PATS-BRONCOS
How the Pats offense can rebound against Denver
1. Chip, double and deny Bradley Chubb
Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb is the Broncos’ ticket to upending this game.
In Denver’s last game, Chubb racked up 2.5 sacks and 10 total pressures against the Jets. Ten! He could come close Sunday if Newton repeatedly holds the ball too long. Chubb is a future Pro Bowler
— he totaled 12.5 sacks as a rookie in 2018, then played only four games due to a torn ACL last season.
Having finally shaken his postsurgery rust, Chubb is back to his old form. When he’s lined up over the Pats’ right tackle — either Jermaine Eluemunor or rookie Michael Onwenu — offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels should call for chips from running backs and tight ends. Sliding protection in his direction should also be considered, in the event the Pats can secure a true double team to erase him.
Chubb is Pats’ enemy No.
1 this weekend.
2. Throw on first down
Midway through the third quarter of the Chiefs loss, McDaniels found a rhythm running two-back personnel.
One of those personnel groupings, the “Pony” package, features two halfbacks, Rex Burkhead and James White, at the same time. Burkhead and White’s receiving talents help the Pats maintain a passing threat with only two wideouts on the field. That threat is never more real than on first down, when they can catch Denver in zone coverage.
According to Sports Info. Solutions, the Broncos’ primary defensive statistics — yards per attempt, completion percentage allowed and QB rating against — all fall off a steep cliff when they turn from man coverage to zone. The Pats can guarantee themselves zone looks on early downs, when their run rate is highest and Denver will want all eyes in the backfield to determine run or pass versus two-back personnel. White and Burkhead can find slivers in those coverages, either from the backfield or out wide, which would then allow Julian Edelman to do the same from the slot.
3. Attack the young corners
By and large, Denver’s secondary is solid.
Sa Safeties Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson are a physical pair, both sound tacklers and experienced veterans. Nickel back Bryce Callahan is among the best in the league. Collectively, that trio and the rest of the Broncos’ cornerbacks play well within their scheme.
But when isolated, the youngest corners are vulnerable. Undrafted rook rookie Essang Bassey is the lowest-graded defender on the roster, per P Pro Football Focus, while Michael Ojemudia has repeatedly been targe targeted deep. Ojemudia has improved, with two touchdowns allowed and a team-high two penalties committed. Between him and De’Vante Baus Bausby, who was called up from the practice squad in mid-September, the P Pats will have opportunities to attack outside.
If th they can avoid Callahan, either N’Keal Harry or Damiere Byrd should brea break through for a decent game.