Broncos “have to come with something different” to beat the Patriots

But that doesn’t mean the tilt won’t be largely about how a legendary quarterback fares against on one football’s longest-tenured and highly respected defensive coaches.

Brady vs. Manning has been the high watermark of almost each National Football League season for the better part of the last 15 years. He has 51 catches for 843 yards and eight touchdowns this season, and by any measure – either standard stats or advanced metrics – he’s the NFL’s best tight end. San Diego has allowed an AFC-worst 282 points. And not since the 2006 playoffs has he shown any clue on how to stop the Patriots. Without the push up front, it will give Brady time to pick apart the Broncos defenders.

The over/under for the game is 43 points.

Don’t misunderstand – Osweiler isn’t scared of the Patriots’ defense. But the former Arizona State star could see the kitchen sink, and a few other appliances, thrown his way. Alex Smith has been efficient and has thrown only three interceptions compared to 10 touchdowns. They were no more successful the next season. How have the tight ends been a factor in the passing game?

Denver is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games. To put that number in some context, consider that the Pats had only eight receptions of 40-plus yards all together in each of those two seasons. The only quarterback to beat New England within his first two career starts in that span was Mark Sanchez in 2009.

When Davis first arrived from San Francisco he spent a lot of time working with the second team as he got acclimated to a new offense, one much different than the 49ers ran. There’s a reason it ranks second in points, first in total yards, first in yards per pass, and second in yards per rush. It’s unclear if DeMarcus Ware will play this week after sitting out against Chicago.

The New England Patriots face one of their toughest tests of the season this Sunday night on the road as favorites against the Denver Broncos.

“That’s going to be a real challenge for us, but we’re really looking forward to it”, Phillips told reporters this week. Running back Dion Lewis will not return this season, even for the playoffs, but wide receiver Julian Edelman – who went out with a broken foot against the New York Giants two weeks ago – could return in time for the postseason.

UNDERRATED: Denver’s defensive execution.

Tight end has gone from a position of weakness to one of strength for the Denver Broncos. “They’re not a real exotic group”. However, Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was late getting the ball out, something Brady does not do.

This all explains a lot about his play. The Dolphins aren’t very good but at very least they can keep this close.

OVERRATED: Brock Osweiler’s debut. Ball security proved pivotal. On Nov. 24, 2013, the 6-foot-7 quarterback was sent in to try to block Stephen Gostkowski’s 31-yard field goal attempt with 1:56 left in overtime. Only one of those eight possessions produced more than 31 yards. As for the Denver defense, there are important areas to keep an eye on.

Then things started to go south. The Broncos lost consecutive games and lost Manning to injury. Especially if Jamie Collins remains out, Mayo’s ability to tackle Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson could be critical.

There is no doubt that Miller is licking his chops after watching the Patriots offensive line struggle on Monday night. By using short passes to running backs James White and LeGarrette Blount, the Patriots have found success despite a rushing game that is 28th in the league.

To hand the Patriots a loss – the Broncos defense will need to contain a roaming polar bear… and the “golden boy”. So every team has a different style.