As the AFC Championship game approaches with many question marks, one of the main problems New England has ahead is containing that Denver defense.
Denver is very aggressive with that defensive line which starts with emerging star Derek Wolfe. Wolfe, who has 49 tackles and 5.5 sacks recorded for the 2015 season, has been disrupting offenses throughout the year with his endless motor and motivation to reach the quarterback. Along with Wolfe, you have legendary defensive end DeMarcus Ware making his presence known but suffers with that nagging knee injury which could ultimately affect his performance. DT Antonio Smith has also been a name that has popped up in New England. Smith hasn’t been a stat stuffer but his impact causes other players to shine on plays.
You move into the heart of the defense and you find linebackers Von Miller and Brandon Marshall. Both linebackers can create hectic situations for the QB as Marshall is a tackling machine and Miller has edge speed and can block the run and read the QB like a book.
That secondary is one that I would not want to take lots of chances at. Bradley Roby has emerged into a reliable cornerback option to accommodate Chris Harris Jr. The safeties include T.J. Ward and David Bruton Jr, who have been solid option for this Broncos defense.
The Patriots on the other hand, are a bit banged up but always have the chance to slug one out at the Rocky Mountains. With Hightower back and Ninkovich ready to go, we are good at linebackers and don’t forget Jamie Collins. That defensive line may see a outburst with Akiem Hicks, as he could potentially do some damage to the Broncos offensive line with his versatility and more progressive role in the schemes.
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