Denver gave up completions of 59 and 70 yards to the Ravens and a 32 yard run to Ray Rice. The Ravens had a 43 yard run against Indy and receptions of 47 and 50 yards.
In contrast, over the last 8 games the Pats have given up 1 completion over 50 yards (53 yards against Jacksonville) and 2 over 40 (a 47 yard TD pass to TY Hilton and Indy when the game was already a blowout). The longest offensive rushing play the Pats have given up all season has been 23 yards
The ratings of the opposing QBs in those 8 games:
- Andrew Luck: 63.3 (27/50, 324 yards, 2 TD, 3 INTs including 2 pick-6's)
- Mark Sanchez:94.8 (24/36, 301 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)
- Ryan Tannehill: 66.2 (13/29, 186 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT)
- Matt Schaub: 68.8 (19/32, 232 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT)
- Colin Kaepernick:108.5 (14/25, 221 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT)
- Chad Henne: 59.9 (29/51, 348 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT)
- Ryan Tannehill: 65.8 (20/35, 235 yards, 0 TD, 1 iNT)
- Matt Schaub: 90.6 (34/51, 343 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT)
Ok, but ... unless those numbers are substantially better than Denver's numbers vs. opposing quarterbacks over the past 8 games, it doesn't tell us much. Denver's D was ranked pretty high, yet Baltimore was able to take advantage of them downfield.
Another point - you've got to take what you're given. If Denver is going to go with Champ one on one vs. Torrey to commit the safeties elsewhere, why not go up top if you think you've got the advantage?
The offense has been much more consistent at generating big plays over the past few weeks. You can ascribe that to luck or playing over their heads if you wish, but there are two very real reasons why they have improved. (1) Caldwell moving Flacco around in the pocket, and (2) McKinnie.