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Broncos in focus

Email|Link|Comments (10) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff October 17, 2008 08:41 AM

The Patriots (3-2) host the Broncos (4-2) on Monday Night Football, and here are a few things that stand out about Denver:

1) No 'D' in Denver. The Broncos have struggled on defense, with opponents completing 72.7 percent of their passes. That prompted coach Mike Shanahan to ask New England reporters "Do you think that New England will ever run with that percentage?" The run defense, it turns out, hasn't been much better with opponents averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

2) Turnovers have stalled offense of late. After scoring 41, 39 and 34 points in their first three games, the Broncos have gone 19-16-17 in the last three. Turnovers have hurt them. The Broncos have a minus-4 turnover differential on the season, with a total of eight turnovers in their last three games. The Broncos had three turnovers in their first three wins.

3) Evolving into a passing offense. Although their reputation is more as a running team, the Broncos have been more of a passing club this year -- with 229 pass attempts and 153 rushing attempts. That plus-76 differential ranks behind only Philadelphia (plus-80), Detroit (plus-79) and Indianapolis (plus-77) in terms of teams favoring the pass over the run. With top weapons Jay Cutler (quarterback), Brandon Marshall (receiver) and Eddie Royal (receiver), the Broncos have one of the league's more powerful passing attacks.

4) Pass protection a positive. The Broncos have surrendered just two sacks and are averaging 7.43 yards per pass attempt. Left tackle Ryan Clady, the team's first-round draft choice, has stepped in as a starter. The team's right tackle, Ryan Harris, was a third-round draft choice out of Notre Dame in 2007.

5) New specialists in kicking game. From 1993-2007, the Broncos had reliable kicker Jason Elam to call upon when in need of a big kick. With Elam signing in Atlanta as a free agent, second-year man Matt Prater has filled the void, and is 13 of 14 on the season, with a long of 56. Rookie Brett Kern is the punter.

ANALYSIS: This is a dangerous matchup for a Patriots defense that was beaten on long passing plays of 48, 49 and 59 yards last week, and also committed a 32-yard pass interference penalty in the end zone. The Broncos rank second in passing yards per game, which reflects that they can move the ball through the air. On the flip side, Denver's defense is poor, so the Patriots will look to duplicate what they did against San Francisco -- possessing the ball and playing a complementary game. That sets up a scenario where third downs and turnovers will be especially important. Prediction: Patriots 20, Broncos 17.

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10 comments so far...

i hope we get re-energized and bash the donkos. THROW DEEP, MATT!

Posted by Alex October 17, 08 10:42 AM

So they like the big passing play and their protection is one of the best in the league? And Deltha O'Neal got burned all day last week when the front 7 couldn't even hit Philip Rivers once?

And the Broncos has no D with Champ Bailey at CB when the Pats couldn't move the ball against Chargers 32nd passing defense?

Sorry guys, I'm just trying to not give myself reasons to be too optimistic.

Posted by mikey October 17, 08 01:06 PM

Ya, get real they played 4 playoff teams SD, Jacksonville, TB, and NO, plus to push over in KC and Oakland. They are 4 and 2, i don't think we're in the same league with them this year.

Posted by ricomandog October 17, 08 01:29 PM

Pats couldn't beat this team with Brady, and they're sure not going to beat this team in a shoot out. No way Pats win this one...

Posted by Rich October 17, 08 02:09 PM

Couldn't win with Brady??? What the hell are you smoking?

Posted by Jeff October 17, 08 02:43 PM

Interesting take, Mike. Considering the offensive potential of these two teams (ok...the Pats potency depends on Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Cassell), I'd have to put the score prediction in the high 20s or even the 30s each. I see this being a touchdown-fest.

Posted by Ghost of Johnny Most October 17, 08 03:01 PM

pats by 20

Posted by jay cutler October 17, 08 05:14 PM

Cutler will be back to his potential this Monday night throwing for three touchdowns and 300+ yards. There is no way that New England will be able to stop the Broncos high efficiency offense. Even with Denver's questionable defense, it will end up Broncos winning by 10.

Posted by Andy October 17, 08 05:49 PM

When was the last time the Patriots beat us? I recall the Broncos beating the Patriots 3 times in a 1 year span in 2005-2006. Remember the Champ Bailey 100 yard interception in that playoff game? I also recall Green Bay beating the Patriots in Superbowl 31 while Denver walked all over Green Bay in Superbowl 32. Green Bay was too hard for New England while Denver had their way with the Packers. Denver wins Monday night.

Posted by Tony Harrison October 19, 08 03:19 AM

20-17 Patriots? Look for a high scoring game with Denver winning 42-35. Meanwhile take time to watch the watch the game of the week, Indy vs Green Bay!
Go Packers!

Posted by Watch The Packers Game Instead October 19, 08 11:09 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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