The New England offensive line is terrible, as evidenced by the firing of their offensive line coach, and strength coach the day after Denver abused them. The patriots started this season with a undrafted rookie at center, and 2 rookie guards. Nate Soldier and Sebastian Vollmer provided some experience and stability at the tackles. Solder was lost for the season early, and Vollmer was hurt the whole season missing several games. His replacement Marcus Cannon was a complete embarrassment as witnessed in the AFC championship game. Miller and DeMarcus Ware had a field day on the edges against a injured Vollmer, and a completely overmatched Marcus Cannon.
Early in the season New England was able to effectively masquerade their significant line problems with quick passing, to Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, and Dion Lewis and of course Gronk. Brady was getting rid of the ball in most instances in under 2 seconds. With those receivers, all healthy and a healthy Lewis and LeGarrett Blount to run the ball on occasion New England looked impressive against most defenses. New England was far from the same team in the AFC championship. With Lewis and Blount gone for the season, New England had absolutely zero threat of running the football. Danny Amendola, Edelman and Gronk were all significantly nicked. With the nonexistence of a running game Denver was able to play for all practical purposes a three-man front with 8 in coverage. Another huge factor was the home crowd for Denver, and New England having to go on a silent count. Although this coupled with the immobility of Brady was a perfect storm for Denver. The rookie Stork was tipping the silent snap with head bobs on top of everything else. Now don't get me wrong, Denver has a very good defense, but not as good as they looked against New England. A terrible offensive line, that can't block a three-man rush, nobody to run the ball. 8 men dropping into coverage, and a non-mobile pocket quarterback, with two of the best edge rushers in the NFL was too much for New England, but they still almost pulled it out with a missed PAT costing them the game.
Don't forget Denver only had one drive for a touchdown and that was in the first quarter, the other touchdown was a Brady interception on the New England 15. I believe Carolina has enough of a rushing attack to keep the bronco defense more honest. Cam Newton can run the ball if the edge rushers totally commit as they did against New England. I'm not saying Denver can't cover the six, or even win the game with a couple turnovers, but no way their defense dominates as they did against New England, that was all set up for them and a perfect storm. Regardless good luck with your action!
Early in the season New England was able to effectively masquerade their significant line problems with quick passing, to Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, and Dion Lewis and of course Gronk. Brady was getting rid of the ball in most instances in under 2 seconds. With those receivers, all healthy and a healthy Lewis and LeGarrett Blount to run the ball on occasion New England looked impressive against most defenses. New England was far from the same team in the AFC championship. With Lewis and Blount gone for the season, New England had absolutely zero threat of running the football. Danny Amendola, Edelman and Gronk were all significantly nicked. With the nonexistence of a running game Denver was able to play for all practical purposes a three-man front with 8 in coverage. Another huge factor was the home crowd for Denver, and New England having to go on a silent count. Although this coupled with the immobility of Brady was a perfect storm for Denver. The rookie Stork was tipping the silent snap with head bobs on top of everything else. Now don't get me wrong, Denver has a very good defense, but not as good as they looked against New England. A terrible offensive line, that can't block a three-man rush, nobody to run the ball. 8 men dropping into coverage, and a non-mobile pocket quarterback, with two of the best edge rushers in the NFL was too much for New England, but they still almost pulled it out with a missed PAT costing them the game.
Don't forget Denver only had one drive for a touchdown and that was in the first quarter, the other touchdown was a Brady interception on the New England 15. I believe Carolina has enough of a rushing attack to keep the bronco defense more honest. Cam Newton can run the ball if the edge rushers totally commit as they did against New England. I'm not saying Denver can't cover the six, or even win the game with a couple turnovers, but no way their defense dominates as they did against New England, that was all set up for them and a perfect storm. Regardless good luck with your action!