A play that's been very effective for them this year is the shotgun handoff to Moreno that generally goes to the weak side. Since Denver plays mostly out of a 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB set, teams are forced to play nickel if not dime. Manning appears to see how his opponent lines up relative to Thomas (TE) and Welker and then directs the run call. I think this play will be one the Pats need to limit.
Could we see a similar front as we saw against Carolina (3-4 but really playing like a 5 man line since the down 3 were very tight)? I would doubt it since this would put way to much pressure on a 4 man secondary against 3 WR's. We'll likely need a 5th DB most of the time, if not 6 on 3rd and long. I'm just really looking forward to see how BB schemes this one.
They won't stop Manning but if its windy and cold, this will help considerably since Manning does not power the ball relative Brady.
It will also be interesting to see how J Thomas is moving if he plays at all. More so than the other receivers, he in my opinion presents a tougher matchup problem.
I'd really like to see Manning hold the ball and reload a few times. That will tell me the coverage isn't what he thought it would be. And if we can knock him down a few times, even if he gets the ball off, it will affect him. Easier said than done given that KC didn't touch him but if the D can come out with the most intense energy of the season, I think they might surprise.
Could we see a similar front as we saw against Carolina (3-4 but really playing like a 5 man line since the down 3 were very tight)? I would doubt it since this would put way to much pressure on a 4 man secondary against 3 WR's. We'll likely need a 5th DB most of the time, if not 6 on 3rd and long. I'm just really looking forward to see how BB schemes this one.
They won't stop Manning but if its windy and cold, this will help considerably since Manning does not power the ball relative Brady.
It will also be interesting to see how J Thomas is moving if he plays at all. More so than the other receivers, he in my opinion presents a tougher matchup problem.
I'd really like to see Manning hold the ball and reload a few times. That will tell me the coverage isn't what he thought it would be. And if we can knock him down a few times, even if he gets the ball off, it will affect him. Easier said than done given that KC didn't touch him but if the D can come out with the most intense energy of the season, I think they might surprise.
