Patriots vs Broncos 12-18-2016 4:25 PM EST

[BigKen]

This one is the last 'big' challenge for the Patriots.

With losses to the Chiefs and the Titans, you can be sure that the Broncos are going to be ramped up for this game. They certainly know that a loss to Patriots takes them totally out of the playoff picture.

The Patriots on the other hand need to prove that the game against the Ravens wasn't a one time deal. They have to pressure Siemian and/or Lynch and move the ball against the Broncos defense.

Should be a good one..................wonder if it will snow????

 

[cdumler7]

A loss doesn't actually take us out of the playoffs. Right now tied with Miami for that final spot with the tie breaker over them because of common opponents. They just lost Tannehil for the year so tough to see them going undefeated the rest of the way. We now have a 1 game lead over the Titans, Texans, Colts, and Ravens. So again we can still lose one and make the playoffs as all those teams are not going undefeated. In fact the Titans and Texans play each other week 17 so one of them has to lose at least one more game.

Still yes a big game for the Broncos as I would rather make it easy on the playoff scenarios and just win out. Or make it where one of those divisional games we could lose and still get in.

Also 99% sure you will be going against Siemian in this one. He didn't have any set backs this past game so he should be good to go. And as of right now weather wise it is supposed to be sunny but cold. I think the high for the day is 27 degrees.

 

[sharkymcwrath]

NE usually has a tough time in Denver. While I think NE has he better team at this point and also has some momentum I can see them having issues at Mile High. Still, I like NE 23 - 17.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

With the Pats' win over the Ravens, and Tannehill's knee, the Pats aren't going to be caught by the Chiefs as far as I am concerned. You guys are more than welcome to clinch our playoff spot by burning Denver to the ground though. Kick'em while they're down!

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Always a tough game in Denver but I see NE taking this one. I want to say by two scores. Seeing the intensity in TB and the D last night, I think TB is playoff focused. No let down in him and he's not going to allow anyone else give them a let down.

 

[cdumler7]

Always a tough game in Denver but I see NE taking this one. I want to say by two scores. Seeing the intensity in TB and the D last night, I think TB is playoff focused. No let down in him and he's not going to allow anyone else give them a let down.

Well so far the Broncos have only had one game they lost by 2 scores and that was 10 points to the Raiders. The Broncos have a defense that keeps them in almost every game. So while I'm not feeling confident the Broncos win I still like the chances they keep this one close. Especially when you consider this will be in Denver where I can guarantee the crowd will be trying to make life very difficult for Brady and the boys.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

IDC, this is the Broncos at home...gonna be hard battle, sort of like last yr in the AFCCG. Gotta control Miller in this one, so lets see if Cannon is worth that contract extension. This will come down to the OL for sure. Gotta fix this punt issue. At this point, I would rather not have anyone back there and just rush 11. On defense, you have to stop Sanders, he has torched us in the past and is huge on 3rd downs. Love to see NE work the clock and keep the defense off the field as much as possible. Keep them fresh to get after the QB.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

IDC, this is the Broncos at home...gonna be hard battle, sort of like last yr in the AFCCG. Gotta control Miller in this one, so lets see if Cannon is worth that contract extension. This will come down to the OL for sure. Gotta fix this punt issue. At this point, I would rather not have anyone back there and just rush 11. On defense, you have to stop Sanders, he has torched us in the past and is huge on 3rd downs. Love to see NE work the clock and keep the defense off the field as much as possible. Keep them fresh to get after the QB.

This year is actually the best I felt in a long time going into Denver. Firts this isn't last year. Denver has already lost 5 games. During the AFCCG Brady was our leading rusher for God's sake followed by Bolden. I don't recall how many swing passes were missed or dropped by RBs had even a couple of those hit we might be havinv a different convo right now. Last year may have been the wost beating TB has ever taken thanks to Von. That won't happen again the reason is found in one word; SCAR. The missed PAT caused NE to have to go for two at the end of the game. Had Brady not locked into his buddy JE11, Gronk was wide open. Again we might be having a different convo right now.

No disrepect. This will be a good game. But the TB12 revenge tour started last night with the rat birds. Denver you're next.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

This year is actually the best I felt in a long time going into Denver. Firts this isn't last year. Denver has already lost 5 games. During the AFCCG Brady was our leading rusher for God's sake followed by Bolden. I don't recall how many swing passes were missed or dropped by RBs had even a couple of those hit we might be havinv a different convo right now. Last year may have been the wost beating TB has ever taken thanks to Von. That won't happen again the reason is found in one word; SCAR. The missed PAT caused NE to have to go for two at the end of the game. Had Brady not locked into his buddy JE11, Gronk was wide open. Again we might be having a different convo right now.

No disrepect. This will be a good game. But the TB12 revenge tour started last night with the rat birds. Denver you're next.

I agree, but it's still Denver, in Denver, in December.....They still have a good defense, and a good defense can win games. Keep Brady upright and they should win.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

I agree, but it's still Denver, in Denver, in December.....They still have a good defense, and a good defense can win games. Keep Brady upright and they should win.

