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So here we have it, the battle royal that NFL fans have been hoping for ever since Tom Brady and his New England Patriots overcame a 24-point half-time deficit to defeat the Denver Broncos in a miracle game in overtime back in Week 12.
It doesn’t get much better than this. Patriots versus Broncos, Brady versus Manning in an epic, gun-slinging duel to add to the already mighty history of both players.
On one hand you have Brady, a highly decorated superstar with three Superbowl rings, two MVP titles and a lock in hall of fame spot when he retires.
In the other corner you have Peyton Manning, four time MVP but with only one Superbowl ring and something to prove.
Whether or not you value MVP awards or Superbowl rings (a debate that will always rage on), there is no doubting that these two are among the greatest quarterback in modern history.
New England Patriots
The Patriots got here by putting on a running clinic against the Colts last week in a 43-22 demolition. LeGarrette Blount picked a hell of a game to have a career night with 166 rushing yards to go with four touchdowns. In doing so he became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 125 yards and four touchdowns in a playoff game.
So can we expect much of the same from the Patriots with their running game dominance? Roar Expert, Dominic Davies examined the Patriots evolving offence to be more run dominant but will that be their best chance of winning?
When the Patriots dismantled the Broncos in the second half in their last meeting, it was all through Brady and his passing exploits. With Broncos cornerback Chris Harris out injured, it could open up the passing route and give them a shot at winning.
Defensively, they won’t be able to pick off Manning as much as they did against Andrew Luck last week so the key will be pressuring Manning as much as possible to force incompletes or rushed attempts. It will be a hard task trying to keep Manning and the Broncos contained but if they can seize key opportunities then it could be vital.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have an arsenal of offensive weapons that any team would be jealous of and they have been put to devastating use this season.
Partner Peyton Manning with Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Walker, Julius Thomas and Knowshon Moreno and the result is the best ranked offence by a large margin.
Manning will have multiple quality options on every drive so their offence isn’t a worry but what can we expect from the defence?
The previously mentioned injury to Chris Harris hurts their prospects and for a team that allowed 254 yards per game against the pass, this game could be a case of limiting the damage and hoping the offence catches fire.
Dom’s thoughts are that the Broncos defence should go all out against the Patriots run game and hope they get to Brady before he hits the open man. Brady is lacking quality options down field so taking away as much time as possible could be the best option.
With cold but clear weather expected, it could be the setting for a good old fashion shootout between two of the greatest passers of the this era.
Get your coffee ready and join me at 7am AEDT for what will be a cracker of a contest.
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