For Broncos, Rivalry With Patriots Alive Even Without Peyton Manning

Sunday’s showdown between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos might lack the dueling-elite-quarterbacks factor now that Peyton Manning has retired. But Tom Brady vs. Denver’s defense still is a matchup to be excited about, especially as the Patriots look to avenge last season’s AFC Championship loss.

USA TODAY Sports NFL reporter Lindsay Jones says the rivalry between these two teams lives on without No. 18.

“There’s a lot of guys in that locker room that view (them) kind of as their biggest rival, more so than the Chiefs, Raiders, or Chargers out in the division,” Jones said on “Between the Tackles” with NESN.com’s Michaela Vernava. “They know that if they want to get back to the playoffs, if they want to win another Super Bowl, they’re going to have to beat New England, and that’s how it is every single year.”

Watch the video above for more from Jones.