PATRIOTS' PREVIEW: DENVER

This Sunday brings us another AFC Championship in which either Tom Brady or Peyton Manning will earn another trip to the Superbowl.  Yes, I know you've heard all about this for the past week.  For a change of pace, my preview of Sunday's game will not focus on the quarterback matchup.  Yes, I'll have a little bit about the Patriots' quarterback, and what he needs to do to make it back to back Superbowl appearances, but that won't be my focus.

After having one week with most of the key offensive players back on the field, the Patriots' offense gets to face one of the best defenses in the league.  In my opinion, the Patriots' offense against the Broncos' defense really is the key to the game.  Once again if the Patriots can avoid some boneheaded turnovers, they should come out on top in the end.  Here is a quick look at each game the Broncos have played this year.  When you're done reading, I'm sure you'll be on board with this.

1. Denver beat the Ravens 19-13 at home.  The defense had 2 sacks and 2 interceptions.  One interception was brought back for the game winning touchdown.
   
2. Denver beat the Chiefs 31-24 in KC.  The defense had 4 sacks, 2 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries.  Another game, another defensive touchdown.  This time it was a fumble recovery for a TD.
   
3. Won 24-12 in Detroit.  Four sacks, 2 picks and 1 fumble recovery for the defense.
   
4. Beat the Vikings 23-20 with a game winning field goal.  Had 7 sacks and 1 fumble recovery.
   
5. Went to Oakland and beat the Raiders 16-10.  Had another defensive touchdown off of an interception.  Also had 4 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.
   
6. Barely beat the Browns 26-23.  Good thing they had another pick 6.  In total, the defense had 2 picks, 1 fumble recovery and 4 sacks.
   
7. Quite possibly the only game they won that couldn't have gone either way.  Beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers 29-10 at home.  The defense had 3 sacks and didn't get any free possessions.
   
8. Lost to Andrew Luck led Colts in Indy.  Only had one sack.  While the defense didn't have any turnovers, the special teams unit did score on a punt return.  Final score 27-24.
   
9. Lost to the Chiefs at home 29-13.  Had 2 sacks on Alex Smith.
   
10. Beat the Bears 17-15 with 2 free possessions (1 interception and 1 fumble recovery).  Sacked Jay Cutler 2 times.
    
11. The gimme OT win against the Patriots.  The Patriots didn't play well, the umpires officiated poorly and yet Denver only won 30-24 at home.  The muffed punt fumble recovery on special teams was key.  Defensively, Denver had 3 sacks on Brady.
    
12. Beat the Chargers 17-3.  Had a pick 6 to go along with two fumble recoveries and 4 sacks.
    
13. Lost to the Raiders 15-12 and only had one sack.  Game was in Denver.
    
14. Lost to Pittsburgh 34-27.  Big Ben threw 2 picks and was sacked 3 times.
    
15. Beat the Bengals 20-17 in overtime.  Had 2 sacks and a fumble recovery.
    
16. Beat the Chargers by a TD, 27-20.  Rivers threw an interception and was sacked 3 times.
    
17. Beat an injured Roethlisberger by a score 23-16.  Had 3 sacks and a fumble recovery.
    

DENVER AVERAGES-

Margin of Victory- +7.31
Margin of Defeat- -7.25
Points over Opponent at home- +3.56
Points over Opponent away- +3

WHO THEY PLAYED-

If you take away the results of each teams' games against the Broncos.......

The teams they lost to are a combined 32-26.
The teams they beat are a combined 90-86
Remove the Patriots record and teams they beat are a combined 78-83

PATRIOTS' GAME PLAN-  Take what they give us.  While it's great to get everyone involved, if we are cruising along by feeding the ball to Edelman, then we need to go with it.  After have ripped Josh McDaniels apart for years, I'd have to say that this has been his best year calling plays.  Generally, he is letting everyone play to their strengths and not asking them to do something that they aren't capable of.  

SPECIAL TEAMS- Advantage Patriots.  Gostkowski should have no problem making sure kickoffs are unreturnable.  Hopefully Matthew Slater is good to go on Sunday and we don't have trouble fielding punt.

DEFENSE- I have faith in Matt Patricia once again.  After hearing all this week how the Denver offense didn't do Peyton any favors by dropping the ball, I just have to say that our defense is going to help Peyton out this week by making some catches of their own :)  At least with Peyton behind center we don't have to worry about some ridiculous third down runs by the QB.  Of course if he "trips" this week, I hope he doesn't get bailed out with a roughing the passer call or allowed to continue on.  

If you didn't get a chance to read my post about my theory on how Malcolm Butler got so good, you should check it out. 

UMPIRE CREW- For the love of god, win or lose I hope the refs have no effect on the outcome of the game. 

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