2012 NFL Playoffs: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots Playoff Preview
by KaptainKirk on Jan 12, 2012 10:00 AM MST
in 2011 Denver Broncos Game Previews
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The AFC East Champion New England Patriots will host the AFC West Champion Denver Broncos in a Divisional Playoff game this Saturday evening at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The winner will advance to the AFC Championship. Denver advanced to the 2nd round of the postseason tournament after defeating the Steelers in Overtime last Sunday. The Patriots clinched the division with a 41-23 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 15. They are the #1 seed in the AFC for the second consecutive year.
The current weather conditions can be seen here.
Officiating the game will be Gene Steratore and his crew.
R Gene Steratore 114
U Schuster 129
HL Mackie 106
LJ Marinucci 107
FJ Waggoner 25
SJ Weatherford 116
BJ D. Paganelli 105
RA Weidner
VO Wimmer
Injuries and external factors
The Patriots lost 12 players to injured reserve this season. Eight of them from the Defense. Linemen Mike Wright, Myron Pryor, Andre Carter and Rookie Christian Cox----DBs Bret Lockett, Rookie Ras-I Dowling and former Bronco Josh Barrett---Linebackers Jermaine Cunningham and Rookie Jeff Tarpinian. Offensive Linemen Rookie Kyle Hix, Rich Ohrnberger and starting Center Dan Koppen.
This chart represents the Rankings for the Patriots regular season Offense as compared to the Broncos Defense. The DVOA stat is taken from Football Outsiders and is explained here.
| Patriots | Broncos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offense | Rank | Category | Rank | Defense |
| 32.1 | 3rd | Points For | 24th | 24.4 |
| 428 | 2nd | Total Yds | 20th | 357.8 |
| 317.8 | 2nd | Pass Yds | 18th | 231.5 |
| 110.3 | 20th | Rush Yds | 22nd | 126.3 |
| 32 | T-22nd | Sacks | 10th | 41 |
| N/A | N/A | Forced Fumbles | 26th | 11 |
| 12 | T-5th | Interceptions | T-28th | 9 |
| 45.90% | 5th | 3rd Downs | 6th | 33.50% |
| 36.80% | 3ed | Overall DVOA | 19th | 6.40% |
| 17 | 3rd | Turnover Margin | T-26th | -12 |
| 71 | 21st | QB Hits Allowed | N/A | N/A |
QB Tom Brady (328/496 for 5,235 yds, 65.6%, 39 TDs, 12 INTs, 3 TDs rushing and a 105.6 QB Rating) is the undisputed starter for the Patriots. Brian Hoyer and Rookie Ryan Mallett are the reserves and haven't been needed this year.
The Patriots Running game is lead by BenJarvus Green-Ellis (181 Car, 667 yds, 3.7 avg, 11 TDs and 9 Rec, 159 yds ). Rookie Stevan Ridley (87 Car, 441 yds, 5.1 avg, 1 TD), Danny Woodhead (77 Car, 351 yds, 4.6 avg, 1 TD), Kevin Faulk (17 Car, 57 yds, 3.4 avg. and 7 Rec, 34 yds) and Rookie Shane Vereen (15 Car, 57 yds, 3.8 avg. and 1 TD) fill out the rest of this unit. The Fullback is Lousaka Polite (1 GM).
New England's Wide Receiving corp is made up of Wes Welker (122 Rec, 1,569 yds, 12.9 avg, 9 TDs) and Deion Branch (51 Rec, 702 yds, 13.8 avg, 5TDs). Chad Ochocinco (15 Rec, 276 yds, 18.4 avg, 1 TD), Danny Woodhead (18 Rec, 157 yds, 8.7 avg.), Julian Edelman (4 Car, 8 yds and 4 Rec, 34 yds), Tiquan Underwood (3 Rec, 30 yds) and Matthew Slater (1 Rec, 46 yds), who has been filling in at Safety, are the reserves.
Tight End's Rob Gronkowski (90 Rec, 1,327 yds, 14.7 avg, 17 TDs and 1 Car, 2 yds, 1 TD) and Aaron Hernandez (79 Rec, 910 yds, 11.5 avg, 7 TDs). The Patriots run a lot of 2 Tight End sets and between these big guys and the speedy Welker, the fact that they are weak at Running Back doesn't slow them one bit since they have the 2nd ranked passing unit and are the 3rd best scoring Offense in the league.
The Patriots Offensive Line does a pretty good job allowing Tom Brady the time he needs, but he still gets rattled when knocked down. The starters are LT Matt Light (1 False Start, 4 Hold, 3 Sacks Allowed), LG Logan Mankins (5 FS, 2 HLD, 5.5 SA) , C Dan Connolly (1 HLD, 1.5 SA) , RG Brian Waters (1 FS, 3 HLD, 0.5 SA) and RT Sebastian Vollmer (1 FS. 3.5 SA). Rookie Nate Solder (4 Pen, 3 HLD, 4 SA) backs up both Tackles. Ryan Wendell (1 HLD), Nick McDonald (4 G, 0.5 SA), Donald Thomas (1 FS, 1 SA), Rookie Marcus Cannon (7 G, 1 SA) and Danny Aiken (16 G) make up the rest of the unit.
