Prediction:
This one was circled when the schedule was released as the Brady – Manning XVII matchup but injuries and poor play have sidelined Manning, perhaps for good in Denver. Osweiler may or may not be the QB of the future for the Broncos, but he’s the QB of the present and his play will dictate how far this team can go in the playoffs.
They’re built for a Super Bowl run now and with a very good defense, Osweiler just needs to be efficient and not turn the ball over until he can find his way as a consistent NFL QB. Things will get harder for him once teams begin to get more film on his play. This week, Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said, that the Pats are prepping for Osweiler but for Kubiak, going by tendencies in his offense because film is scarce on the Broncos signal caller. But one thing is for sure, the Broncos have a much better chance of winning with Osweiler at QB than Manning right now.
With a full array of weapons, this one would be a no-brainer for Brady and the Patriots, but they don’t have that…not even close. I expect that Dave DeGuglielmo will get the issues on the OL ironed out, they’re beginning to get healthier (to an extent) there, and should improve. But what about the receivers that Brady has to throw to?
This is reminiscent of the 2013 AFC Championship Game in Denver where Brady was throwing to Slater, an aging Austin Collie and Matthew Mulligan. While perhaps not that dire, it has that type of feel coming in. One key to monitor is the penalties. Denver’s defense has been frequently flagged with many personal fouls and depending on how this plays out could result in drives being extended.
This won’t be the shootout we’ve come to expect from these Brady – Manning matchups. This one will be more defensive oriented. The Patriots will need to generate some turnovers and big plays on STs to help the offense get some short fields this week. I’ve been going back and forth on this one all week, but I think they stumble a bit on the mile high air in Colorado once again. Broncos 20-17
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
