Patriots – Broncos Key Matchups, Who Has the Razor’s Edge?
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Patriots RBs vs Broncos Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Denver
The Patriots running game has suffered with the revolving door at the offensive line and the many different combinations they have had to utilize. LaGarrette Blount has been the main back and he’s played well in 2015 but could see an uptick in his workload this week due to the WR injury epidemic.
The Broncos allow only 93.7 yards per game on the ground with the 3-4 defense they operate in under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Their front three DL Sylvester Williams flanked by Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson are good at the point of attack and allow an athletic group of linebackers to fly up and make plays.
Look for the Patriots to run some traps designed at slowing down the pass rush this week right at the defense. The slower running plays to the outside won’t work much given the athleticism of this defense.
Patriots WRs vs Broncos Secondary – Razor’s Edge Denver
The myriad of injuries suffered by the Patriots offense seemed to finally catch up with the Patriots on Monday night. The offensive line was getting beaten on nearly every pass play as Brady was forced to throw far too many plays away as he was under duress all game long.
Already missing Dion Lewis and Julian Edelman from the passing game, they lost Aaron Dobson to a season-ending ankle injury and Danny Amendola to a knee injury which will keep him out at least for this week. This leaves only two healthy wide receivers Brandon LaFell and rookie Chris Harper who was activated off the practice squad. Look for Matthew Slater the STs ace to play some WR this week.
Denver has the #1 defense in the NFL against the pass and besides having the top secondary in the league boast an outstanding pass rush featuring DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller. Phillips loves to blitz and Denver leads the league in sacks with 34. Ware, suffering from a back injury may not be ready for this one having missed the past few games.
Look for the Patriots to utilize more two and three tight end formations this week out of necessity. They just don’t have the bodies to throw many wide receivers into the mix on the field. Keyshawn Martin who has been suffering from hamstring issues would be a nice addition but he’s still limited. It is time for TE Scott Chandler to step up this week. He’s been rarely utilized and has suffered from a case of the drops. He would take a lot of heat away from Rob Gronkowski who is bound to be the focus of the Denver defense.
Next up the Denver offense:
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