{"id":9766,"date":"2016-12-15T11:30:11","date_gmt":"2016-12-15T16:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/?p=9766"},"modified":"2016-12-15T08:23:30","modified_gmt":"2016-12-15T13:23:30","slug":"can-patriots-defeat-denvers-pass-defense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2016\/12\/15\/can-patriots-defeat-denvers-pass-defense\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can The Patriots Defeat Denver\u2019s Pass Defense?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">All-22 Film From Atlanta May Hold the Key<\/h2>\n<p>Facing the #1 pass defense of the Denver Broncos is always a tough task, for the Patriots, facing them in Denver makes it even tougher. The thin air of the Rocky Mountains has been a tough place for Tom Brady and the Patriots and this week will be no exception.<\/p>\n<p>So how will the Patriots and Josh McDaniels decide to attack the vaunted Denver pass defense this week? Well, we know that the game plan will feature more of the running game, an area that the Broncos defense has struggled in this year. The answer to the passing dilemma may rest with the running backs as well.<\/p>\n<p>We rolled back the tape of the Denver Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. In that game, while the Broncos excellent tandem of Aqib Talib and Chris Harris at cornerback kept the Falcons duo at WR of Julio Jones and Mohammad Sanu in check, it was the backs who did the major damage for Matt Ryan.<\/p>\n<p>Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman had a combined 286 yards from scrimmage during Atlanta\u2019s win in Denver that day. Freeman did the bulk of his work on the ground, grinding out 88 yards and a touchdown. While Coleman was devastating thru the air catching four passes for 132 yards and a score. Atlanta mixed up the run and pass well that day and the combination of the two backs along with fullback Patrick DeMarco took advantage of matchups. The Falcons attacked inside linebackers Brandon Marshall and Todd Davis by isolating them in coverage.<\/p>\n<p>The Patriots have three backs with LeGarrette Blount, James White and Dion Lewis who the Pats use in much the same way along with fullback James Develin. It comes down to getting the right matchups and execution.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a look at the Coaches\u2019 All-22 film from NFL Gamepass that highlights how Atlanta was successful.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Coleman 48-yard Pass Play:<\/strong> On the Falcons first possession, they go with three wide receivers with the tight end aligned in line on the right. Two receivers are bunched together on the left. Ryan moves Coleman out to the right slot where he\u2019s isolated on a linebacker. Denver is playing man coverage with two deep safeties in a Cover 2.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9767\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-51.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-51.jpg 907w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-51-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>At the snap, the three wide receivers run deep patterns taking their coverage with them down the field. After chipping the edge rusher, tight end Jacob Tamme runs a shallow cross with Coleman. Coleman runs underneath and gets a free release when both Broncos defenders get caught up in the legal pick play by Tamme.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-51.2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-51.2.jpg 1013w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-51.2-300x190.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Coleman runs a short 4-5-yard slant and Ryan hits him with the pass easily in stride. With the receivers clearing out the coverage, there is a huge gap in the middle of the field. Coleman catches the pass and turns up the field, where the safeties are much too deep to influence the play.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9769\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-51.3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-51.3.jpg 997w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-51.3-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Freeman 14 Yard Pass Play<\/strong>: During the same opening drive, the Falcons once again, used their running backs in a mismatch against the linebackers. This time Ryan flexed Freeman out to the left slot where he was aligned with Marshall. Denver this time is in a Cover 3 where the safeties again take deep drops.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9770\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/DFreeman-14-yd.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/DFreeman-14-yd.jpg 1002w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/DFreeman-14-yd-300x192.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>At the snap, Freeman runs a dig route where once he gets the ball from Ryan, about 5 yards from the line of scrimmage, he reverses his run and cut back to the outside where he picks up about 8-9 more yards on the play.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9771\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/DFreeman-14-yd2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/DFreeman-14-yd2.jpg 1094w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/DFreeman-14-yd2-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/DFreeman-14-yd2-1024x599.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coleman 31-yard Touchdown:<\/strong> Coleman later burned Marshall badly for a deep touchdown pass from Ryan where the safety seemed to be in double coverage on Jones to the outside.<\/p>\n<p>Atlanta lines up with three wide receivers, with two to the left and one to the right. Coleman moves to the left slot giving Atlanta three receivers on one side where he\u2019s again in single coverage with Marshall.