Who's your x factor for both teams Sunday

I think DA could be a huge X factor for us. So much will be thrown at stopping JE and Gronk. Danny often becomes crazy clutch when we really need him in the big game and other playmakers are getting all the focus. If JE goes squirrely that will change a game.

For Denver I think it's Wade Phillips. If he has the stones to make a BB move and put Talib on Gronk 1v1 like BB did with Jimmy Graham. I don't think he does though. I think he will be on the outside all game. If you have to double two guys and sometimes triple on Brady will carve you up.

The X factor will be how quickly the Pats' offense can get the Denver pass rush winded. Once the rush dies down, this game turns into a turkey shoot for Brady.

I said this to a friend yesterday IF Brandon LaFell plays up to his ability we could possibly Blow Denver out. We know what Edelman and Gronk will do also Amendola, we could see Brady playing catch with that Denver Defense. Also James White could be a factor with his Great hands.

I'll go with one specific matchup to decide the game. NT Sylvester Williams vs C David Andrews/Bryan Stork. If the Center can give Brady a clean pocket to step up into throws the game is over. If Williams is able to disrupt the pocket ala Terrence Knighton in 2013 the Patriots will have a harder time scoring and the game will be close.

Both kickers.

Especially Ghost - being able to hit long FGs in that altitude when the Broncos defense slows down the Patriots drives will be essential.

I am gonna go with Volmer for the Pats, and Wolf for the Broncs.
Wolf needs to have a big game coming up inside on the pass rush. Volmer needs to delay and hold his own somewhat against Miller. But, don't be surprised to see Miller get lined up over on Cannons side.

My X-factors:

Patriots: Run defense

Broncos: Running game

The best chance for the Broncos to move the ball is with their rushing attack. If the Patriots are successful at stopping or slowing it down, then it will force Manning to throw more, which means more wounded ducks ripe for the picking.

Also, I suspect that the Patriots will play tight man coverage on all the underneath routes, forcing Manning to make throws deep and outside the numbers, which this year's version of Manning has been consistently unsuccessful at achieving.

If the Broncos are able to dominate on the ground, then this game really comes right down to the wire or if the Patriots offense struggles and/or there are points off Patriots turnovers, then an easy win for the Broncos similar to what transpired two years ago at Mile High.

Patriots DL. Have to stop that running game.

The Patriot's OL will decide the game. If they protect then Manning won't be able to keep up.

Jackson for the pats. Either by breaking off a big run or playing just well enough to keep their pass rush honest.

Has to be Manning for the horsies. Will he summon up one last game as the Old Peyton or will he suck?

The refs for both teams.

Amendola could have huge game. Denver is going to focus on taking out Gronk and Edelperson. That leaves Amendola to carve them up like a roast beef on sunday.

This guy.

Patriots: Pat Chung - Support in the run game, and shutting down Owen Daniels to make Denver completely one-dimensional will be crucial.

Denver: Evan Mathis - He has sucked donkey **** for most of the season, had a decent game against Pittsburgh. If he struggles again, that will help the front four of the Patriots run and pass. If he doesn't, consistent pressure will be tough.

Patriots - A lot of people have thrown in Chung, who would have been my x-factor as well. I will go with Ninko and Chandler Jones. In the zone blocking running scheme if they can one hold the edge and two help out on inside runs we can shut their running game down and run away with this game.

Denver - refs, that's their only chance

SalemPats said:

Denver - refs, that's their only chance

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Totall agree SalemPats.

Linebackers on both sides of the ball. If the Broncos linebackers can't keep up I believe we will absolutely shred them with our short game.

With Freeney missing a lot of time in the second half of the season, and Mayo now out, are Collins and Hightower healthy enough to play most of the snaps? They are going to be critical in stopping the run, and preventing Denver from trying to copy our 5-yard offense.

My other choices are Ninkovich, who MUST set the edge, and McCourty to help Ryan. It isn't coincidence to me that Ryan has seemed less effective since McCourty's injuries.

White for the Pats. I think he could have a 100 yard game or close to it. They can't really defend RBs out of the back field that well.

For the Broncos Sylvester Williams - DT.

TheRazorsEdge said:

This guy.View attachment 12038

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Me too. Far and away, Hightower. He single-handedly had shut down Denver's rushing game prior to getting injured. After he left, their run game exploded and they were able to get ahead.

PP2 said:

Me too. Far and away, Hightower. He single-handedly had shut down Denver's rushing game prior to getting injured. After he left, their run game exploded and they were able to get ahead.

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That's exactly what I've been preaching all week to friends and coworkers. He is such a force and difference maker at the LOS. Hopefully his knee holds up and he finishes what he started a few weeks ago