It’s been six years because the Patriots kicked off in Denver.
Somehow, it feels even longer.
Heading into Sunday’s kickoff, the Pats may have already been eradicated from the playoffs for weeks; a far cry from their prior visits to Mile High as a fellow AFC contender. In Denver, new head Sean Payton has rescued a season that seemed to be on the brink at 1-5 and included a 50-point loss at Miami. While the Broncos’ postseason hopes stay slim at 7-7, count on them to push the Patriots for each inch on each play at dwelling.
Here’s what to look at for:
When the Patriots run
The Pats’ steady-eddy run sport hit the brakes final weekend in opposition to the Chiefs, averaging 3.2 yards per carry and racking up 52 yards complete.
Ezekiel Elliott continues to take the lion’s share of carries and ought to be anticipated to take action once more in Denver, regardless of the latest signing of second-year again Kevin Harris off the observe. Lucky for them, the Broncos’ run protection ranks useless final by DVOA, although it’s improved considerably since midseason. Denver ranks center of the pack by EPA allowed since Week 7, as offenses take pleasure in excessive success charges (that means they keep on schedule) with out producing many explosive performs.
Up entrance, the Patriots should work a minimum of one damage to their offensive line, after dropping left guard Cole Strange for the season. On protection, Broncos linebackers Alex Singleton (141 tackles) and Josey Jewell might trigger some havoc on the second stage.
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When the Patriots cross
Which quarterback will present up: first-half Bailey Zappe or the second-half model?
In his final two begins, Zappe has loved a scorching begin, then torpedoed the offense together with his play after halftime. He threw picks at Pittsburgh after which versus the Chiefs, in opposition to whom he posted a passer ranking of 8.68 within the second half. Zappe defined how he may bridge the hole in his efficiency throughout a press convention this week.
“I think a little bit of it is just continuing to go through the system,” he mentioned. “Do what the coaches are teaching you to do and what they’re coaching us to do throughout the whole week. As far as going right to left, one-high (coverage), two-high (coverage), things like that. Just going through your reads and taking the first up on a guy and not trying to make a play. Just not forcing anything, just playing within the system.”
Expect the Pats to avoid Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, an All-Pro who leads the staff with 10 cross breakups. They’ll additionally want to return prepared with solutions for the blitz, as Denver ranks within the prime 10 for blitz share this 12 months below new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
When the Broncos run
Denver working again Javonte Williams leads the staff in dashing, nevertheless it’s one other participant that has Bill Belichick’s eye.
“(Russell) Wilson’s definitely a problem. Running, throwing, extended plays, similar to what we talked about last week with (Patrick) Mahomes, but runs more, runs more than probably any quarterback in the league other than (Lamar) Jackson,” he mentioned.
While Wilson hasn’t taken as many carries as Belichick guessed, he has picked up 34 first downs and scored three touchdowns when dashing, each team-highs. Keeping Wilson contained on scrambles can be a prime key for the Patriots. On conventional run performs, defensive tackles Davon Godchaux and Christian Barmore will play pivotal roles in opposition to one of many higher run-blocking offensive traces within the league.
When the Broncos cross
Pro Bowl receiver Courtland Sutton (58 catches, 770 yards, 10 touchdowns) is Denver’s prime risk, a reality not misplaced on Belichick, who sung his praises this week.
“Sutton’s as good as there is,” Belichick mentioned. “Big guy, great hands, (makes) contested catches, a really hard guy to cover. He’s had tremendous production, especially down the field.”
Sutton might draw double-teams from a banged-up Patriots secondary that has a behavior of doubling elite receivers on third down and contained in the purple zone. Aside from Sutton, Jerry Jeudy gives a robust No. 2 possibility. Whether it is Sutton or Jeudy, search for the Broncos to select on rookie Pats nook Alex Austin, who began final week rather than J.C. Jackson (non-football sickness record).
If Wilson would not like several of his choices outdoors, it is a secure wager he’ll discover his working backs. Denver’s subsequent three main pass-catchers are all working backs, Samje Perine (41 catches), Williams (34) and Jaleel McLaughlin (24).
Game decide
Broncos 20, Patriots 16
Source: www.bostonherald.com