Lots of folks on Denver… Don't be fooled on domination of New England

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The New England offensive line is terrible, as evidenced by the firing of their offensive line coach, and strength coach the day after Denver abused them. The patriots started this season with a undrafted rookie at center, and 2 rookie guards. Nate Soldier and Sebastian Vollmer provided some experience and stability at the tackles. Solder was lost for the season early, and Vollmer was hurt the whole season missing several games. His replacement Marcus Cannon was a complete embarrassment as witnessed in the AFC championship game. Miller and DeMarcus Ware had a field day on the edges against a injured Vollmer, and a completely overmatched Marcus Cannon.

Early in the season New England was able to effectively masquerade their significant line problems with quick passing, to Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, and Dion Lewis and of course Gronk. Brady was getting rid of the ball in most instances in under 2 seconds. With those receivers, all healthy and a healthy Lewis and LeGarrett Blount to run the ball on occasion New England looked impressive against most defenses. New England was far from the same team in the AFC championship. With Lewis and Blount gone for the season, New England had absolutely zero threat of running the football. Danny Amendola, Edelman and Gronk were all significantly nicked. With the nonexistence of a running game Denver was able to play for all practical purposes a three-man front with 8 in coverage. Another huge factor was the home crowd for Denver, and New England having to go on a silent count. Although this coupled with the immobility of Brady was a perfect storm for Denver. The rookie Stork was tipping the silent snap with head bobs on top of everything else. Now don't get me wrong, Denver has a very good defense, but not as good as they looked against New England. A terrible offensive line, that can't block a three-man rush, nobody to run the ball. 8 men dropping into coverage, and a non-mobile pocket quarterback, with two of the best edge rushers in the NFL was too much for New England, but they still almost pulled it out with a missed PAT costing them the game.

Don't forget Denver only had one drive for a touchdown and that was in the first quarter, the other touchdown was a Brady interception on the New England 15. I believe Carolina has enough of a rushing attack to keep the bronco defense more honest. Cam Newton can run the ball if the edge rushers totally commit as they did against New England. I'm not saying Denver can't cover the six, or even win the game with a couple turnovers, but no way their defense dominates as they did against New England, that was all set up for them and a perfect storm. Regardless good luck with your action!
 

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Thank You Shamrock. My exact thinking. Also Denver didn't win that game the Pats lost it ! ! ! How many times did the Pats have chances at the end. I am sorry but I am loading up on Carolina and hoping its not not a 3 point game. Good luck today
 

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I couldn't agree more. And Denver played a Steeler team (at home) that had a weak D and an injury ravaged offense, and still almost lost. This Bronco team started the year 7-0, and went 5-4 after that, winning a number of close games. I give them credit for the upset of the Patriots, but I don't think they have it in them to beat an even better team in a neutral site.
 

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Don't discount the fact that Pittsburgh was one of the hottest teams down the stretch and nobody wanted to play them.. Big Ben looked good enough to me on that day, but maybe AB being out was the difference, we will never know. All the teams have suffered injuries, Denver has played most of the season without both starting tackles on their OL.
 

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Don't discount the fact that Pittsburgh was one of the hottest teams down the stretch and nobody wanted to play them.. Big Ben looked good enough to me on that day, but maybe AB being out was the difference, we will never know. All the teams have suffered injuries, Denver has played most of the season without both starting tackles on their OL.
Their top 2 RBs were also out, and Ben did look good but he was getting rid of the ball very quickly. The Steelers offense had most of their yardage on quick hit passing plays to speedy guys running upfield for big yards. We never did find out if Ben's shoulder could have taken another hit.
 

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Well I think the Steelers are a difficult match-up for Denver's D because the seem to have great pass protection from their tackles and nobody can stand in the pocket and extend plays like big Ben. Then throw in their talent and speed at the WR position and that is a dangerous combo for sure. Pitts D was playing better at the end of the season as well.
 

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Thank You Shamrock. My exact thinking. Also Denver didn't win that game the Pats lost it ! ! ! How many times did the Pats have chances at the end. I am sorry but I am loading up on Carolina and hoping its not not a 3 point game. Good luck today
:smoking:
 

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I AM BACK - no running and hiding or excuses from me. I WAS WRONG. Congrats to Denver backers
 

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