We all knew it would come down to this. Yes, the AFC was wide open; however, everybody still believed it would come down to the Patriots and Broncos, or what is also known as Brady v. Manning IV. Nevertheless, contrary to popular belief, there will be more players involved in this game than just Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Who has the advantage?
Passing Game The quarterbacks in this game are just about even. Peyton Manning puts up the stats, but Tom Brady gets it done in the clutch (and would put up the stats if he had a receiving target over 5’11”). Personally, I would take Tom Brady. However, this is about the passing game as a whole, not just the quarterback, and the Broncos has a massive advantage in the receiving game. Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Eric Decker, Julius Thomas vs. Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Kenbrell Thompkins, Michael Hoomanawanui. That is not even an argument. Edge: Broncos Rushing Game LeGarrette Blount has become a legitimate threat in the rushing game. In week 17, Blount carried the ball 24 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns. It could have been passed off as a fluky great game if it were not for his game against the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round. Blount once again carried the rock 24 times, this time for 166 yards and four touchdowns, including a 73-yard touchdown run. However, it is not just Blount; Stevan Ridley also looked good in the running game, averaging just under four yards per carry and punching it into the endzone twice against the Colts. The Patriots are averaging over a yard better per rush than the Broncos in the postseason and can dictate the pace of the game with it. Edge: Patriots Defense The defense for the Patriots has started to return to early season form, despite losing its best players for the year. Brandon Spikes was placed on injured reserve and the Patriots did not miss a beat. Dont’a Hightower took his place in the middle and Jamie Collins stepped in as the coverage linebacker and did a great job. While the Broncos held the San Diego Chargers scoreless for the majority of the game, but that was more ineptitude on the part of the Chargers’ play calling than it was a testament to the Broncos’ defense. Edge: Patriots Keys to the Game Broncos For the Broncos to win this game, Peyton Manning has to prove that he is more than just the MVP of the Pro Bowl. We all know he can put up the stats, but can he win the big game? History says no. He has one Super Bowl, and if I do say the Chicago Bears that year were the weakest competition in the Super Bowl in recent history. He has been one-and-done eight times in the playoffs. Patriots The key for the Patriots all lies within The Hoodie. Bill Belichick is a genius and hands down the best coach in the National Football League. He seems to be in the head of Peyton Manning after the Patriots week 12 win over the Broncos. He let Peyton Manning take the ball out of his own hands. Manning played right into Bill’s plan. Will Manning hand off to the running back whenever he sees two deep safeties again? Probably not. But it is also more than likely that Belichick comes up with a different game plan this week, equally as effective. Result The Patriots are in their eighth AFC Championship game in the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era. Of the seven they have already played in, they have won five of them. They have been the most dominant team in football over the last decade. They know how to get it done in the clutch. They will advance to their sixth Super Bowl since 2001. Patriots 35-31
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SAMUEL PERICOLOSam is a graduate of Assumption College where he studied History, Marketing, and Political Science and was a Co-Producer on a weekly sports talk television show. Archives
March 2018
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