Five Key Matchups: Patriots vs. Broncos
Will Von Miller turn in a repeat of his AFC Championship performance vs. Tom Brady? Can Trevor Siemian avoid the dangerous Devin McCourty? The answers may decide if the Broncos come away with a win. (Photos by AP)
Von Miller and Tom Brady are two of the best in the NFL at what they do. Miller is tied for the league lead in sacks with 13.5, and Brady has racked up 22 touchdowns to just two interceptions, helping lead New England to a 16th-straight winning season. However, Brady and the Patriots offense will have to finish the season without their top receiving threat, Rob Gronkowski.Last year, Miller's pass-rushing skills helped launch the Broncos to a first-round bye and then to Super Bowl 50. His ability to bother Brady again will be of utmost importance for the Broncos' late-season playoff push.
Malcolm Butler gained instant fame in 2015 when he intercepted Russell Wilson's goal-line pass to preserve a Super Bowl XLIX win. But the cornerback has done plenty in the time since. According to Pro Football Focus, he's among the top five cornerbacks in the league, but he'll face a challenge going up against Emmanuel Sanders on Sunday. Sanders caught 11 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown against the Titans and will be looking for more when the Broncos welcome the Patriots.
In the wake of a Rob Gronkowski's season-ending back injury, tight end Martellus Bennett has proved to be invaluable insurance for the Patriots' passing attack since New England acquired him from Chicago in March. Bennett has averaged 12.8 yards per reception for a total of 614 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games. Defending Bennett will be a challenge taken up by multiple defenders, but T.J. Ward, with his physicality, speed and ball skills, will be one of the most formidable.
One of the more remarkable changes in New England's offense since last year has been the development of the Patriots' rushing game, which has gone from 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game to seventh in 2016. Blount has been at the center of that with 1,029 yards and 14 touchdowns through 13 games. A year ago, Wolfe and the Broncos defense could force New England to abandon the run, which played into Denver's pass-rushing plans, but this year it might not come so easy.
Though the Broncos have struggled in recent weeks, Trevor Siemian has been on a tear. Since Week 8, he ranks third in the NFL in passing yards per game. Only Tom Brady and Washington's Kirk Cousins rank higher. He impressed Quarterbacks Coach and Passing Game Coordinator Greg Knapp with his play against Tennessee, even as he was impacted by an injured left foot. But Bill Belichick's defenses tend to find ways to harrass opposing quarterbacks, and defensive back Devin McCourty is a playmaker on whom Belichick can depend. Siemian, who threw the ball 51 times against Tennessee, must avoid mistakes and find ways to make big plays in order for the Broncos to come away with a win against the AFC's current No. 1 seed.
