JCMElway
01-13-2006, 01:45 PM
Yahoo sports talked about 3 matchups in the game:
Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs vs. Broncos WR Rod Smith
Smith is a notorious Patriot killer and he beat them on a big play in the first meeting in October. That was against CB Duane Starks, who is on Injured Reserve. He'll now try to expose Hobbs, who has played well in his rookie season and is developing into a playmaker. If Smith starts making plays, the Patriots will be in trouble.
Patriots OLT Nick Kaczur vs. Broncos DE Trevor Pryce
This is another great challenge for Kaczur. Pryce is Denver's best and most versatile defensive lineman. Kaczur is a rookie making just his second postseason appearance. Kaczur might be new to playoff football, but he's gone up against several great pass-rushing ends this season. He needs to protect QB Tom Brady's blind side, or else the Patriots will have problems moving the ball.
Patriots WR Deion Branch vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey
Bailey is one of the top cornerbacks in the league and the leader of Denver's secondary. Branch, who just missed out on pulling in a deep touchdown pass last weekend, is Brady's favorite target. Bailey will try to take Branch out of the game while Branch will try to get open to make a few key plays. On third down, or in other big spots, Brady will look toward Branch, so Bailey needs to be on his toes.
Seems to favor us, I like the sound of it!
Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs vs. Broncos WR Rod Smith
Smith is a notorious Patriot killer and he beat them on a big play in the first meeting in October. That was against CB Duane Starks, who is on Injured Reserve. He'll now try to expose Hobbs, who has played well in his rookie season and is developing into a playmaker. If Smith starts making plays, the Patriots will be in trouble.
Patriots OLT Nick Kaczur vs. Broncos DE Trevor Pryce
This is another great challenge for Kaczur. Pryce is Denver's best and most versatile defensive lineman. Kaczur is a rookie making just his second postseason appearance. Kaczur might be new to playoff football, but he's gone up against several great pass-rushing ends this season. He needs to protect QB Tom Brady's blind side, or else the Patriots will have problems moving the ball.
Patriots WR Deion Branch vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey
Bailey is one of the top cornerbacks in the league and the leader of Denver's secondary. Branch, who just missed out on pulling in a deep touchdown pass last weekend, is Brady's favorite target. Bailey will try to take Branch out of the game while Branch will try to get open to make a few key plays. On third down, or in other big spots, Brady will look toward Branch, so Bailey needs to be on his toes.
Seems to favor us, I like the sound of it!