This chart represents the Rankings for the Patriots Defense as compared to the Broncos Offense.
| Patriots | Broncos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defense | Rank | Category | Rank | Offense |
| 21.4 | 15th | Points Against | 25th | 19.3 |
| 411.1 | 31st | Total Yds | 23rd | 316.6 |
| 293.9 | 31st | Pass Yds | 31st | 152.1 |
| 117.1 | 17th | Rush Yds | 1st | 164.5 |
| 40 | 14th | Sacks | 9th | 42 |
| 10 | 27th | Forced Fumbles | N/A | N/A |
| 23 | 2nd | Interceptions | T-8th fewest | 13 |
| 43.10% | 7th | 3rd Downs | 30th | 30.80% |
| 17.90% | 30th | Overall DVOA | 23rd | -5.10% |
| 87/815 | 27th | Penalties | T-16th | 101/842 |
| N/A | N/A | QB Hits Allowed | 24th | 68 |
The Patriots use a 4-3 Base look on Defense. The starting Defensive Linemen are LDE Shaun Ellis (14 TKL, 1 SK), DT Vince Wilfork (52 TKL, 3.5 SK, 3 PD, 2 INT, 1 FF), DT Kyle Love (33 TKL, 3 SK) and RDE. Mark Anderson (29 TKL, 10 SK, 1 PD, 2 FF), Brandon Deaderick (17 TKL, 2 SK), Gerard Warren (12 TKL, 1 SK) and Ron Brace (4 TKL, 1 FF) are the reserves.
The starting Linebackers are OLB Rob Ninkovich (74 TKL, 6.5 SK, 4 PD, 1 FF, 2 INT, 1 TD), ILB Jerod Mayo (95 TKL, 1 SK, 1 FF, 4 PD, 2 INT) and OLB Brandon Spikes (47 TKL, 1 PD). Gary Guyton (47 TKL, 1 PD,1 INT), Tracy White (37 TKL, 1 PD), Dane Fletcher (32 TKL, 1 PD) and former Bronco Niko Koutouvides (14 TKL) make up the second unit.
The starting Cornerbacks are LCB Devin McCourty (87 TKL, 12 PD, 2 INT) and RCB Kyle Arrington (88 TKL, 13 PD, 7 INT). Antwaun Molden (36 TKL, 3 PD,2 INT) and former Bronco Nate Jones (19 TKL, 1 PD) are the other options.
The Strong Safeties are James Ihedigbo (69 TKL, 1 PD), Sergio Brown (37 TKL, 1 PD, 1 INT) and 7th round pick Malcolm Williams (2 G). The Free Safeties are Patrick Chung (64 TKL, 1 SK, 4 PD, 1 INT), Matthew Slater (24 TKL, 1 FF) and Sterling Moore (7 TKL, 2 PD, 2 INT, 1 TD).
This chart represents the Rankings for both teams Special Teams Units.
| Patriots | Rank | Special Teams | Rank | Broncos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46.5 | 9th | Punt-Avg(Gross) | 6th | 47.4 |
| 41.5 | 3rd | Punt-Avg (Net) | 8th | 40.2 |
| 10.3 | 16th | Punt Ret-Avg | 3rd | 12.7 |
| 8.5 | 13th | PR-Avg Allowed | 19th | 11.5 |
| 21.4 | 29th | Kick Ret-Avg | 11th | 24.5 |
| 21.6 | 27th | KR-Avg Allowed | 12th | 24.6 |
| 28/33 | 12th | FG Made/Att | 27th | 19/25 |
| 3.70% | 5th | Overall DVOA | 15th | 0.50% |
The Kicker for the Patriots is Stephen Gostkowski, who is 28 for 33 (84.8%) in Field Goal Attempts. His longest this season is a 50-yarder and his career long is 53. Gostkowski has made all 59 Extra Point conversions. The average landing area on his Kickoffs is the 5 yard line. Stephen has 41 touchbacks in 103 Kickoffs (39.8%) and 59 have been returned an average of 21.6 yards.
The Punter and Holder for Place Kicks is Zoltan Mesko. Zoltan has punted 57 times for a gross average of 46.5 yards and a 41.5 Net. His longest for the year traveled 65 yards. Mesko has put 24 punts Inside the 20 yard line, 18 have been Fair Caught and 3 went for touchbacks. 26 of Mesko's punts have been returned for an 8.5 yard average.
The Long Snapper for New England is Rookie Danny Aiken (5 TKL). Aiken was claimed off the waiver wire and awarded to the Patriots after Buffalo cut him on Sept. 4th, 2011.
This matchup will be the third postseason meeting between the two teams and the first in New England. The Patriots are 0-2 against Denver in the postseason after AFC Divisional round losses in 1986 and 2005. Both of those games were played in Denver.
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Hold onto the ball
3 turnovers inside your own 20 will kill you every time. That was our game until the turnovers
GO BRONCOS!
by Briank12 on Jan 12, 2012 10:08 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
not only did New England capitolize
but we lost momentum – we lost our edge, it took it out of our defense and offense. Our offense (including Tebow) went from damage control to panic mode.
We were actually doing well on defense UNTIL then.
There is no number to quantify momentum, but momentum can be a HUGE game changer.
The Definition of an optimist: A Buffalo Bills fan waiting at Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Bills to return from winning the Super Bowl.
If we win the turnover battle
and the offense shows up, we will win this. We need to sack, and pick Brady. Cause a fumble and come up big on special teams!
Can't rely on N.E. turnovers to win
Tom Brady rarely throws a pick and the Patriots simply do not fumble – if there is no turnover battle to fight – it’ll be difficult to win one.
Special teams play will not win this football.
Denver needs to score and score a lot – Brady & Co. will put up a bunch of points and the Broncos must find a way to super-charge its less-than-prolific offense and hang with the Pats. If the Broncos can do this – they will have a decent chance for a win. If they can’t – the Vegas spread is about right.
One thing I know the Patriots (players & coaches alike) are very grateful for: the totally-Tebow factor. New England is so happy to be flying under the radar this week – so happy that all the media attention has been foisted on Tim Tebow (not his fault by the way) and his never-say-die Denver Broncos. The Patriots have always functioned best when they are able to stay out of the limelight.
