Five Takeaways: New England Patriots Crush Denver Broncos

Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen (34) reacts after making a touchdown the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots won their fifth straight game Sunday evening, rolling over the Denver Broncos in a battle for conference supremacy, 43-21. Patriots gunslinger Tom Brady simply made more plays than his counterpart Peyton Manning. Bill Belichick dialed up constant pressure, the secondary played physical, all while limiting the potent Broncos offense to a measly 21 points. Brady’s ability to produce in the most crucial of moments sealed the deal.

Brady spread the football around nicely, connecting with six different receivers. As usual Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell led they way through the air. His four touchdown passes were the difference in the game as they topped Manning’s two. Brady is now 11-5 in 16 regular season games matched up opposite Manning.

Manning was consistently pressured. Jamie Collins, Rob Ninkovich and Akeem Ayers found themselves all around him. Manning was forced to get rid of the football under duress and turned the ball over twice via the interception. Brandon Browner and Ninkovich both tallied picks. Manning and the Broncos offense was stuffed on third and fourth down by a relentless Patriot attack. They went 3-of-11 on third down and 0-for-4 on fourth down.

While Manning did pass for 438 yard, the Patriots secondary manned up for 60-minutes, knocked around their receivers and kept the points off the board. Belichick’s defense understood the situations they were in and executed well from start to finish. Thorough preparation really showed.

The Patriots unwavering physicality, aggression, hunger and determination has them sitting tied atop the AFC with the Broncos at 7-2. As it stands right now, the road to the Super Bowl goes through New England. Manning fell to 2-11 in his career when playing in Foxboro. Brady improved to 33-4 in regular season games when the temperature falls below 40.

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Key Takeaways

1. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are clearly still the best player/coach combo in the NFL. Belichick drew up the perfect game plan, Brady executed to near perfection and many pitfalls were exposed in Denver’s play.

2. The physicality of the New England secondary thwarted the Broncos receivers. Manning did rack up passing yards, but the big plays were limited and they kept the points off the board. They held the trio of Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders to just  a single touchdown.

3. Gronkowski is an impossible cover no matter who lines up on the opposing defense. Gronk hauled in nine balls for 105 yards and a touchdown. His return to dominance has the Patriots offense flying high.

4. Collins, Ayers and Dont’a Hightower are emerging as a solid trio of linebackers. They can all effectively rush the passer, cover and make tackles. Collins tallied 11 tackles, Hightower tallied six, Ayers tallied four and had a key fourth-down sack.

5. The special teams units played big. Edelman had an unbelievable 84-yard punt return touchdown. Stephen Gostkowski nailed three of his field goals, including a pair of boots from 49 yards out.