New England Patriots at Denver Broncos: Breaking Down the Matchups
By Hal Bent
How to Succeed Passing Against Denver
Denver boasts an amazingly talented secondary. Cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. are two of the best in the entire league. Third cornerback Brandon Roby is a starter on 20 other teams in the NFL. Strong safety T.J. Ward is well-known in New England for his hard-hitting ways and free safety Darian Stewart who has blossomed in his second year in Denver.
The Patriots will lean on their running backs and tight end for favorable matchups in the passing game when they throw. Look for a number of formations to spread out and isolate the cornerbacks in coverage. Rub plays will be a big part of the game plan along with quick passes if the coverage drops off.
It is a classic matchup of a top offense against a top defense. If the Patriots can get the Broncos chasing LeGarrette Blount and the other running backs early, they should be able to open some opportunities up in the passing game with play-action down the line. It will not be easy, but the Patriots should be able to sustain a few drives against a tough Broncos defense.