So now we're on to Denver. The Patriots will be leaving Foxboro today and heading to Mile High City in hopes of winning their 8th AFC Championship in Patriots history, and moving on to their 8th Super Bowl appearance in 30 years. We all know what happens when there's a weekend match between Brady and Manning. Constant debates on who the better QB is, and who's done more in their career, and really it just get tiring. Both are great, both have proven their worth for as long as anyone can remember, and let's just forget who the better QB is, and give them both the respect they deserve.
Facts and Numbers for the Game
- Since 2001 the Patriots are 2-4 when playing in Denver. One of those losses was in the playoffs against the one and only JAKE PLUMMER haha.
- Tom Brady against Jack Del Rio defenses: 171-for-235 (73 percent) for 1,771 yards, 17 touchdowns and 0 interceptions (Courtesy of WEEI).
- Patriots are 7-2 in AFC Championship games. Brady is 5-2.
- History of Belichick vs. John Fox. 5-1 in favor of Belichick. The last time the Patriots lost to a John Fox team was in 2005 when Stephen Davis, and Jake Delhomme were still relevant.
- Belichick is 4-0 against John Fox coached Denver Broncos (all games played in Foxboro).
You like how I threw in the Hulk Hogan colors for that? He's supporting the Pats so I gotta show some respect to the greatest champ of all time!
THE DEFENSES
Both teams are missing key defensive players. The Broncos are missing Von Miller, and Chris Harris, but still have guys like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Champ Bailey. As for the Patriots defensive players who are down, that's no secret. We've dealt with these injuries all season long, and overcame a lot to get where we are. I think New England's defense is playing a more physical defensive game. I think the Patriots defense going into the playoffs was top 5, and they're definitely going to pose more of a threat than the Chargers defense did. They only touched Manning once, and that's not going to be the case for the Patriots. We're gonna hit him every chance we get.
The last time these two teams played the Patriots only had one sack, and one interception on Manning as to where the Broncos had 3 sacks, and 2 of them were from Von Miller. I don't want to discredit the Broncos defense because they've had a decent season. I can understand them stepping up and being a better defense at home especially with the AFC Championship on the line, and the chance to go to the Super Bowl. That being said, I think the Patriots defense is coming to play, and they're going to have to play 4 quarters of football. I remember when Ty Law and Harrison shut down Marvin Harrison, and Ty Law making 3 picks on Manning in 2003. The same thing happened a few years later with Asante Samuel, and we still lost that game. The key here for New England's defense is to limit those receivers, and running game. We can't have Knowshon Moreno running for 200+ yards again. That's just not okay. I think with presence of Sealver Siliga in the middle, the Broncos run game won't be as potent. Our corner's and linebacker's should just do what they did the last time. Limit every Bronco's receiver to 5 receptions or less, and under 50 yards receiving a piece. That can be a HUGE factor.
I think the defensive match ups would be ideal.
Talib on D. Thomas
Dennard on Decker
Arrington on Welker (only because of speed)
Collins/Hightower on J. Thomas/J. Tamme
Collins was impressive against the Colts so I'm hoping to see more of that guy against the Broncos. He's unbelievably talented. The Denver Broncos pulled a page out of the Indianapolis Colts book and signed recently released ex Patriot Cornerback Marquise Cole. I'm sure it was another defensive playbook signing, but ultimately both teams have to play each other and execute their calls. At the end of the day it's man vs. man on the field.
THE OFFENSES
We all know who huddles up with Peyton Manning before he puts on a show. From the two Thomas' to the Decker, to Tamme's, Dreesen's and that little guy Wes Welker. He's got a decent running game to compliment his passing game, and that's going to be our biggest challenge this game. Manning's broken records all season long, but Manning didn't have such a great game the last time we played. In fact, Brady outplayed him in every category of that game. Sure we had Gronk for that one, but I don't think it would've mattered.
As for the Patriots it's going to be ground and pound game. We all see what Legarette Blount's been doing, and with the compliments of Ridley, and Vereen behind him, that's gonna be HUGE for us. The last time these two teams met Blount only had two touches, and the main back was Bolden. I mean obviously Blount is on fire so you'd have to go with the hot back, but you never know with Belichick. He's always throwing us for a loop. The good thing is that all of our receivers were at practice including Dobson, and Thompkins. I think if Dobson can stay healthy for the game that he'd be a major factor for us. He didn't play the last time these two teams met, and with a depleted Denver secondary, he could be a real threat.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There's something about this team right now that I can't pin point at the moment. I've read a few articles explaining that this Patriots team reminds them of the old Patriots team. I don't necessarily agree with that because I feel like that's something that can't be repeated or felt again. At first I felt like it was the team of old where we had no stars, and just played a tough game of football. It's like that to an extent, but there was a different kind of heart that football team possessed with guys like Bruschi, Law, Vrabel etc... I think the new fire ignites with the new guys who are fueling it. Guys like Mankins, Talib, Blount, and even Brady just firing guys up before the game. We have that old underdog tough guy attitude, and we're coming out to play. I shouldn't feel this good about the game, but I can't help it. I just think the Patriots are playing with that chip on their shoulder of being underdogs to a team that looked great all season with big name players, as to where the Patriots beat them, with next to nobodies. I think we're a much more physical team on defense, and a potent enough offense to slow down the game, and take advantage of the Broncos. I think we're emotionally the better team as well. This feeling that I have is something I haven't felt for a very long time. Even with all the games we've played, and the chances we've had, this game is something I'm more than positive about. Maybe I'm bias, maybe it's because I want the Patriots to be in the Super Bowl in my home state in which I probably won't even be able to afford to go to. I just feel good about our chances. I feel good against the Broncos, and I feel like we're Super Bowl bound.
The game isn't going to be a blow out, and it's going to be a lot closer than the Colts game. Let's face it, the Denver offense isn't a bunch of scrubs. That's Peyton Manning on the other side of the ball. I'm just going to say that the Patriots won't have to work the last minute to get the win, and that the Broncos won't go down without a fight. It's going to be a great game, and probably one of the greatest games of all time. It's the high potent offense of Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos vs. the Patriots.
Regardless of who wins this game it's been a hell of a ride for our Patriots. They've gone through so many changes this past season, and they're still where they belong, right at the top. If you've ever had any doubt on the greatness of the Patriots on Bill Belichick, it's time to change all that. No matter what you throw at us (cheating, spygate, Brady crying) it doesn't matter. We've proved that we're one of the greatest teams the game has ever seen.
Wherever you are watching this game, make sure you scream loud, and proud for your Patriots loyal. Act like you're at the game. Hell, even hire a vendor to walk around the living room offering drinks, and hot dogs. Just don't bring the bad weather in with you.
Go Pats!
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