AFC Championship Preview: New England Patriots Defense vs Denver Broncos Offense
By Hal Bent
Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib (31) defends a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 34-31. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots defense will need to have their game plan ready to contain a high-powered offense that can both put together long drives and strike down field with big plays with multiple receivers. No matter how much New England gives up the running game Denver is not likely to bite this time and play into their hands. Peyton Manning is going to take his shots down field, particularly in the 10 to 20 yard range where he does his most damage with wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.
Expect Manning to test the Patriots coverage of tight end Julius Thomas early and often. On third down he looks to wide receiver Wes Welker just as New England quarterback Tom Brady did for so long. The Patriots defensive backs and linebackers are going to be tested this weekend repeatedly by Denver quarterback Peyton Manning.
As always, the key to stopping Denver’s offense is mixing the coverage and bringing occasional unexpected pressure, but the real key is generating pressure without blitzing. Unfortunately, that has not been a strength of the New England defense. While defensive ends Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich have almost half of the Patriots sacks this season, the inside pass rush could be an x-factor for the New England defense. A solid, consistent inside push by defensive tackles Chris Jones and Sealver Siliga could disrupt Manning and get him off his comfort spot when passing.
Young defensive tackle Chris Jones is the only other Patriot besides Ninkovich and Chandler Jones with more than three sacks. Sealver Siliga has been strong in the running game and provided a good push inside since being promoted from the practice squad in December. As Denver quarterback Peyton Manning is usually able to get rid of the ball before outside pass rush gets near him, the inside pressure can force him to move out of the pocket or not step into his passes. These defensive tackles and perhaps some well-timed blitzes from linebacker Dont’a Hightower could be the best weapons to disrupt the Denver offense.
It is not going to be an easy match-up for the Patriots defense against the Broncos offense on Sunday. However, the Denver offense is not unstoppable and the strong defensive backfield of the Patriots is a big part of stopping the potent passing attack. Having revamped the defensive tackle position and improvement from the linebackers should help slow the Denver rushing attack that continually gashed the New England defense.
If the defense can step-up on third down and take advantage of when they have the opportunity to take the ball away is key. Long scoring drives could spell doom for the Patriots. However, the Patriots secondary has been opportunistic all season long and an interception or two could give the offense the additional scoring chances needed. It will take all eleven defenders doing their job and winning individual match-ups all game long, but it is possible to slow the dynamic Denver offense on Sunday.