New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos: Game 9 Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
WHAT IS THE HIDDEN KEY TO THE GAME?
The New England defensive line will be without Malcom Brown due to an ankle injury. They have been without their best run-stuffing defensive tackle–Vincent Valentine–for the entire season. They will lean on Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler and Alan Branch to pick up the slack and try to stop the Broncos’ rushing attack.
New England has struggled this season to stop the run. They are 25th in the league in yards allowed on the ground having allowed 972 yards in eight games. More indicative of their struggles is their NFL worst 5.1 yards per rush average they have allowed.
The loss of Brown this week is going to be difficult for a defense still reeling from losing Captain Dont’a Hightower for the season due to a torn pectoral muscle. With the news that Shea McClellin had a setback and will not come off injured reserve is another blow for the run defense.
The pressure will be on Guy, Butler and Branch to overpower the weak Denver offensive line and stuff Jamaal Charles and C.J. Anderson. Keeping Denver in second-down and third-down and long situations is necessary to put pressure on Brock Osweiler and force him into bad decision. Winning on first and second down is vital for the success of the Patriots’ defense.