AFC Championship Preview: New England Patriots Defense vs Denver Broncos Offense

Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) fumbles the ball in front of New England Patriots linebacker Dane Fletcher (52) in the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

While falling behind in the game early in week twelve, the Patriots defensive strategy did not change. Leaving the Denver running game to the front four defenders, New England endured a drubbing by the Denver backfield.  While quarterback Peyton Manning only threw for 150 yards against the Patriots five defensive backs and versatile linebackers in coverage, the Broncos busted out for 280 yards rushing.  Rookie linebacker Jamie Collins played only 23 snaps, but Dane Fletcher had his first extended playing time or the season playing 57 snaps.

Denver’s running game gashed the Patriots straight up the middle. With strong run stopper Dont’a Hightower only playing 33 snaps the Patriots lighter linebackers were often back in coverage in the mix of man coverage and zone defense that the Patriots mixed and matched all game long. When New England blitzed, they were able to surprise quarterback Peyton Manning a few times with a corner blitz by Kyle Arrington and mixing the pass rush occasionally with one of the linebackers and dropping defensive end Rob Ninkovich or Chandler Jones into coverage.

Of course, the Patriots defensive line lacked one key piece: defensive tackle Sealver Siliga. While spending the game out of uniform as part of the practice squad, Siliga watched high-priced defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga, rookie free agent Joe Vellano, and Chris Jones be man-handled by Denver’s offensive line. Jones and Vellano particularly were vulnerable.

Denver’s offensive line is the secret weapon of the Broncos explosive, record-setting offense. Despite losing Pro Bowl left tackle Ryan Clady and losing track of the centers that went down with injury the Broncos had one of the best offensive lines in league.  With strong play in the running game and only allowing sixteen sacks in the entire season, this unit has kept quarterback Peyton Manning upright and revitalized running back Knowshon Moreno’s career.

Moreno’s career game against New England may be an outlier yards-wise this season, but he has taken advantage of the situation of having Peyton Manning behind center and four extremely talented wide receivers giving him running room.  Moreno contributes in the passing game as well as Manning’s outlet and has made the most of his opportunities this season. Whether New England gives Denver an invitation to run like in week twelve or not, the running game was as much a part of playing with a lead as taking what the Patriots defense gave the Broncos.

While the Patriots seldom thrive rushing the quarterback without blitzing or mixing the pass rush, they do get decent production from linebackers Jamie Collins and Dane Fletcher. Though in a limited sample this season, the two athletic linebackers are capable of dropping in coverage as Collins showed last week locking down Indianapolis tight end Coby Fleener. Another tough match-up in coverage looms for the rookie in Denver’s dynamic tight end, Julius Thomas.