2015 Patriots Football

[PhoSita]

On to Denver.

Gotta hope it's cold as heck out there.

I wouldn't be so sure yet, still think the Steelers have a shot at beating Denver.

Without Brown and with Roethlisberger nursing messed up tendons in his throwing shoulder?

[straightouttabahstun]

Well, to say the least, that was refreshing to see the Patriots play like that again. Nice to see the offense basically back to full strength (I still miss the heck out of Dion Lewis). I'm confident that they can beat either of Denver or Pitts, granted I'd much rather play the Steelers for obvious reasons. But it's slightly comforting watching the Pats again. That first drive just said it all.

[Sixth Man]

From a lifelong KC Chiefs fan (since 1969):  please, please, please Patriots beat the Broncos! 

[Cman]

From a lifelong KC Chiefs fan (since 1969):  please, please, please Patriots beat the Broncos!

Nice to have you aboard. We hope to oblige!

[JSD]

Alright, the Pats are going to beat this Denver team by a wide margin. I think most people realize this. The Pats offense that was so dominant in the first 10 games is back in full force, while Peyton Manning looks like the worst quarterback in the NFL right now. This is going to be a stomping.

So, looking forward, who is the better match-up for the Patriots, the Panthers or the Cardinals? What team scares you more?

[rondofan1255]

Panthers scarier for me

[nickagneta]

Alright, the Pats are going to beat this Denver team by a wide margin. I think most people realize this. The Pats offense that was so dominant in the first 10 games is back in full force, while Peyton Manning looks like the worst quarterback in the NFL right now. This is going to be a stomping.

So, looking forward, who is the better match-up for the Patriots, the Panthers or the Cardinals? What team scares you more?

No team left scares me. It won't be easy, but it's far from scary. All those teams have weaknesses the Pats can and will prey upon.

[Csfan1984]

Cardinals worry me.

[Donoghus]

I'd say concentrate on Sunday before looking towards Santa Clara.

On paper and via the eyeball test, the Patriots should beat Denver.   Denver's offense has some glaring issues and Manning actually seems to be a step back from Osweiler at this point.   Also, Denver's defense let Pittsburgh move the ball quite a bit in the Divisional Playoff.  It certainly seemed like a game that Pittsburgh had in control but let get away from them (much like the Pats in the first NE/DEN meeting this season).  DEN is one of those pesky teams that if you let them linger, they seem to find a way to win.

All that being said, Patriots have historically struggled in Denver and quirky things seem to happen to them almost every time they play up there.  They are still facing the #1 ranked defense in the NFL and a team that can run the ball pretty well.   If the Pats don't bring their A game, this game can certainly be a struggle and could turn into another game that they let slip through their fingers.  However, if the Pats bring their A game and are firing on all cylinders, I don't see anyway that DEN can keep pace.

[Lucky17]

All that being said, Patriots have historically struggled in Denver and quirky things seem to happen to them almost every time they play up there.  They are still facing the #1 ranked defense in the NFL and a team that can run the ball pretty well.   If the Pats don't bring their A game, this game can certainly be a struggle and could turn into another game that they let slip through their fingers.  However, if the Pats bring their A game and are firing on all cylinders, I don't see anyone that DEN can keep pace.

Well said. Pats will still need to prepare, plan, and execute. I am not expecting any kind of cakewalk at Mile High.

I'm also worried that the Broncos' D is going to target Gronk's knees first chance they get. They've already started the Twitter mind games.

[kozlodoev]

I was very bitter when they earned themselves this trip to Mile High. This being said, if you want to be  the best you have to beat everyone, everywhere. And if you can't... it doesn't matter much when you lose, does it?

By the way, the Broncos are already running their mouths. I love it, keep it coming.

[Evantime34]

I'm very nervous about the Broncos. I understand why we are favored, but that doesn't mean I agree with it.

[kozlodoev]

I'm very nervous about the Broncos. I understand why we are favored, but that doesn't mean I agree with it.

Well, there is a lot to be nervous about, no? Mayo is on the IR, Collins and Hightower are banged up, and our third linebacker is playing with a dislocated hand. Against the Broncos that like to run.

[Evantime34]

I'm very nervous about the Broncos. I understand why we are favored, but that doesn't mean I agree with it.

Well, there is a lot to be nervous about, no? Mayo is on the IR, Collins and Hightower are banged up, and our third linebacker is playing with a dislocated hand. Against the Broncos that like to run.

Yeah the health of Collins and Hightower is huge. Last time we played them, the Broncos struggled to run the ball early in the game then Hightower went out and suddenly they were gashing us. If we can stop their run, I don't think Peyton has enough left to beat Brady.

[Donoghus]

If Hightower goes down again, Pats D could be in big trouble with Mayo being put on IR and Collins being dinged up.  Broncos could definitely gash the Pats with the run.