New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos: Game 9 Preview and Prediction
By Hal Bent
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN (GAME PREDICTION)?
The Broncos are going to be fired up at home in prime time and looking to put their atrocious loss to the Eagles in the rear view mirror. The Patriots will be without defensive tackle Malcom Brown, wide receiver Chris Hogan, and right tackle Marcus Cannon even coming off a bye week. The Patriots need to be vigilant of a slow start giving the Broncos confidence on offense and defense.
Denver has been a house of horrors for Tom Brady and the Patriots in the past decade and a half (heck, for the life of the franchise) but last year the franchise took a big step forward going into Denver in week 15 and effectively ending the Broncos’ playoff chances with a dominating 16-3 win with no Rob Gronkowski and an ineffective LeGarrette Blount.
The Patriots got out to an early lead and pounded Denver with Dion Lewis between the tackles. The Broncos were held to 58 yards rushing and never threatened punting seven times and their one long drive resulting in a red zone interception.
I expect the game plan is the same for Bill Belichick and although the Broncos will likely start strong on both sides of the ball, the Patriots should be able to exploit the Denver linebackers and safeties in coverage and eventually pull away.