Looking through the game film I found several instances of Denver getting beaten in the run game. Almost universally these came off of exploiting this pursuit tendency and ear-holing Knighton. As 98 goes so does the entire Denver running game. Remember, TJ Ward would be their biggest linebacker and I know 94's name but he's not DeMarcus Ware anymore. They're fast, but they also are far from disciplined. For the 3,000th time this is a pursuit team. I cannot overstate this. BB has a long history of exploiting pursuit teams. So, how is this accomplished?
If Batman has taught us anything it is that theatricality and deception are powerful agents against the uninitiated...and they are not initiated, are they, Josh? Denver's opponents have put eight to ten plays on film where they took advantage of their pursuit with, for lack of a better term, trick plays. Most notably what looks like a zone read but is a handoff to the slot receiver coming off of the formation and getting the linebackers to bite on the dive. I expect a handoff to Edelman to happen in the first quarter. If they start running zones at Miller they are setting it up.
While the game is not TNF, I am expecting a throwback look. The two tight end offense, ah what a beautiful set. What made it so good in the run game is that, with motion, TE's can very easily "do fullback". In this case, this means wham blocking. Exploit Knighton's upfield play and use Gronk to functionally trap him while you get a guard or center to the second level. Essentially a counter.
Speaking of pulling and counters, Wendell has been a whipping post for a lot of us (myself included) but I think he does a handful of things pretty well. His game is largely predicated on developing a head of steam. Not ideal for a lineman, but when pulled, ah that is where he can excel. Again, take advantage of this upfield tendency, trap him and create large lanes.
I know this is basically how to beat pursuit teams 101, but thats exactly what they are. Denver is statistically excellent in the running game because, well, they usually don't get run on all that much. Running the ball takes time. It needs to be established. It needs setting up. It's very much like power punching. A lead hook on it's own is pretty ineffective, but draw in the opponents guard with your jab or throw it over a countering straight or parry and you have a devastating weapon. Such is the same in the running game. When you have forehead on the other side playing flag football time becomes an issue and accordingly the run game is jettisoned. Now, disrupt the timing of the forehead (which I fully expect NE to do) and you have time to develop a robust, multidimensional offensive attack...which is how this game is going to play out.