Despite the long odds, this football game should be really fun to watch and watch it people will do – bet its one of the highest (TV) rated Divisional playoff games in NFL history.
by profootballfan on Jan 12, 2012 11:01 AM MST up reply actions
I don't accept that as reality for a second
The Patriots will not necessarily put a lot of points on the board. They are capable, but that is not how it has to play out. Our defense is fully able to shut them down. It comes down to solid game planning from the coaches and excellent execution by the players. Remember how we got here guys. BELIEVE
"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV
by sadaraine on Jan 12, 2012 12:17 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
sadaraine
The Patriots will score a lot -
Point totals – New England’s last 8 games: 49, 27, 41, 34, 31, 38, 34, 37 – the NFL’s # 6 defense (Miami Dolphin’s) the only squad to keep the Pats under 31. I think you’re fooling yourself if you believe that the Denver D " is fully able to shut them down".
You are correct in saying the Broncos are capable but, they will have to score. Denver’s offense averaged 19 points a game this season – if they double that output in Gillette on Saturday night, they’ll be right in the ballgame.
by profootballfan on Jan 12, 2012 2:48 PM MST up reply actions
There are two sides to that coin
Their defense is worse than ours. If this game turns into a shoot out our chances drop but if we run the ball effectively and chew up the clock we could keep up with them.
TurfSharks.com
ElwayFan
Sorry to disappoint… New England’s defense is 15th in the League – Denver’s is 24th. The Bronco D is actually the worst of the two.
by profootballfan on Jan 12, 2012 3:55 PM MST up reply actions
NE's defense is 15th in the league? What are you smoking?
NE’s defense is NOT 15th in the league. Sorry Jack. ESPN has them ranked 31st against the pass and 17th aginst the run and…wait for it…31st OVERALL. Check it out for yourself.
Quotes from my wife (2nd yr football fan) while watching the Broncos with me:
"Honey I know we are losing and you are upset but remember things could be worse. You could be cheering for the Raiders."
"THAT hit [Rahim on Jones] got a flag? What?!?! AND a FINE?!?! Why not just strap pillows to their heads and have a tea party on the 50 yard line since that's as much contact as the NFL will allow."
by DominantDenverDefense on Jan 12, 2012 4:29 PM MST up reply actions
to be fair
the Pats’ scoring defense is 15th, and points are what matters most. We will get yards on the Pats but we must score touchdowns and not commit turnovers. I have a riddle for you, why do a lot of arrogant people die in August and early September? It’s because pride goes before the fall! Ha, I crack myself up
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 4:50 PM MST up reply actions
15th in scoring defense
as in, yards don’t matter so much, points on the board do, and statistically, New England is 15th and Denver is 24th.
You wanna talk yards, it’s true New England is 31st, and I do not know what Denver is, but does it matter?
Also, statistically, New England gives up less yards per game to the opposing teams rushing offense, although I will be the first to tell you that a portion of that is because of the high octane offense of New England, teams soften run less against them, and must pass to catch up or keep pace.
Exacly as the Bradfather says
what matters most is what the scoreboard says, and it never says anything about yards.
suppose your Pats win Saturday
and they ultimately play the Saints in the Super Bowl. What happens if the Saints get up early on you?
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 4:52 PM MST up reply actions
if Drew Brees
hits Robert Meachem for a 65-yard score and Jabari Greer picks up Gisele’s hubby, and you’re down 14-0, there is no need to change your game plan, is there?
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 4:55 PM MST up reply actions
Offensively
probably not, other than more no-huddle, and a little less run, but we are relatively pass heavy anyways. Probably nothing more than subtle changes – we are no strangers to being down early, and coming back from larger deficits.
as we Broncos learned December 20
I know we can beat you guys Saturday but we have to take advantage of the opportunities we get!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 4:59 PM MST up reply actions
If you want to say your opinion is fact...some food for thought
Say we pound the ball down the Patriots throats on 10min drives and limit the number of times NE offense even touches the ball. We showed in the first game we are fully capable of doing that. 3 turnovers changed the complexion of that game considerably. Instead of being ahead and having the luxury of dictating our offense those turnovers surrendered the lead and we were back on the catch up trail. In the playoffs its a completely different game. You know it , and we know it. So far in “the new season” the Broncos are 1-0 in a game NO ONE even considered we had a chance in. The Patriots are flawed, and can be exposed. And its YOUR OPINION that the Broncos will have to score 38 points, not a FACT, as your trying to pass off . Its my opinion that if the Broncos can score 24 its in the bag.
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
Disturbed
The Broncos really didn’t fall that far behind, even after the three Patriot takeaways.
You’ll recall that Denver had a 16-7 lead before their offense started making mistakes (dropping the football) & the coaching blunder (asking a returner to field a punt that simply should have been let go) – the Pats did score 13 points as a result of these errors but, that made the score 20-16 N.E. at the half – hardly an overwelming deficit to make up. So, the Broncos were not forced to play catch-up, this perception is false. Denver fell way behind because N.E. adjusted their defense and the Pats offense started to crank it up.
The truth is, those three turnovers didn’t help the Broncos but, there was more to the Denver collapse than those three takeaways. Just as important – the Patriots starting defending better and their offense found its stride. Blaming that week 15 loss, solely on the three takeways, doesn’t fly.
by profootballfan on Jan 12, 2012 4:13 PM MST up reply actions
You know as well as I do
that momentum and rhythm is everything in football, on both sides of the ball. I didnt blame the loss on the 3 turnovers, I said it completely changed the complexion of the game, and it did. That last minute field goal just iced any momentum Denver had in the game and gave it all to NE. That momentum carried over the the 2nd half for the Patriots and with the first possession of the second half, scored a TD putting you up by 11. I dont know but a two score game in my book pretty much qualifies as the catch up trail :)
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
Actually I just looked up the box score from the game....
