Me and Frenz discussed this a lot today. I really think the Patriots’ offense is in a great position. On account of their last two games, the Broncos have to respect the New England running game, but the Broncos’ pass defense is definitely weakened without Von Miller and Chris Harris Jr.
So I think the Patriots will feel it out early. See how they play against the Pats’ power run game and see how they do against more spread concepts.
My idea this morning on the podcast was to come out in a spread, hurry-up with Vereen in the game. Not because this should be the gameplan focus, but because it’s likely not what the Broncos are expecting. It will get the Broncos defensive lineman moving and the sooner they tire out, the sooner it will be easier to run on them.
But I think the Pats offense can let the game come to them. Granted they’re not the prolific passing offense they were in recent seasons, but they can still move the ball through the air, especially if Dobson is out there, providing at least some kind of outside threat who can get vertical.
The trickle down effect of that could mean Danny Amendola’s drawing Marquice Cole in coverage, a matchup the Pats might feel good about exploiting.
Denver is in a tough spot and if the Pats start ripping off big chunks of yardage it could leave the Broncos defense scrambling and unprepared for play action.
No question the Broncos have the better weapons offensively, but I really do like how the Pats matchup on both sides of the ball.