Let’s simplify Sunday night’s New England Patriots-Denver Broncos matchup.
Both teams have great defenses — the Broncos have allowed the fewest yards this season, while the Patriots have given up the fewest points. Their offensive passing weapons are equally matched, since the Broncos have Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, while the Patriots will deploy Rob Gronkowski and Brandon LaFell as their top targets. Neither team has a dependable rushing attack, and both offensive lines have struggled.
So, really, the matchup breaks down to Brock Osweiler vs. Tom Brady. Looking pretty good, right Patriots fans?
Osweiler has been solid since taking over for Peyton Manning, but young quarterbacks traditionally struggle against a Bill Belichick-coached defense. Osweiler hasn’t been great under pressure, completing just 40 percent of his passes and taking eight sacks, so it’s up to Chandler Jones and the Patriots’ pass rush to force mistakes out of Osweiler, so New England can win the turnover battle and ensure a victory.
Check out this week’s three keys on defense in the video above.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