Without the 3 turnovers we held the Pats to one TD per quarter.
Q1 Broncos 13 Pats 7
Q2 Broncos 3 Pats 20 (13 off of the turnovers)
half time Broncos 16 Pats 27 (11 point lead or 2 scores)
Q3 Broncos 0 Pats 7
Q4 Broncos 7 Pats 7
Final Broncos 23 Pats 41
With out those 3 turnovers we are up at half time 16-14….but as you know ifs and buts….candies and nuts….yadda yadda…
And honestly I dont think 7 points per Q constitutes “ramping up the offense” :)
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
I don't think it is a matter of the defense shutting them down
it is a matter of the offense keeping their offense off the field. That was the game plan last time and it was working great until those fumbles intervened. Error free football is the only real hope that I see. However, after the Steelers we all know it is possible (as do they).
by frankencrank on Jan 12, 2012 4:09 PM MST up reply actions
Brady's good, but far from perfect
12 picks and 4 fumbles lost means turnovers can happen to even him.
Special teams in terms of return TDs is unlikely, but the Denver special teams has been key all year in helping control field position. Wouldn’t be surprised to see that be equally important in this game.
An interesting comment that Marshall Faulk made yesterday is worth considering. Everyone is asking can Tim do it again, and forgetting to ask can Tom? He certainly wasn’t all world in the playoffs last year (and they lost as a result). Faulk said with the NE defense Brady has to be on, because Denver will score. He said if there are no Bronco TOs that the pressure is actually on Brady, not Tebow. Something to think about.
shasta
Don’t read a lot into the comments of Marshall Faulk – he’s still pissed off that the upstart New England Patriots beat his ass in Super Bowl 36 – he can’t get over it. Faulk’s line for the game: 17 carries, 76 yards, no touchdowns. Faulk has no use for the Patriots and he lets you know it. Plus… Faulk’s a dope – everyone is talking about Tim Tebow simply because he’s Tebow !
Brady knows very well that he is on a two game, playoff, losing streak – he will be highly motivated to beat the Broncos on Sat. but, the pressure of the moment will not effect Tom Brady. He might play like shit (especially if Denver can sustain a pass rush) but, there’s no pressure and he could care less who he’s up against.
by profootballfan on Jan 12, 2012 2:29 PM MST up reply actions
the one thing I know...
Is nothing is set in stone in the NFL. Which is why they actually “PLAY THE GAME” …We can pontificate all we want and on paper its a mismatch, and that is why we are 13.5 point underdogs. The only thing we can do is support our team and believe that they can keep playing as a TEAM. TEAMS play for each other and with each other in an attempt to cover each others weaknesses. If that can be done there is no weak link and together they can accomplish anything. And even if we do fall short on Sunday I will be proud of this TEAM for what they have accomplished. The scariest part of all this is, we still have not even glimpsed the ceiling that our young core of players could possibly reach. For the Broncos there is nothing to lose right now, and the future is bright….. very bright indeed!
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
by Disturbed70 on Jan 12, 2012 12:34 PM MST up reply actions
Two TD spread.
To overcome that we need a swing of 14 points like an INT returned 100 yards for a TD. Come on Champ. You can do it again.
The best of the 2011-2012 season is yet to come.
Keep you fingers crossed
and make sure you have enough alcohol in front of you. You may be screaming at your defense while watching Brady move the ball down the field for TDs. The line should be at least 17.
Ill take that action....
you willing to open up your wallet :)
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
I actually like Gene Steratore's crew
Might not have to complain about the reffing for once.
I volunteer my unbroken hand to be transplanted to Von Miller prior to next weekend's game.
I hope so
I’m still ticked about that backwards pass whistle — that play would have put the game on ice.
But then again, we wouldn’t have had that OT play which is now considered one for the ages.
NYC
Agreed – its a damn good thing that Denver went on to win that football game – saved the League a lot of messy questions. That line-judge should be sat down for the remainder of the playoffs.
by profootballfan on Jan 12, 2012 11:09 AM MST up reply actions
I never understand why Refs continue to blow the whistle on these kinds of plays
It happens frequently on fumbles, and such, and they are almost always in the wrong when they blow the whistle in those situations, which ends up blocking the correct call from being made.
Hope the refs have no controversial calls in this one.
What would the Broncos have to do to put everyone's jaw on the floor... again?
I’m going with a 23-20 victory when Tebow scrambles for a TD on the final play of the game.
To put my jaw on the floor
we’d have to get up early and never let them back in the game.
The best of the 2011-2012 season is yet to come.
Fine!
If you want a friggin’ 45 – 7 victory, then that’s just what will have to happen.
by Tezcatlipoca on Jan 12, 2012 12:24 PM MST up reply actions
This game
is totally winnable, I don’t care what the experts or the odds say. If I were in Vegas, I’d put my money down!
This game actually reminds me of the first Patriots superbowl win against the Rams… I happened to be in Elko Nevada on that day, and was heading right over to bet on a Patriots upset. They closed the betting before I could get there… and… the Pats won… and I missed out on a big payout… damnit.
It can be done… Go Broncos!
Quite possibly the most interesting man in the world... Stay thirsty my friends!
Go Broncos
1) If New England thinks the Broncos are such a joke then why are they using their star QB why don’t they start with like their 3 string and work they way up if they need to.
2) I believe that the Bronocs learned from their mistakes and that New England will not be getting freebies this time around. As mentioned earlier 3 turnover inside your own 20 will kill you especially against a team as well rounded as NE.
3) Their are playing at Foxborough the Broncos have been doing really well on the road, so perhaps home field advantage is not an advantage at all.
GO BRONCOS!
by harryfugginknutts on Jan 12, 2012 11:27 AM MST reply actions
We can get this done
GO BRONCOS!!! I do remember the 1986 playoff game against NE, Rulon Jones baby!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 12:07 PM MST reply actions
Hold onto the all and run like we did last meeting.
