Bold Predictions: New England Patriots v. Denver Broncos

Orange Rush: Von Miller and Company Will Hit Brady 15 times in the game

Last year in both the regular season game and the AFC Championship the Denver Broncos obliterated Tom Brady. The pass rush of Von Miller, Shaquille Barrett, DeMarcus Ware, Shane Ray and more combined for close to 30 hits in the two games. Brady is a different quarterback when he is pressured constantly, but who isn’t? Once the Broncos can create pressure with exotic blitzes, they should be able to punch Brady in the mouth.

If you recall, the Broncos forced the Patriots to fire the offensive line coach after the AFC Championship. Let’s make the bold prediction Brady is hit 15 times. When Brady is hit the amount of times I forecast, the Broncos will find themselves in a defensive juggernaut game favoring their defense.

There is one problem in this theory. The 2016 Broncos defense is nowhere near the 2015 version. The same players are there, but struggles continue to mount on the defensive line to create pressure from the middle. Malik Jackson wrecked havoc with Derek Wolfe in 2015 in sacking quarterbacks and batting passes down. The Broncos are knocking passes down, but failing to push piles for quarterback hurries. With help from Wolfe, Jared Crick, Billy Winn, Sylvester Williams and Adam Gotsis the Broncos should pressure Brady early and often.