During his Thursday morning press conference with the media, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick discussed the challenges associated with facing a Denver Broncos offense that has improved over the last few weeks.
AFC Divisional Playoffs, Broncos Vs. Patriots: Bill Belichick Discusses Challenge Of Facing Broncos Offense
From Lindsay Jones of The Denver Post:
"You've got to be able to handle all the elements of the offense, and they're going to test you on all of them. They're going to test you with the receivers down the field on catch-and-run plays, they're going to test you inside, outside in the running game with the quarterback, the running backs, some kind of reverse or gadget plays," Belichick said. "They run those things every week. You're going to have to get ready for them. You don't know when or which one it's going to be, but they're going to test you on that. I'm concerned about all of it, of course."
In the first meeting between the Broncos and Patriots on December 18th, Denver’s offense racked up 218 yards of total offense, including 167 on the ground, in opening up a 16-7 lead over New England in the first quarter. Adjustments made by Patriots safeties coach (and defensive play-caller) Matt Patricia limited the Broncos to 175 yards and ten points over the final three quarters.
With the Broncos improving in the passing game, the Patriots may need to make similar adjustments on Saturday night.
For more on the two teams, check out Denver Broncos blog Mile High Report and New England Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For more coverage of the NFL Playoffs, head over to SB Nation’s NFL news hub.
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