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009-10 back-to-back NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009-10 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
Oops.....meant ball.
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009-10 back-to-back NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009-10 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
Starting to feel...
more confident as the week goes on. I could see a 30-28 win with a trip to Baltimore next week.
Prater nails a 50-yarder!
uh, that would make me want to throw up if we’re in that position, guess I’ll refrain
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 12:34 PM MST up reply actions
It's going to be a nail biter
Hopefully we can stomp them but it’s probably going to come down to a field goal. I’m glad we’ve got a pressure kicker like Prater.
TurfSharks.com
Big differnece though between Mile High and 15 degree New England
Was he hitting 50 yarders on the road, outdoors this year?
Yes he was
The cold weather will affect his distance more than the altitude difference.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
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Actually, I checked it out
Praters stats on the road are not very good. The only field goal he made on the road plus 50 was a 52 yarder in Miami. It was a 4th quarter clutch make, but he also missed a 49 yarder and a 43 yarder in that game.
At Oakland he both made and missed a 43 yarder.
He missed a 41 yarder at Kansas city(hit from 38)
He was 3-3 with a long of 41 at San Diego
I’m not counting Minnesota in the dome. No attempts at Buffalo, or Tennessee, and 1-1, a 27 yarder st Green Bay.
In other words, your optimism is not supported by anything other than the Miami game, where he hit a 52, but also missed 2, and perhaps you are thinking of his home success, and thinking it will work on the road. He hasn’t kicked in any inclement weather on the road all year, so I think it would be fair to say we really have no idea how he will respond, if given the opportunity, and I think it is fairer to say I would not want to rely on him in a clutch situation this weekend. It looks to be very, very cold, and a possible wind factor as well.
No. My optimism is supported by history, which extends beyond this year
From pg. 19 of this week’s Game release
Broncos kicker Matt Prater owns the highest percentage of field goals
made from 50+ yards in NFL history (75.0% / 12-of-16) among players
who started their career after 1970 (min. 10 att.).
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
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by KaptainKirk on Jan 12, 2012 7:07 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Right, but you're talking about kicking in Denver
We are discussing him kicking at other fields, so that’s pretty irrelevant. Hey, the guy’s money at home, but on the road, not so much. It’s true I was basing it on this year, so don’t know what he did for his career, but still, you got anything better than that?
The 52 yarder in Miami was the only 50+ yarder he attempted on the road this year.
So in effect, he is 1 for 1 on 50+ yard FG attempts on the road this year. Is that relevant enough. ;)
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
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by KaptainKirk on Jan 12, 2012 11:10 PM MST up reply actions
actually
he attempted 7 in the 40 yard range and made 3, he attempted 1 in the 50 yard range and made 1. These were all on the road so he is 4 of 8 over 40 on the road this year.
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
Wait a sec
That post had nothing to do with kicking in Denver.
Prater owns the highest percentage of field goals made from 50+ yds in the NFL … Not Denver, the NFL!!
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
You are missing the point
that stat includes his Denver kicks, and we know the results are highly skewed in his favor there.
KK
Prater is good there is no debate – equally as true is: he will not be able to make 50+ yarders in Gillette tomorrow night. 15 degrees and 15-20 mph breeze will make 40 yarders a challange. And actually, who cares – this football game will not be won on the foot of a field-goal kicker, no matter how good he is.
by profootballfan on Jan 13, 2012 9:39 AM MST up reply actions
I agree
but I was just trying to get a good take on whether there was a sense of if he was as solid on the road, or close to solid on the road, but the homerism will not see that he really isn’t.
Maybe if it was Vinateiri, I could disagree with you, but he ain’t there.
furiousd
Your guy is good – the Pats guy (Steven Gostkowski) is pretty darn good too – kickers won’t figure too much in this game though. This will not be a closely fought, defensive struggle – least I don’t think so.
by profootballfan on Jan 13, 2012 1:52 PM MST up reply actions
you really must be furious
Why do you want to spend time here? Just to insult us? You ask a question about our kicker and expect us to put him down? We have seen him play very well on the road and despite the fact that he struggled early this year in the 40 YD range he is very dependable.
http://www.denverbroncos.com/team/roster/Matt-Prater/ea5f77c2-7f91-4d56-85ab-def0bf50b97f
You don’t have to trust us though, his stats are right there along with his awards. Maybe he won’t hit a 50 yarder this weekend but it won’t be because it is cold or he is on the road or because he is not a mile high. If you want to tell us we will lose you don’t need to set up questions so you can put us down.
Duh!! Homers on the Broncos blog, what a shocker!!
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
Sorry
I don’t see how I am doing anything other than discussing the intricacies of your kicking game. I have not insulted anyone, player or fan, nor do i intend to. All i asked was did you guys think your kicker can be as effective on the road, or at least close to it as he has been at home. The Kaptain responded, but in reality he just kept bringing up a mixture of his home filed stats, while I seemed to find that, at least, this year, he wasn’t that great on the road. Simple as that, don;t meant to insult, offend, or annoy. Good luck
Why am I here? Just looking for some good natured back and forth, which for the most part I have found. Feel free to come over to the Pulpit.
oddly
Prater had a few games this year where he missed almost everything he kicked in the 40’s, fortunately he was still hitting everything else including the long kicks. Does he get an advantage playing eight games at altitude? Sure, but he still has a very good leg and is used to playing outdoors, in the ice and snow.
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
Howard Dean
I would have to give the Dean Scream from 2004 if that happens.
All I can think about....
…is Tom Brady saying, all smug, “I’ve been in big games, Mikey….”.
