against a weak defense IMO.

I think this game comes down to how each teams offense handles the opposing teams Defense and I like our chances.

My impression of the Broncos under Ostweiler (and, of course, this is really just a 1-game sample) is that they went on the road to play a weak Bears team and barely held on to win despite the fact that Chicago did everything they could possibly do to self destruct.

It was not what I would call a chest-thumping victory. Now, of course, it's the NFL and road games are always tough so they do deserve credit for actually winning. I just don't see Brady making quite the same mistakes Cutler did.

I've said this throughout the year that we are basically the antidote to the Denvers defense. We have a QB with the quickest release in the league we have an elite TE and quick WRs against a defense that can't matchup to them, Talib is an outside CB who is more physical than fast and a player like Edelman is a bad matchup. TJ Ward is great against the run, but bad against the pass. I personally think Harris is overrated. Edelman/DA/Lewis/Gronk would shine in this game.

This is a weird week, since our offense has to basically reinvent itself and because of the O-Line problems, Gronk has been rendered more of a blocker than a TE. I expect us to play more 2 TE sets with Gronk moving around and being more involved in the offense. If we were healthy we would put up 30+ points, i expect it to be a 24-7 game

XLIX said:

My impression of the Broncos under Ostweiler (and, of course, this is really just a 1-game sample) is that they went on the road to play a weak Bears team and barely held on to win despite the fact that Chicago did everything they could possibly do to self destruct.

It was not what I would call a chest-thumping victory. Now, of course, it's the NFL and road games are always tough so they do deserve credit for actually winning. I just don't see Brady making quite the same mistakes Cutler did.

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It was also a Bears offense with no Jeffrey's and Forte (Langford has been great in his absense, but this was a tough matchup for him)

Since I get a lot of Broncos here in Denver I get to see way to much of them. Been to a couple games also. What I notice more than anything defensively is their speed to the ball. They don't allow very many YAC, Miller is in probowl form and fast, Shane Ray is quite quick also, but Brandon Marshall is their Collins and he is quick, I think Collins is better but don't overlook Marshall. They are very good against the screen and the running game. If anything maybe running up the middle is the Pats best chance only because the defense tends to get behind the play and over pursue. Trying to run outside on them isn't going to work great IMHO. Well their pass rush is pretty dam good don't they lead the league in sacks?

I'm not overly worried about their offense except I think Sanders, and Butler can only cover one guy, if Sanders is on the field I'd put Butler on him. The TE's are playing better for Denver and seem to find space. DT hasn't been the same player this year than last but his ability to get YAC is one of the best.

I'm not saying NE can't beat them, I personally think this is their toughest test of the season both previous and future.

SalemPats said:

It was also a Bears offense with no Jeffrey's and Forte (Langford has been great in his absense, but this was a tough matchup for him)

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Talib did not play because his finger hurt after someone smashed it with their eyeball.

SalemPats said:

I've said this throughout the year that we are basically the antidote to the Denvers defense. We have a QB with the quickest release in the league we have an elite TE and quick WRs against a defense that can't matchup to them, Talib is an outside CB who is more physical than fast and a player like Edelman is a bad matchup. TJ Ward is great against the run, but bad against the pass. I personally think Harris is overrated. Edelman/DA/Lewis/Gronk would shine in this game.

This is a weird week, since our offense has to basically reinvent itself and because of the O-Line problems, Gronk has been rendered more of a blocker than a TE. I expect us to play more 2 TE sets with Gronk moving around and being more involved in the offense. If we were healthy we would put up 30+ points, i expect it to be a 24-7 game

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Just a reminder. Edelman wont be playing Sunday night.

The Denver D has been gutted this year by dump offs and screens .... good thing we run them very well.

Raymond said:

Just a reminder. Edelman wont be playing Sunday night.

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yeah i know, that's why i predicted 24-7 instead of 37-7

interesting stat is that Chicago had 5 sacks of osweiller. and that is a pretty poor defense. Our D-line could have a field day against the broncos.

I also expect us to do better against the run than chicago did

RIpats88 said:

interesting stat is that Chicago had 5 sacks of osweiller. and that is a pretty poor defense. Our D-line could have a field day against the broncos.

I also expect us to do better against the run than chicago did

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Os did quite well when he was allowed to drop back and throw without any pressure. He did lousy when pressured.

If the Pats can contain the run, without having to commit extra defenders, and confuse and pressure Os, I like our chances on that side of the ball.

It's on the other side that concerns me.