Five Key Matchups: vs. Patriots
These five key matchups are expected to make a big difference in Sunday's AFC Championship Game.
The Broncos' rushing game had one of its best days in Week 12 against the Patriots; the tandem of Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson gained 172 yards combined and accounted for three touchdowns, including Anderson's 48-yard game-winner. They will need to have another effective game this time, and Anderson is poised to continue his efficient run after gained 8.1 yards per carry in Week 16, 6.3 yards per carry in Week 17 and 4.8 yards per carry last week. Defensive tackle Alan Branch could plug many a hole that Anderson sees open, though. In fact, the entire Patriots defense is very disciplined and attacks its matchups dutifully. How the Broncos can win matchups like this one could give the Broncos a key advantage.
The Patriots' receiving corps returned to full strength during the Divisional Round, and no return could be more vital than that of WR Julian Edelman. Edelman is a slippery threat who makes QB Tom Brady all the more dangerous. With a quick release, Brady often finds Edelman after just a couple seconds. Enter Chris Harris Jr. When healthy, Harris is a devastatingly nimble defender and a sure tackler, ensuring few--if any--yards after the catch. However, Harris has battled through a shoulder injury in the Broncos past two games, the Divisional Round game against Pittsburgh and the Week 17 game against San Diego. How much he has recovered will be instrumental for this individual matchup and for the entire defense.
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will obviously not match up with one another during the game, but the sheer magnitude of their spectacular careers crossing paths once again is worth keeping an eye on. How each conducts their respective offense's drives and how they respond to the other team will be key. You can find more on their rivalry and Brady-Manning XVII here.
There is no tight end in the league right now as good as Rob Gronkowski, and there might not have been one before. His size, speed, catch radius and footwork separate him from his peers, and so does his ability to separate from defenders. Gronkowski is a perfect weapon for Tom Brady and his offense. Because of the myriad ways the Patriots utilize Gronkowski, no one person will take on the task of guarding him alone. Sometimes it will be a linebacker. At other times it will be a cornerback. But a safety like Darian Stewart, with his size and speed, will surely see his fair share of defensive snaps defending the dynamic tight end.
Ryan had an outstanding game in the Broncos and Patriots' last showing, recording four passes defensed. He defended Thomas on eight targets, allowing just one catch. However, that one catch was a huge play. Down four points, the Broncos needed 83 yards to get to the end zone with 2:31 left in the fourth quarter. On the first play, Thomas got 36 yards, helping the Broncos start off a go-ahead scoring drive with a bang. How this rematch pans out will be key for the Broncos' passing offense, particularly because the connection between Thomas and Peyton Manning is so strong and vital.