Denver needs to smoke they asses. Smoke them good. Put an exclamation point on it. Remind Tom Brady that there is something about Denver…some reason that at the end of the day, they’ve always threaded on the Brady legend.
it's not unprecedented
he scoffed when the Giants suggested he could hold the Pats to 17 points in the Super Bowl that year, well, they held them to less than that, try 14
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 12:53 PM MST up reply actions
Meh
Plaxico was the one who was talking smack previously.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 12, 2012 8:23 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
If we come out aggressive and don't turn the ball over we've got a great shot
It all depends on how well the defense holds up. If Champ and Goody get schooled by Brady we’re toast.
Bottom line – the defense has to step up
TurfSharks.com
Yes, and we will!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 1:03 PM MST up reply actions
I'm with you
I think last week was a wake up call for our defense and they’re going to come out and play their hearts out on Saturday.
TurfSharks.com
He lost me
this week when saying his dream is for Tebow to play elsewhere next year
Release the Tebow!
He said(today I think) that tebow should demand to be traded when our season is over..
I hope that would never happen.
Dont trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display..
by Tuscani on Jan 12, 2012 7:38 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
How about ESPN trading way Skip Bayless?
Floyd Little: HOF Class of 2010.
2009-10 back-to-back NBA Champions L.A Lakers
2009-10 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant
I guess someone didn't get the memo
his name is Skip BRAINLESS
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 1:47 PM MST up reply actions
Tom Brady sold his soul long ago to the Devil
How can you stop him. He is good looking, has a hot wife, multi-million dollar home,and is a future hall of famer. All this accomplished by a 199th draft pick in the 6th Round, c’mon.
It’s puzzling that all the sportscasters say that if it were the Steelers, they would have had a shot at being the Pats. But since your team is lead by Tebow, your chances are 0%. Even the Giants had better odds of beating the Pats in their SuperBowl matchup. Good luck anyhow.If the Giants can beat the Pats, why not you guys.
by sanhoo on Jan 12, 2012 2:52 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
This is true
Brady made a pact with Nick Satan! 
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 3:42 PM MST up reply actions
I find it funny
that every team the Pats play against their fans talk about the porous defense the Pats have. A closer look inside the numbers reveal a different story. Only Green Bay has given up more yards on defense than the Pats. The important numbers are the points given up and the points scored. The Pats have given up on average 21 points per game. Broncos average 24 points given up per game. The Broncos average 19 points per game on offense and the Pats average 32 points per game. Important defensive stats are turnovers and INTs. Pats have a +17 and Denver has a -12 on turnovers. Denver has 9 INTs and the Pats have 23 INTs. The Pats may have a porous defense that gives up a lot of yardage, but they do not give up the most points scored. A DEFENSIVE FACT – the Broncos secondary has a worse PASS DEFENDER RATING than the Pats secondary. The Pats secondary has a better average of passes defended than the Broncos secondary. Not a good stat going against Brady in Foxboro. 38-17 Pats.
by PVS53 on Jan 12, 2012 2:58 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
I find it funny that
the Pats don’t have a playoff win since 2007 ;)
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
If they dont choke yet again....
Denver has shown they can pound the rock on anyone. :) And If we control the ball and the clock you may not even have a chance to choke :)
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
Pats can't stop
most teams from moving the ball. Every team thinks they will control the clock with a good running game. The Pats have faced many teams that have tried that strategy. The reality is that not may teams can stop the Pats from scoring. They change their strategy because the ground game takes more time to score. Most teams have to pass the ball to keep up with the Pats scoring machine. The ground game will only be effective in the first quarter….remember?
it would have been effective longer
if we didn’t turn the ball over, I hate turnovers :(
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 3:43 PM MST up reply actions
Turnover
don’t lose games, the defense does. A good defense will minimize the damage from a turnover. They will hold the opposing team to a FG or less. Denvers defense lost the game because they could not stop the Pats from scoring on those turnovers. They also had no answer for the Pats offense in the second half.
Defense and turn overs
In that first game each turn over gave the Pats the ball already in FG range so that statement really negates your point. Not even the best defense in the league could keep those turn overs off the score board.
But that was then and this is now. Ill just let you think like all the Steelers fans did last week. We don’t have a snowballs chance in he77 so Ill leave it at that :)
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
One big difference
The best player on any NFL team is the QB. Without a good QB most teams are just average. Big Ben was far from being 100% when he played against the Broncos. The Steelers suffered on offense because the leader of their offense could not play effectively hobbling around. It will be a different story playing against a healthy Brady.
You must be a big fan of St.Thomas Bundchen
History is a collection of lies, agreed upon -- Napoleon Bonaparte
by Schwerepunkt on Jan 12, 2012 4:22 PM MST up reply actions
You may
not like Brady but I would not want anyone else with the ball and the game on the line…..of course you would say Tebow.
I don't mind Brady at all actually
I like Brady better than Tebow, in fact, as a person. No doubt I’ll get spanked for that around here. I just like to make fun of Brady a bit because I’m incredibly jealous. Have you seen what he goes home to every night? Mmmm . . .
He should be MVP because he’s the guy that makes NE work. He is definitely the most valuable player one of the top 3 teams in the league. Without Brady Pats are a sub-500 team, in my opinion.
But that is NE’s weakness too. If Doom and Von can hit him hard a few times, they might get him off his game. Pffft.
History is a collection of lies, agreed upon -- Napoleon Bonaparte
by Schwerepunkt on Jan 12, 2012 4:37 PM MST up reply actions
You're being generous . . .
Of course, like him or hate him, but Belichek is a football genius.
History is a collection of lies, agreed upon -- Napoleon Bonaparte
by Schwerepunkt on Jan 12, 2012 4:40 PM MST up reply actions
The Pats
have in waiting the next hated QB. Ryan Mallet will take over when Brady leaves. I have seen this guy in practice. He has an accurate rocket arm. He can throw the ball farther with more accuracy than Brady. He was more than impressive. I would have liked to see him play a little this year. He could be the QB in two years.
