AFC Championship Game Preview

Manning vs. Brady, this historical matchup is one weve seen before blah blah blah. This game is about two things: 1. The Broncos defence and running game 2. The Pats short passing game. It isn't 2013 anymore, Manning is no longer the catalyst on this team. I know this matchup makes headlines but the Broncos are a team that now relies on their dominate defence and their power run game period. Manning needs to manage the game, not win it. As for the Pats short passing game, if the Broncos can limit those underneath throws to Edleman and hold Gronk in check (under 85 yards), then they have a chance. I think this defence is up to the challenge. The problem for the Broncos, however is that the Pats expose your weaknesses on defence. They will put a million in the box and press denvers receivers. They will force Manning to do something he might not be able to do anymore, throw deep and outside the numbers. If he can do it then we have ourselves a matchup, if not a blow out. X-factors: Manning keeping the defence honest and the Pats running game. If the Pats can run the ball at all the Broncos are screwed. If Manning can make just a couple of deep throws, then the Broncos have a serious chance here. This game will be a low scoring affair, something I'd never thought I'd say in a Manning-Brady duel. I am a little more comfortable predicting the score for this one (not like the ridiculously unpredictable NFC championship game):

Pats-23 Broncos-13, Manning struggles with velocity and the Pats sneak through a couple big plays on a tired defence.


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