Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots Big Game Preview

Thomas RitchiePreviewLeave a Comment

The Broncos will be battling for their playoff lives as they welcome the New England Patriots to the Mile High Stadium tonight. The weather is expected to be sub zero with the possibility of snow, and these conditions will make it tough for the Patriots to play their ball and against our tough, physical defence. With the help of @UKPatriots I will look through the three keys for both franchises if they are to secure victory against their bitter rivals.

Denver Broncos:

  1. Start fast. The Broncos are the lowest scoring team in the first quarter, and the defence gives up a heck of a lot of points on their opponents’ first drives. If Denver are to come away with a win it is crucial they start fast and aren’t chasing the game late on as we have struggled to do this in recent times. Get an early lead and our defence can wreak havoc.
  2. Von Miller. He is certainly in contention for defensive player of the year and if our defensive lynchpin can carry us to the playoffs, he could sneak into MVP conversation. The Patriots travelled to Denver twice last season and on both occasions were faced with an ominously impressive opponent in Von Miller. Miller crushed Brady and helped Denver secure a crucial OT win on the road to the playoffs, and then clinch the AFC Championship, in which he also contributed and interception. Von leads the league with 13.5 sacks this season, and will look to continue his impressive form tonight.
  3. Offensive line. Too often this season the Broncos o-line have given away penalty after penalty, and failed to provide holes for our run game to be successful. In the harsh conditions expected tonight, the run game will be crucial and in Justin Forsett and Devontae Booker we have two backs with lots of potential, but they need support from the o-line if they are to help this Broncos offense and take the weight off Trevor Siemian’s shoulders.

PREDICTION: Broncos 27-20 Patriots.

Now Damien Jarrett from @UKPatriots gives us his three keys for New England:

1. Establish the run. Weak point of the Broncos and need to freeze one of the top D Lines and DB corps out there in order to succeed.
2. Third down defence. Need to get off the field consistently. Patriots players won’t be used to the thinner air and defence will tire much more quickly.
3. Special teams. Missed extra points, field goals and last week’s muff/fumble are key concerns. Need to address these (cite how important the missed XP in last year’s AFC Championship game was in beating us).
PREDICTION: Broncos 17-27 Patriots.

 

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