I was shocked that Mallet went in the 3rd
and Gabbert went way before him. I watched a lot of him when he was with Arkansas. Not a lot of mobility, but has a cannon for an arm
"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"When John Elway is standing in lava with a football, he will stay there and sink until you're open"
-Seanbaby
Drew Bledsoe 2.0 hopefully without the lack of pocket awareness and the reliance on his arm.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 12, 2012 8:26 PM MST up reply actions
Didnt Brady go down in game 1 of the 08 season
and they still got to 11-5? BB is the real mechanism there
"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"When John Elway is standing in lava with a football, he will stay there and sink until you're open"
-Seanbaby
Its actually that season the triggered this roller coaster ride we are on now...
It led to Cassel in KC !! :) and KO here, and Cutler in CHI, and then Tebow here and then KO in KC…..oooooohhhhhhh my head hurts….. LMAO
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
Thats right
That damn flow chart. Ugh
"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"When John Elway is standing in lava with a football, he will stay there and sink until you're open"
-Seanbaby
Had the easiest schedule in the NFL that year. They were 1-5 vs playoff teams that year. Played the AFC West (SD was the div champ w. a 8-8 record) and the NFC West.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 12, 2012 8:27 PM MST up reply actions
yes
of course the Pats’ offense scored on turnovers, the NE offense is really good and capitalizes on mistakes. All I’m saying is we killed ourselves by turning the ball over on our half of the 50 smh :(
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 4:16 PM MST up reply actions
Even without
any turnovers, the Broncos will have less success in this game.
How did you figure? You buy a new defense?
Our best RB played less than a quarter in the last game (and still had 70 yards rushing), we fumbled 3 times inside our own 30 in a 5 minute period, and we had a blown coverage that gave Chad an uncontested TD (his only one of the year). And we’re somehow going to somehow have less success?
Stuff must be good your smoking. Care to share a bit?
by shasta77 on Jan 12, 2012 9:14 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Nope but they are there NOW
And I cant wait for tonight!!! The #1 rushing attack is in the house, with a new found passing attack. Denver is a DANGEROUS team right now with nothing to lose and everything to gain. And with our young core of players this absolutely could be the “changing of the guard”.
If you look at all the obstacles this young team has overcome this season, New HC and staff, New FO, the lockout and no off season to institute these changes, no real opportunity to make any roster changes, a QB change after going 1-4, the 3 game losing streak, backing into the playoffs. Dealing with all the critics and MSM saying they dont belong.
Sure we beat a Steelers team depleted with injuries but what nobody mentioned is the injuries on the Broncos roster!!! After losing major pieces of our roster to injury (Warren, Vickerson, Thompson, Vaugn, Dawkins, Moreno, Kuper, Decker, Fanin to name a few) we still dominated a 12-4 team with a #1 rated defense, and the DEFENDING AFC Champions. We did this with the 2nd youngest OL in the league, starting a 2nd year “rookie” at QB, a 2nd year WR, a rookie safety, and an undrafted rookie FA in our nickel package,
So you can spout your “at least we have been in the playoffs more than you in the last 10 years” mantra all you like, But I can still point out that the NE teams of the 70’s 80’s and 90’s were absolute garbage, and that Pats fans must have a “short memory” for being as arrogant as they are now :)
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
Wind is going to be 20-30MPH!
That’s got to hurt the passing game. I think Broncos will POUND the ball in that situation. OTOH, Tebow needs to be REALLY careful when he throws the ball in wind. He doesn’t throw a lot of spirals. A few wrinkles here or there, but run the ball mostly. Maybe JJ has a breakout game?
History is a collection of lies, agreed upon -- Napoleon Bonaparte
Advantage Brady
Brady knows the how the wind blows through the open end of the stadium. He has played and passed in that kind of condition. Could be a long day for Tebow if he puts it in the air. Pats might just load the D-line with eight players if they know Tebow will hesitate to throw the ball.
If the wind is 30mph, even Mr. Bundchen will have difficulty throwing the ball
Denver needs 200+ yards running the ball, and a turnover differential of +1 at the least.
History is a collection of lies, agreed upon -- Napoleon Bonaparte
by Schwerepunkt on Jan 12, 2012 4:16 PM MST up reply actions
preferably we score on that turnover!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 4:17 PM MST up reply actions
Yes, in NE territory, playcalling needs to be aggressive and . . .
Tebow needs to pull the trigger. FGs will not cut it with the Patriots. We need paydirt!
History is a collection of lies, agreed upon -- Napoleon Bonaparte
by Schwerepunkt on Jan 12, 2012 4:20 PM MST up reply actions
Well -- been there done that
Are you saying that you want to see another OT pass from Tebow?
Hard to see an OT
when the Broncos are down by 21 at the end of the game. OUCH
Dang that is going tp be a miserbale day to play football
15 degrees or less AND 20-30 mph winds?
Been there
it is not any better in the stands either. Pats do play fairly well in bad conditions at Foxboro.
With major help ...
refs and the new “tuck” rule. As much as I am loathe to say it the Raiders should have won that game…..and how about the “snow plow: game”. Just a couple of examples of the Pats “good play” in adverse weather in Foxboro ;)
".....Im the waiting beast....Im the twisted nerve..."
The game should be
the highest rated TV game of the season. I can not wait until Saturday!
We accomplished alot of firsts last week.
Can we throw the ball…yes. Can we score in the second qtr…yes. Can we win a playoff game…yes.