I was more worried about facing Flucco last night. But, any given Sunday. That's why they play the games. I just feel good about this one.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

I was more worried about facing Flucco last night. But, any given Sunday. That's why they play the games. I just feel good about this one.

I was worried about Joe Joe too, and I understand your confidence facing any Denver QB. I just hope the players don't think like us...LOL

 

[SDGuy73]

Kevin Seifert
NFL Nation

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated the league's stance on a report that the Giants noted underinflated footballs in a game against the Steelers. Goodell said that all protocols were followed and so there "is no follow-up." The teams did not follow up either, he said. This will be a tough message for Patriots fans, when similar reports led to an 18-month drama that ended with a $1 million fine and a four-game suspension for quarterback Tom Brady.

 

[redseat]

If this turns into a kicking game the Broncos will have a field day and score at will since the Patriots don't have anyone who can hold onto the ball.

I don't see the Broncos D giving up the long-ball to Hogan like the Ravens did but I do see Blount counting to be a force since he is a big guy and loves contact.

I hate 4:25 games.. Patriots always seem flat during these games.

 

[BigKen]

Brady has a better assortment of weapons this year than he's ever had previously, even with Moss. He has his short guy in Edelman. His screener with White. His middle range guy now is Mitchell and he can send both Hogan and Mitchell deep. All of his running backs can both run and catch.

Denver's defense will be challenged and I'm sure that they'll be ready to play. They have a lot of pride and they know that for the Broncos to win they have to play every opponent like it's the Super Bowl, because they're not sure what the offense will do against the defense they're facing.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

A full dose of Blount, a bunch of drop off to the other RBs, short passes to JE11 and MB when they have him chipping Miller and Develin protecting the ageless one. I think we see a whole different game this time around.

 

[TP76]

Patriots are 3 point favorites - dunno, I might put some money on the Broncos. Playing in Denver has been the bane of the Patriots existence over the years - with or without Brady.

 

[ohiopatsfan]

This should be a tough, physical game. The Broncos know that a loss, while not eliminating them, would certainly make a return to the playoffs difficult. Also, the Pats historically have problems at Mile High. All that being said, the Pats are in better shape than they were last season. There are a full complement of running backs led by Blount, the OL is much improved with Scar back, the receivers are solid. Of course, the absence of Gronk and Dola and the messiness with the returners are all concerns. Remember, last year the Pats lost by just two points with Steven Jackson as the main RB and Brady as their leading rusher.

 

[Carnzo]

I like the Pats by three.
Unless Cyrus Jones is fielding the ball. In that case I'l take Denver by 10.
Sorry but someone had to say it.

 

[BigKen]

Fair warning to all Pats fans......do not go into the Broncos Board and say anything. There are a very sensitive bunch in there and if you make a comment about something someone says negative about the Patriots, they get extremely anal.

After looking at some statistics that someone posted.....
I asked a simple question....If the Broncos defense is so 'Other Worldly" why do the Broncos have 5 losses?

It was not taken well at all.

 

[cdumler7]

Fair warning to all Pats fans......do not go into the Broncos Board and say anything. There are a very sensitive bunch in there and if you make a comment about something someone says negative about the Patriots, they get extremely anal.

After looking at some statistics that someone posted.....
I asked a simple question....If the Broncos defense is so 'Other Worldly" why do the Broncos have 5 losses?

It was not taken well at all.

People answered your question. Said special teams blew one game. The offense struggling to pick up a 1st down and leading the league in 3 and outs doesn't help. The defense has played very well this year but when you spend 2/3rds of the game on the field eventually a team is going to break through. Our run defense hasn't been up to par compared to last year so that has hurt us against good running teams like the Titans last week. The Broncos have a great defense but it doesn't mean they are perfect. Not sure how that is us not taking your question well?

And pretty sure you came onto our board saying that our pass rush wouldnt' be able to get to Brady because he gets rid of the football too fast. A fan said "we heard the same thing before the AFCCG." Simple comment that is true. Brady didn't just all of a sudden this year get good at getting rid of the ball. That has been a strength of his for some time. The Broncos were able to confuse him some and flood those zone spots where he likes to hit quickly and cause him to hold onto the ball a bit longer.

We also said that the best way for the Pats to beat the Broncos is actually not by the arm of Brady but on the back of Blount. Win the TOP and field position battle and good chance the Pats come out of the game with a victory. Our offense struggles to sustain drives. So working your way down the field with a good running game and timely throwing is part of how we have those 5 losses.

Again not sure how any of those answers are us being defensive/sensitive. We are pretty objective about our team and the faults that we have. We have a bad OL. We have a bad RB group. WE have an improving QB but still is prone to make some mistakes. We have a couple of great WR's. Derby has been an emerging weapon. All of that equals though a very below average offense. On defense the run defense has been terrible. There is no getting around that fact. The pass defense has been the best in the NFL. Again why I say if you are putting it in the arm of Brady while he is incredible as a QB that is playing right into the strength of this defense. I hope they want to throw the football on us.