Denver Broncos: Key matchups vs. the New England Patriots

What are the key matchups between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots?

Since week one, I have taken a look at two critical individual matchups the Denver Broncos needed to win to come out of each game with a victory. Last week the Broncos came up with a win on Thursday night.

My two key matchups from last week showed out. Bradley Chubb balled out with his best game of the year, and Brett Rypien made enough plays against the blitz to get the Broncos in the win column.

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1313176772012199936

Throughout the season, I’ll continue to break down two key individual matchups each week that are critical to a Broncos win.

This week, the Denver Broncos face off with the New England Patriots on the road. The Patriots are coming off a loss to the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots are being hit by COVID-19, impacting their roster on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Cam Newton has a Comeback Player of the Year start to the season, but missed last week’s contest after testing positive for COVID-19, and is doubtful for the game against the Broncos this week.

On defense, reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Stephon Gilmore tested positive for COVID-19 after the team’s matchup with the Cheifs. He will miss Sunday’s game, so the Broncos will not have to deal with the Patriots’ true lockdown corner.

The Broncos are still suffering injuries to A.J. Bouye and Drew Lock. Bouye is most likely not going to play Sunday, but Drew Lock has a chance to play.

A winning streak starts with one game that you should win and then needs a victory against a team that everyone thinks you will lose to.

If the Broncos win, there is a real possibility the team can get back to .500 before playing the Chiefs at home in week 7.

So, what players will help catapult the team to a victory in Foxborough?

This week, I look at who must win their matchups to ensure the Broncos win against the Patriots this week.

Matchup 1: Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick vs. the Patriot Secondary

I know…I picked two players but hear me out.

It is time for the Broncos to really unleash Jerry Jeudy this week. Jeudy has shown an uncanny ability to make big plays downfield.

As he displayed Thursday night, Jeudy has the talent to be a WR1 in the NFL.

Jeudy is a plus route runner already, and he is only four games into his NFL career. Last week, he maximized only four targets and should be in line to get closer to his average of 7.

Additionally, The Patriots’ defense leaves something to be desired when it comes to yards per attempt. The Patriots give up some big plays, and with Stephon Gilmore out, the Broncos have a chance to get a few big plays.

Tim Patrick flat out balled out last week with 6 grabs for 118 yards and a TD. I would not be surprised if he does it again this week. The Patriots lack the size to defend him, so he has an advantage outside for either Rypien or Lock.

The Patriots run primarily man coverage, so recognizing the defense should be easier for either of the Broncos QB options unless Belichick wants to come out with something different for the Broncos QB’s.

If Jeudy and Patrick can establish themselves outside, the Broncos have a real chance to win on Sunday.

Matchup 2: Mike Purcell vs. Patriots Interior Offensive Line

Though the Patriots will struggle to throw the ball against the Broncos (and anyone else), they do bring the NFL’s number two rushing offense into the Week 5 matchup.

The Patriots’ interior offensive line is solid and has shown the ability to move interior defenders off the ball to make room for a plethora of backs.

The Patriots come with a variety of looks and run actions, providing the defense with a lot of “eye candy” to confuse them.

The Broncos will rely heavily (figuratively and literally) on nose tackle Mike Purcell. If Purcell can get a push up front and tie up blockers, Josey Jewell and Alexander Johnson should be able to scrape behind and make plays.

Lacking a dynamic runner with Newton out, the Patriots will rely on tough running up front, and Purcell’s play will really determine how the Broncos defense sizes up.

If the Broncos can win on early downs, limiting the Patriots run early philosophy, they stand a good chance to get turnovers on 3rd and long situations.

Purcell will need to anchor effectively to ensure he holds the line of scrimmage and keeps additional blockers from reaching their next assignment (most often a linebacker).

Purcell’s play so far earned him quite a nice extension, and it is already time for him to earn it.

All in all, the Broncos stand a good chance to go into Gillette Stadium and come out victorious. But to do so, they need to win these key matchups.