SalemPats
Experienced Starter w/First Big Contract
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2013
- Messages
- 5,252
- Reaction score
- 2,437
On paper, the big difference is we don't have Gronk anymore and Julius Thomas will play for the Broncos, but here is the real difference that i've seen.
Broncos Offense - I think they peaked early. They look they've regressed from the beginning of the year. In addition we matchup well. Talib matches up well with DT and Decker in my opinion is overrated. I expect a lot of crosses and screens to Moreno/Ball and possibly Welker/Decker. I think they'll avoid the screens to Thomas because we stuffed that pretty quickly. We need to jam their receivers off the line, when Manning's timing is off he's a different QB. It will be interesting to see how BB and Patricia cover J Thomas. He's fantastic on outs and I think we'll need to match up either with a Collins or a nickel cb.
Patriots Offense - losing Gronk hurts, we miss that physical outlet. Fortunately we play a 'soft' defense. The run game has evolved and Edelman looks like an elite player. Yes, we are better with Gronk, but the offense should be good for 30 points. This game will be more on the passing game then the others recently. Our passing game isn't what it was the last few years, but without Von Miller, Brady should have all day to disect the Broncos defense.
Broncos Defense - No Von Miller, they just lost Harris. Yes, Bailey is back, but i don't expect him to shadow Edelman. Edelman will eat him alive. They have a tough time putting pressure on us and we should be able to control the clock
Patriots Defense - After the injuries it took us awhile to know who we are, but the secondary is physical and supports well against the run. I worry about the deep threat, but the Broncos have great WR, but not speedy WRs. I expect them to run on us a bit, but that won't win them the game.
Barring a crazy turnover game (that Ravens wildcard loss still bothers me because they got so lucky), I think we'll squeek out a win 31 - 27.
Broncos Offense - I think they peaked early. They look they've regressed from the beginning of the year. In addition we matchup well. Talib matches up well with DT and Decker in my opinion is overrated. I expect a lot of crosses and screens to Moreno/Ball and possibly Welker/Decker. I think they'll avoid the screens to Thomas because we stuffed that pretty quickly. We need to jam their receivers off the line, when Manning's timing is off he's a different QB. It will be interesting to see how BB and Patricia cover J Thomas. He's fantastic on outs and I think we'll need to match up either with a Collins or a nickel cb.
Patriots Offense - losing Gronk hurts, we miss that physical outlet. Fortunately we play a 'soft' defense. The run game has evolved and Edelman looks like an elite player. Yes, we are better with Gronk, but the offense should be good for 30 points. This game will be more on the passing game then the others recently. Our passing game isn't what it was the last few years, but without Von Miller, Brady should have all day to disect the Broncos defense.
Broncos Defense - No Von Miller, they just lost Harris. Yes, Bailey is back, but i don't expect him to shadow Edelman. Edelman will eat him alive. They have a tough time putting pressure on us and we should be able to control the clock
Patriots Defense - After the injuries it took us awhile to know who we are, but the secondary is physical and supports well against the run. I worry about the deep threat, but the Broncos have great WR, but not speedy WRs. I expect them to run on us a bit, but that won't win them the game.
Barring a crazy turnover game (that Ravens wildcard loss still bothers me because they got so lucky), I think we'll squeek out a win 31 - 27.
