Patriots, Broncos Keys to the AFCCG, Who Has the Razor’s Edge?
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Broncos RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Denver
 Dont’a Hightower is the key element in the Patriots ability to stop the run. (USA TODAY Images) |
The Broncos run the zone blocking scheme that Gary Kubiak has used in his various stops in the league. They got it figured out in the second half of the season and don’t be misled by Denver’s 107.4 average on the season. In their last seven games, Denver averaged 134.8 yards per game. Much of it had to do with Manning’s injury and the shotgun and Pistol formations they had to compromise with went by the wayside once Brock Osweiler took over and played under center.
Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson have done a great job for the Broncos down the stretch. They will be guys the Patriots defense has to stop if they want to be successful.
The Patriots defense has been generally very good against the run this season. Led by veteran Alan Branch and rookie Malcom Brown, the front line has done a good job of defeating runs at the point of attack. The key for the Patriots has been the play of the linebackers Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo. When those three were healthy and in the game, the run defense was outstanding. When they were out hurt, it suffered.
In the first meeting Denver rushed 15 times for 43 yards (2.9 avg) while Hightower was in the game. After he was injured, the Broncos rushed 15 more times for 132 yards (8.8 avg), and three touchdowns. Mayo was placed on IR after injuring his shoulder against KC and both Collins and Hightower are hurt. The Patriots need both of them to play and play well this week.
This Broncos zone blocking scheme will be a familiar foe as they faced it earlier this season and with the Ravens in the playoffs last year as Kubiak was the OC for Baltimore. The Broncos offensive line is getting healthier now and they’ve done a great job of opening up those cut-back lanes.
Broncos WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
Manning is back under center but he’s not the same player that he was just a few years ago. He struggles to put the zip on the ball that he’ll be required to in order to make all the throws. The Broncos now run first and with a complimentary, albeit dangerous passing game. They have Emmanuel Sanders who gave Malcolm Butler fits in the November game as well as Demaryius Thomas, whom Logan Ryan did an outstanding job on in the earlier matchup.
The Patriots pass defense was much better than anticipated in 2015. CBs Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan have been solid and the pass rush, although much less heralded than the Broncos was second in the league with 49 sacks. Edge rushers Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard combined for 27 sacks. If Collins (who also missed the November game), and Hightower can play, it not only increases their coverage capability for tight ends and backs, but allows them to blitz the A-gap something they’ve both been very good with.
The key here for New England is similar to what Denver will also attempt to do. Try to bring pressure on the QB and do so up the middle. Akiem Hicks who came over from the Saints has done a good job of doing just that. If the Patriots can do this, they can force Manning off his spot where he doesn’t move well. Sanders and Thomas will attempt to work the short area of the field and run some crosses and outside routes with an occasional deep shot.
Special Teams- Razor’s Edge Denver
The Patriots have the best kicker in the game with Stephen Gostkowski. He’s as close to automatic as they come and has as strong a leg as anyone. Ryan Allen didn’t have a strong game against the Chiefs and ended up with a net punting average of 26.3 The coverage units weren’t stellar and Danny Amendola took a bad penalty that put the Pats back on their two-yard line to start a drive. Amendola did jump start the offense with a 22-yard punt return.
The Broncos have a solid kicker in Brandon McManus who scored all their points until late in the fourth quarter. He booted five field goals on the day. Punter Brandon Colquitt single-handedly kept them in the game with some excellent directional punting. Denver’s coverage units are solid and they have the dangerous Sanders to run back punts. Denver’s playing at home and with the conditions that could involve some wind again, they get the nod here.
Next up, who wins and why…
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