Patriots 3 Up, 3 Down In Win Over The Broncos

[PatsFans.com Article]

Patriots 3 Up, 3 Down In Win Over The Broncos
By: Steve Balestrieri

The Patriots abused the Broncos nickel packages running for 251 yards on 51 carries and had scoring drives of 16, 16, 14 and 12 plays. ...

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[jmt57]

This is the second week in a row that the Patriots have responded to an opposing defense's use of the nickel by running the ball - and running the ball very effectively.

I will be interested in seeing how long - perhaps as early as next week - it is before opposing defenses stay in the base package as often as possible. Once that happens the Pats wide receivers and tight ends should have some favorable matchups in pass coverage.

 

[patsfaninpa]

I don't think Carpenter helps the pass defense. He's not exactly quick either. We're not going to bring him in for our nickel package. Obviously, not the strength of Spikes game. Hightower is a little better. But, not his strength either. There really isn't a lb on our roster who specializes in this.

In our dime package, I wonder if Chung might be the best option. Leaves Gregory and Wilson to play 2 deep zone. If Dennard and Dowling imrove as the season goes on. Could do something like last year with McCourty and Wilson at safety. Dennard and Dowling playing press on the corners with two pretty athletic safeties over the top. Arrington plays the slot. Chung is the dime back lining us as a lb and covering the te.