NFL.com news: Expect a tight divisional battle between Broncos, Patriots

When Pat Kirwan posts something Patriots-related, I must link to it. Good stuff…

The one factor in this year’s offense that might trump their recent playoff woes is the play of Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, who, along with Wes Welker, have become major weapons. Hernandez was the star in the first game between these teams when he caught 9 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. Expect Brady to hit his regular-season home average of 318 passing yards.

Last week, the Broncos faced a gimpy quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, and inside pressure calls were effective. They will not have that luxury this week; it is difficult to blitz Brady on a regular basis, with Welker requiring constant double-teams.