AFC Championship Preview: New England Patriots Offense vs Denver Broncos Defense
By Hal Bent
Jan 11, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs the ball during the second quarter of the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, running backs Stevan Ridley and LeGarrette Blount are going to be expected to contribute more than the combined 6 carries for 27 yards and a fumble lost by both early in week twelve. With just the threat of the power running game the Patriots should be able to use play-action to get big passing out of multiple-blocker (tight ends and fullback) sets.
Denver matches up well with the running game as they throw wave after wave of talented run stoppers at opposing running backs. Defensive ends Shaun Phillips, Jeremy Mincey, and Robert Ayers are strong against the run. Defensive tackles Terrance Knighton, Malik Jackson, Sylvester Williams, and Mitch Unrein have all had roles stuffing the run this season. Of course, the best run stopper all season was linebacker Von Miller.
With Danny Trevathan, Nate Irving, and Wesley Woodyard with no Von Miller the Broncos linebackers are merely adequate. With Paris Lenon splitting time at middle linebacker with Woodyard and Trevathan and Irving on the strong and weak-side, the linebackers are focused on stopping the run. Without standout pass rusher Von Miller, the Broncos defensive linemen are going to have to win their match-ups with the New England offensive line. Against San Diego last week, Denver brought extra rushers on only 11 of 52 defensive snaps.
For New England to defeat Denver their offense needs to be balanced and multi-dimensional. The team cannot repeat the mistakes of the San Diego Chargers and risk trying to crawl out from a significant deficit on the road in the AFC Championship Game. Quarterback Tom Brady will need to exploit the holes in the Denver secondary while his offensive line tries to keep the strong Denver defensive line away from him. If the Patriots can maintain balance in the game plan and not over-commit to either the running or passing game, New England should be in position to outscore the Broncos.
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