I feel a lot better about it after what they did in Baltimore in Week 16, that’s for sure. There’s no question, the Pats were inconsistent on the road this year, often times from half to half.
Denver is never an easy place to play, but the elements should be fairly tame. It’s the air and the lack of defensive front seven depth that concerns me a bit. Subs Joe Vellano, Andre Carter, Michael Buchanan and Dane Fletcher can expect to see at least a slight bump in the snaps they play, and they’ll need to play well in those instances.
Manning will try to take advantage of rookies like Vellano and Bunchanan when they do get in there, it’s important for them not to try and do too much.
I’m also glad that at least Wilfork will be there, because the lack of leadership without Mayo and him on the field can hurt in big games like this. But a lot of the team has still played in big games, and sometimes not knowing what you don’t know can be an advantage.
We’ve seen this team fight for 60 minutes plenty of times this season and I expect no less, regardless of the magnitude of the game. They don’t know anything else. I’m sure they’ll give up some plays, but the Broncos will have to put them away, they won’t go quietly.