With the bye week I’m taking a little longer to look back at the Broncos game film. So let’s put a final bow on what is hopefully not the best win of the season (but very well might be).
Some interesting twists on the first drive – Gronk staying in to block Demarcus Ware stood out. Especially because they ended up having to check down on the play, would’ve thought they’d take a shot when not putting Gronk into a route.
When Brady did take a shot on third-and-10 he would’ve had Amendola for the first down. Can’t blame him for trying to hit LaFell, taking a shot in the first quarter is a strategy, even if it isn’t completed.
Impressive run stop by Talib on the first play of the second drive, with the Pats running a big sweep. Talib is underrated as a run-stopper as that one could’ve got a way if he hadn’t tripped Gray up.
Broncos weren’t jamming Gronk much in this one and paid the price for it. Yeah, he’s kind of open here:
Broncos were faking Cover-1 above, but tipped their hand it was really a Cover-2 look. When Brady sees that it’s too easy.
Edelman has perfected the Wes Welker go-to route, where you fake inside then spin back to the out. So hard to stop.
I do think the play below was a misread by Tyms, who got hung up on the jam and didn’t run the out. That’s where Brady threw to, but as you can see, he threw it before Tyms broke.
Talib trying to jam Gronk, get’s shoved out of the way with one hand.
Broncos got steamrolled in this one, but they certainly had their moments of solid play on defense. But major credit to the Patriots offensive line. Brady looks very comfortable with them blocking for him now, so you can sense it’s just a matter of time as the Pats kick their second field goal.
Pats didn’t get a lot of push in the running game and if there’s one area I still have concerns about, the power run game is it. It was apparent one one play for no gain after the Ninkovich interception – Wendell pulls around and is stone-cold stopped by Von Miller who then pinched off the running lane. The guard play has been better but I still don’t think we’re in mauler territory with either of these guys.
On Edelman’s touchdown catch, Gronk had the attention of three Bronco defenders. That’s the kind of impact he makes, leaving three of the Pats playmakers with just single coverage.
Brady’s trust with LaFell was clear on the final drive of the first half, throwing a strike as LaFell ran a quick inside slant. He looked like Deion Branch if Branch was six inches taller.
For all those longing for a TJ Ward signing last offseason, I think this game shows what the Pats thought of Ward in coverage as it seems like they attacked him constantly. And not just with Gronk. Any time there was an extended play, Ward lost his man.
Again, here’s the Gronk effect as the Broncos only rush three, yet Vereen is still wide open because three guys are covering Gronk.
Edelman had a TD called back, but Bruschi was sure celebrating it like he was still on the team.
Closing out the half with a TD to Vereen was so clutch. Such a sign that this offense was clicking on all cylinders in this one. Again, a team meeting around Gronk:
Second Half
Really not how you want to start the second half off with an interception. In the past, the Pats haven’t been able to overcome those kind of starts. And they were off to a good start with a completion and penalty for Brandon LaFell that got them close to midfield. Say this – they came out aggressive.
On the interception itself, it was an off-balance throw from Brady, how had immediate pressure right in his face. Amendola lept for it, but I won’t put the pick on him. Good pressure from Denver.
Don’t think I’ve ever seen a play action game be so effective without a successful run game.
As we’ve heard all week, Gronk was all but uncoverable in this one.
Just not much to work with here, no blockers getting up the second level. Credit to the Denver DL.
It’s really quite insane how much coverage Gronk pulls. To say he improves the entire offense is an understatement.
A field goal on the second drive was really huge. I had nightmares of a 28-27 final at halftime. But to bounce back and get points on a long drive after the Broncos got a touchdown off the interception was big.
Then came Browner’s interception. Complimentary football at its best.
A touchdown to LaFell on a slant on the next play and the blowout was on. Amazing how fast it went from almost being a game, to not being one.
Monster drive when the Pats took over with 5:50 left in the quarter, one that would take us into the fourth quarter. You can’t draw it up any better.
Brady converted a 3rd-and-11 to Danny Amendola, continuing his trend of converting long third downs. Amendola is getting lost in the shuffle sometimes and has become an really solid slot receiver in this offense. I know his play leaves some wanting more, but comparing him to guys like Jabar Gaffney is more apt and he’s coming through in clutch moments.
Let’s end this with Gronk toasting Von Miller for the final touchdown.
What a total team win. Not sure the Pats will get all the breaks like this in a potential rematch, but it’s clear that this might be the most balanced Patriots team in some time.
