New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos: Game 9 Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
WHY THE PATRIOTS WILL WIN:
- Denver’s offense is stuck in neutral
- The injuries in Denver make the Patriots look healthy
- James White and Dion Lewis
The Broncos enter this week with an offense seemingly unable to get out of their own way. They are 22nd in points scored, 18th in yards allowed, 31st in turnovers, 19th in passing yards, 14th in rushing yards and with 2016 first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch beaten out for the second consecutive year by a quarterback who was just benched for Brock Osweiler.
Let that sink again: a quarterback the Houston Texans were so disenfranchised with after one season that they gave up a second-round draft pick just to get rid of him and who could not beat out the immortal trio of DeShone Kizer, Kevin Hogan and Cody Kessler in Cleveland is the starter for the Denver Broncos.
Of course, part of the issue in Denver has been the disappearing rushing attack. Denver has failed to reach 70 yards rushing in three of their last four games after topping 110 yards rushing in each of their first four games to start the season. C.J. Anderson has been adequate but not exceptional while back-ups Jamaal Charles and Devontae Booker have been average.
A big part of the problem running the ball has been due to injuries. On the offensive line, free agent acquisition right tackle Menelik Watson was placed on injured reserve. Starting center Matt Paradis (back) and right guard Ronald Leary (elbow) have both been banged up and are playing at less than 100%. Back-up right tackle Donald Stephenson (calf) has missed three straight games and is questionable to play Sunday night.
New England Patriots
The Broncos have eleven other players on the injury report this week including contributors such as wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders, Bennie Fowler and Cody Latimer, linebacker Todd Davis, edge rusher Shane Ray, defensive end Derek Wolfe, safety Darian Stewart and running back C.J. Anderson.
Unfortunately for the Patriots, the “No Fly Zone” cornerbacks for the Broncos are healthy and ready for a showdown with Tom Brady. Old friend Aqib Talib remains one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. His nasty attitude, willingness to be aggressive, and athleticism and long arms make him a tough match-up for any wide receiver.
He is joined by cornerback Chris Harris who is another top-ten cornerback. Harris is smaller but no less feisty. His short-space quickness makes him able to stay with slot receivers but is equally effective outside the numbers. Third cornerback Bradley Roby is a former first-round draft pick and would start for most teams. He is a gambler who makes big plays and is fast and strong.
To combat the great cornerbacks in Denver, teams have used their tight ends and running backs to gash the defense. With Talib, Harris and Roby chasing wide receivers, tight ends have had huge games against Denver so far in 2017 as inside linebacker Brandon Marshall has been unable to shut them down.
For the Patriots, they have the best tight end in the NFL in Rob Gronkowski (and soon Martellus Bennett joining him) and a number of excellent receivers out of the backfield. Dion Lewis has caught all ten of his targets out of the backfield and has already picked up a number of big first downs out coming out of the backfield. His ability to run the ball and catch the ball out of the backfield makes the offense less predictable as well.
Rex Burkhead missed four games but his return to health has highlighted his pass catching skills as well. Although not getting as many opportunities running the ball in the offense, his high-level receiving skills have already been highlighted in the offense.
The biggest threat out of the backfield has been James White. The running back leads the team with 43 receptions and can create mismatches all over the field. Whether lining up outside or in the slot or coming out of the backfield, Denver will have to keep their safeties and linebackers alert for White as he can extend drives and make big plays.