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9772\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD.jpg 1010w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD-300x190.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>At the snap, Coleman blows right by Marshall, who is chase mode. Ryan lays the ball out perfectly for Coleman at the 10-yard line. Safety T.J. Ward who was providing deep coverage to the outside can\u2019t react in time and Coleman has the touchdown.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9773\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD2.jpg 1078w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD2-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD2-1024x608.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9774\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD3.jpg 1116w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD3-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-31-yd-TD3-1024x587.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Coleman 49-Yard Pass Reception:<\/strong> Atlanta got aggressive at their own 25-yard line by going five wide with three wide receivers, the tight end, and Coleman split out to the slot on the right. Denver is in man coverage with a single deep safety, Ward in the middle of the field.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9775\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd.jpg 1049w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd-1024x625.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Davis gives Coleman a nice cushion but froze flat-footed at the snap, perhaps the crowd noise distracting him. Coleman blows right by him and is wide open down the sideline. Once again Ryan delivers the ball perfectly and Ward is late in getting over. The result was another huge gain for the Falcons.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9776\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd2.jpg 1060w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd2-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd2-1024x618.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9777\" src=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd3.jpg 918w, https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/TColeman-49-yd3-300x209.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Patriots can use White and Lewis in similar ways this week, they can show run and motion them out to the outside where they\u2019ll have single coverage on the linebackers. White has functioned almost as a slot receiver at times and is excellent in blitz pickup. Lewis is more of a runner out of the backfield than White is and is also good at catching passes out of the backfield. They give Tom Brady plenty of options in the passing game.<\/p>\n<p>While this may not be a great statistical week for wide receivers, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell due to the strength of the Broncos cornerbacks, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that Brady can\u2019t have a successful day throwing the ball. White and Lewis will probably factor big into this week\u2019s game plan.<\/p>\n<p>The \u201cX-Factor\u201d for the Patriots is tight end Martellus Bennett. If the offensive line can hold up well enough, Brady can get him more involved in the passing game. There he can also create mismatches on the linebackers and force the safeties to get more involved with him, which will allow others the opportunity to win one-on-one battles.<\/p>\n<p>The difficulties of facing the Denver pass defense is daunting, especially with the way New England has played there in the past but not impossible. It will require a good game plan and the players to execute it. This should prove to be a very intriguing chess match to watch. Wade Phillips defense, which likes to be aggressive going against Brady and the Patriots on Sunday, what better way to spend the afternoon?<\/p>\n<p><em>Follow me on Twitter\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SteveB7SFG\"><em>@SteveB7SFG<\/em><\/a><em>\u00a0or email me at\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/patspub.patsfans.com\/stevebpatsfans@gmail.com\"><em>stevebpatsfans@gmail.com<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Listen to our\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.blogtalkradio.com\/patriotsfourthandtwo\"><em>Patriots 4<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0and 2<\/em><\/a><em>\u00a0podcasts on blog talk radio as the writers Russ Goldman, Derek Havens and I from\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/\"><em>PatsFans.com<\/em><\/a><em>\u00a0discuss the latest Patriots news Wednesdays at 12 noon.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This should prove to be a very intriguing chess match to watch. Wade Phillips defense, which likes to be aggressive going against Brady and the Patriots<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":9297,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,274],"tags":[1066,607,34,148,615,599,18,603,277,204,78,17,24,930,44,70,8,713,117,1283,13,602],"class_list":["post-9766","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-patriots-commentary","category-patriots-film-room","tag-2016-nfl-season","tag-aqib-talib","tag-bill-belichick","tag-brandon-marshall","tag-chris-harris","tag-chris-hogan","tag-danny-amendola","tag-demarcus-ware","tag-denver-broncos","tag-dion-lewis","tag-james-white","tag-julian-edelman","tag-lagarrette-blount","tag-martellus-bennett","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-nfl","tag-patriots","tag-patriots-running-backs","tag-rob-gronkowski","tag-todd-davis","tag-tom-brady","tag-von-miller"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Can The Patriots Defeat Denver\u2019s Pass Defense?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This should prove to be a very intriguing chess match to watch. 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