AFC Championship Preview: New England Patriots Defense vs Denver Broncos Offense
By Hal Bent
Oct 6, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT
The weapon missing from Peyton Manning’s arsenal in the week twelve match-up was tight end Julius Thomas. Reserve tight end Jacob Tamme finished the game as Denver’s leading receiver in part because New England was able to rotate Collins with linebacker Brandon Spikes (out on injured reserve) in coverage without fear of being burnt down field. However, what Julius Thomas brings to the offense is that athletic tight end with speed and size who can create match-up problems on defense.
Against an offense without so many talented wide receivers, head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia would likely dust off the defensive game plan that worked so well against the New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham. With Denver’s weapons on offense the Patriots cannot roll multiple defenders towards tight end Julius Thomas. With Thomas on the field Denver quarterback Peyton Manning has the tight end able to run vertical routes to defeat the two-deep shell New England threw at the Broncos in their earlier game.
As impressive as the New England secondary performed against Denver in week twelve the unit may actually be in a better position this week for the AFC Championship. Remember, cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was only playing in an emergency role with a knee injury and Aqib Talib was also questionable with his hip injury (although he played almost the whole game). The Patriots were without safety Steve Gregory as well and having rookie Duron Harmon at safety all game likely played a large role in the game plan.
Against slot wide receiver and former New England Patriot Wes Welker in week twelve cornerback Kyle Arrington had one of his better games. Unfortunately Arrington has been slowed by injuries in the final quarter of the season and was beaten repeatedly by Indianapolis slot wide receiver Griff Whelan before he was benched for rookie cornerback Logan Ryan. Even with Wes Welker still rusty coming back from his concussion (just as he was in the week twelve match-up), the Patriots need to be able to contain him and not give Manning additional chances to extend drives on Sunday.
The Denver wide receivers are extremely talented and their unique skills complement the offense. Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker are the dynamic duo that makes the offense so dangerous. Both have the size, speed, hands, and chemistry with their quarterback that make either capable of making big plays all over the field. While both are sometimes dismissed as simply “deep threats” both receivers work outside the numbers and will go over the middle if necessary.
While the wind and Denver’s mind-set to take the run when presented with the two-deep shell in the earlier match-up the Patriots had the most to do with slowing Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas, the Patriots’ banged-up secondary was able to contain the duo. Thanks to a big game by rookie Logan Ryan and having the obviously hobbled Aqib Talib not targeted down field by Manning, Decker and Thomas were not making big plays downfield. That will very likely not be the case on Sunday.