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Bold Predictions: New England Patriots v. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos find themselves facing a familiar foe in a critical game to vie for playoff position: The New England Patriots.
Tom Brady posts one losing record (6-9 all-time) against a team in the NFL: The Denver Broncos. Last time these teams met took place in the AFC Championship game en route to Super Bowl. Von Miller and the rest of the defense punished Brady hitting him on just about every play. This is a trend that must continue tomorrow in the afternoon matchup.
The Patriots running game with LeGarette Blount may present problems for the Broncos who struggle in run defense in 2016. Gone is Malik Jackson in Jacksonville as Derek Wolfe, Sylvester Williams, Jared Crick, Billy Winn and Adam Gotsis must step up. Blount is having a career year racking up touchdowns. It is doable for the Broncos to neutralize the rushing attack, but it is James White that presents the problem for the linebackers.
While the Patriots are succeeding running, the Broncos turned in a horrendous performance last week against the Tennessee Titans. Justin Forsett impersonated Devontae Booker in the worst way possible. Forsett fumbled on his first carry with the Broncos. However, it would not surprise me if he started at running back tomorrow. Booker is hitting a rookie wall the past few weeks in CJ Anderson’s absence.
As the Broncos attempt to storm into the playoffs, it may be best to put the ball in the hands of Trevor Siemian. Yes, you heard that right. In order for the team to succeed in this stretch of games, the Broncos must start fast against the Patriots. The only way the Broncos can start fast is slinging it around versus the Patriots’ secondary. There is a big gape in first quarter scoring between the Broncos and Patriots, in favor of New England. Once the Broncos establish first quarter success, they cannot stop. Keep the foot on the pedal scoring at will.
Week 15 bold predictions are officially a go.
First Quarter: 17 Points in the First Quarter
Dec 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) attempts a pass in the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
It goes without saying the Denver Broncos need to start quickly this Sunday. Patriots are one of the best teams in the NFL in outscoring opponents in the first quarter. The Broncos, on other hand, is the worst. All of the success in the first quarter can come from keeping the foot on the pedal. If the Broncos do not attack with this mentality, it will be a difficult and long day for the defense and offense. Siemian and the offense must score over 20 points to win.
Head coach Gary Kubiak must unleash Trevor Siemian in the first quarter and sustain long scoring drives six minutes or more. This happens from a ground and pound attack. Siemian is playing with confidence the past few weeks; therefore, it is more important to establish confidence in their young quarterback. Sadly, Siemian’s home numbers do not fair well compared to on the road.
Look for Justin Forsett to be the starting running back tomorrow. It is nothing against Devontae Booker’s future, but right now he is hitting a “rookie wall” and Forsett looked more patient in finding holes to run through. Booker also performed better as a backup to CJ Anderson before Anderson went down to injury. Look for a better incentive in the rushing game as well.
Orange Rush: Von Miller and Company Will Hit Brady 15 times in the game
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray (56) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Last year in both the regular season game and the AFC Championship the Denver Broncos obliterated Tom Brady. The pass rush of Von Miller, Shaquille Barrett, DeMarcus Ware, Shane Ray and more combined for close to 30 hits in the two games. Brady is a different quarterback when he is pressured constantly, but who isn’t? Once the Broncos can create pressure with exotic blitzes, they should be able to punch Brady in the mouth.
If you recall, the Broncos forced the Patriots to fire the offensive line coach after the AFC Championship. Let’s make the bold prediction Brady is hit 15 times. When Brady is hit the amount of times I forecast, the Broncos will find themselves in a defensive juggernaut game favoring their defense.
There is one problem in this theory. The 2016 Broncos defense is nowhere near the 2015 version. The same players are there, but struggles continue to mount on the defensive line to create pressure from the middle. Malik Jackson wrecked havoc with Derek Wolfe in 2015 in sacking quarterbacks and batting passes down. The Broncos are knocking passes down, but failing to push piles for quarterback hurries. With help from Wolfe, Jared Crick, Billy Winn, Sylvester Williams and Adam Gotsis the Broncos should pressure Brady early and often.
LeGarrette Blount: Held to under 65 yards rushing
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) is tackled by Denver Broncos defensive end Malik Jackson (97) and cornerback Aqib Talib (21) and inside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) and strong safety T.J. Ward (43) in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
LeGarrette Blount on the season is at 1,029 with 14 touchdowns. 14 touchdowns! If Blount scores a TD on Sunday, he will average a TD a game, which is absurd. The Denver Broncos defensive line is the biggest hole separating the 2015 defense with the 2016 version. No Brandon Marshall is bad news for the passing game, but the same can be said for his presence in the running game.
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The Broncos linebacker Todd Davis will be called to stop the running game if he active tomorrow. However, in my opinion he is not the answer to shutting down Blount. In order to stop the monstrous back in New England, Wade Phillips must bring Zaire Anderson in certain play calls. Anderson is a game wreaker with big hits to change games. He is an old school linebacker that plays a downhill, bowling ball mentality.
It is possible for the Broncos defense to shut the rushing attack of the Patriots. There is too much talent upfront for their to be glaring problems stopping the run. Sylvester Williams must play big and keep his containment to neutralize Blount in the inside. If the Patriots decide to use James White, Von Miller, Shane Ray and DeMarcus Ware must seal the edge to keep him from heading outside. No matter the run play, the linebackers and secondary need to pick up the trash if Patriots’ running backs reach second level.
