New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos: Game 9 Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
This game is not a slam dunk for the Patriots. The Broncos were humiliated last week by the Philadelphia Eagles and there are a number of prideful veterans on both sides of the ball who have a lot of pride and Super Bowl rings. The are 3-1 at home and are not going to shrink from the challenge of hosting the Super Bowl champions.
C.J. Anderson and Jamaal Charles are the keys to the Broncos chances to win. Second-year running back Devontae Booker has been getting some playing time the past few weeks, but Anderson and Charles have the burden to produce. They need to gain positive yards and not put quarterback Brock Osweiler in a position where he has to put the offense on his back.
The Broncos have to ride their defense and practice ball-control to have a chance to win the game. After allowing more than 50 points to the Eagles last week, the defense should be ready to make a statement. If they cannot control the time of possession and keep the New England offense on the sidelines they will not have a chance to win.