This week we will accomplish another first…win by 15+…YES.
by Downunder Thunder on Jan 12, 2012 4:48 PM MST reply actions
Win or lose
I will be back on the board after the game to either rub it in or bow my head and believe in the Tebow magic.
that's a good precedent
whether you win or lose, just be you, the classy you, that goes for Broncos fans as well, I have visited Pats Pulpit several times this week and if we win, I won’t rub it in because that’s not nice
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 5:06 PM MST up reply actions
You are not
from New England I take it. All in fun.
nope
I am not a Chowd, as Jim Rome would say
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2012 5:46 PM MST up reply actions
You just have no idea how bad your typo just messed me up
I kept trying to make sense out of the first word… ;/ is that slang I don’t know? Internet acronym? what the… oh, crap a typo?
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
I thought he said
“Lawyers” with a Boston accent.
Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks
My ship finally came in, but it was the Kobayashi Maru.
Follow @MHR_KaptainKirk
KaptainKirk on FaceBook
Tebow's indecision making in the Broncos 3 game losing streak was their demise.
That part of Tebow’s game went out the window during the Steelers game. Whatever clicked in his brain worked and has to continue to work if we are to have a chance.
The Broncos will once again try to establish the running game and the Pats have been good to run on. Don’t expect the New England sky to light up with a Tebow aerial display, at least at the beginning. The Broncos experimented a little further with short outs against the Steelers with some success. Maybe this Saturday they open that part of the playbook up a little more with screens, up and back wideout passes and the wide out pass. The middle will be defended better with the Pats than it was the Steelers and I don’t foresee the stacking 8-9 in the box very offen. Their approach will be different in how they attack Tebow’s offense.
Bottom line? Keep Tom Brady and his prolific offense off the field as long as possible by moving the chains. It won’t do the Broncos any favors by eating up big chunks of ground on offense only to put the defense back on the field. Tire them out not us and the 4th qtr should be interesting. Turnovers will only add to the existing presure and make winning tha game that much harder. Stay focused on assignments, execute the gameplan to perfection and I don’t see any reason why we can’t move on to the Texans.
Did I say Texans? They don’t have a peckerwood’s chance in hades in the media’s eyes, but I give them a running chance just like the Broncos. Final score…Not to jinz the Broncos but the Patriots win this one 34-27.
Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!
Well
It least you picked the winner. Got the score wrong though, 38-17 Pats.
HaHaHa...We'll see. I used reverse pyschology...
Win, lose or draw, we are the Denver Broncos! 13-3 Baby!!! Until we ain't!
bfree
I also think that Houston will eek out a win in Baltimore – the two teams are very similar on both offense & defense and I just get the feeling that Flacco’s ho-hum season will continue into the playoffs. The Texans will out-run & out-defend the Ravens – sounds crazy but, that’s the way I see it.
On your Pats vs Bronco comments – you say, “execute the game-plan to perfection” – the plan being: establish the run, limit the throws that Tebow must make, keep Brady off the field. If I’m not mistaken, this is the same game-plan that was employed at Mile High in week 15 – we all know how that game turned out. In order to beat the Patriots tomorrow night, the Broncos gotta score and score a lot – that is the hard reality. All the other stuff is wishful thinking. Hey… sometimes wishes come true but, most of the time reality prevails.
Its a given that lost fumbles & thrown picks don’t help your cause – fact is, neither team can afford to make these kinds of mistakes on Sat. night. We all agree, the no turnovers mantra has merit (both teams must avoid them) but, for the Broncos to beat the Pats they must get in the endzone and often, because you know damn well that New England will be doing the same.
by profootballfan on Jan 13, 2012 9:32 AM MST up reply actions
If T.J. Yates of all people
leads the Texans to an AFC Championship game…
Well, this just proves again how awful Mark Sanchez is.
Can I Scream?
You can continue to assume the NE offense will be clicking, what if it isn't?
What if you get Brady vs. the Redskins, or Brady in the first Bills game? I know it’s easy to assume that we have to be perfect to win, but only if the NE offense actually succeeds. With the NE defense’s liabilities, our offense scoring points isn’t a maybe. Why is it so unreasonable to assume that the NE offense won’t stumble—and if they do NE is in trouble? If the weather dictates a heavy dose of running plays on both sides, I’d say that favors Denver.
This is why they play the game. Yeah, NE beat the Jets 45-3 in December last year and then promptly lost to the same team at home in the playoffs. No guarantees it won’t happen again.
shasta
If Brady sucks tomorrow night – the Patriots are in trouble, not done but, they will be in trouble. He’s had a funny year (I think) – more picks than usual – slow starts – periods of play where you want to throw something at the TV but, for the part and more importantly as of late – Tom Brady has been pretty darn good. It’s been very enjoyable watching the two tight ends mature into budding superstars and I think that TB appreciates their skills even more than us fans.
by profootballfan on Jan 13, 2012 5:16 PM MST up reply actions
I wonder about that shoulder that takes a half to warm up
How’s that bad boy going to feel in 9 degree weather? He looked lost at times in the first quarter against the Redskins, Bills (both games), and Dolphins at the end. Once the shoulder got loose he looked completely different. In this kind of cold, no guarantees that thing ever loosens up.
The TEs are both studs, been fun watching them develop. But someone has to be able to throw it to them. What if Tom just can’t?
The Broncos will win this game if
they have more points than the Patriots
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
Lol you are amazing! How did you know that?!?
;)
Dont trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display..
by Tuscani on Jan 12, 2012 10:57 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
In all seriousness
to win this game the Broncos need to have time consuming drives that end in TD’s. We can’t afford 3 and outs. We need to make every posession count. The Pats may not score on every posession they have but the’ll get theirs. Our D can hold them here and there if they’re not tired. The O needs to control the game and the scoreboard.
Can it be done? Sure it can. Will it be tough? Hell yeah.
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
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