ONE BIG QUESTION:
Can Denver’s defense get back on track?
The Broncos allowed just 15.6 points per game during a 6-1 stretch from Weeks 7-14 before hitting a speed bump against the Lions. Detroit’s offense posted 42 points and did not turn the ball over in a Week 15 win, and Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said Thursday the Broncos must get back to dictating the style of game that is played.
“Our defense plays very well when we can dictate, and on Saturday night [against the Lions] we could not,” Joseph said. “We chased them. … We had no chance to dictate and get ahead of the sticks, and we don’t play well when that happens — no one does.”
In Week 16, the Broncos will face a Patriots offense that is without JuJu Smith-Schuster, receiving touchdown leader Hunter Henry and lead rusher Rhamondre Stevenson. New England has averaged 13.3 points per game, which ranks last in the NFL and is the team’s lowest scoring average since 1992. Since quarterback Bailey Zappe took over as the starter in Week 13, though, the Patriots have fared a bit better. Zappe threw three touchdowns in a Week 14 win over Pittsburgh in which New England scored 21 points, and he helped the Patriots to 17 points in a Week 15 loss to Kansas City.
“[It’s about] just getting back to dictating, winning first down, pressuring the quarterback, taking the ball away — that’s our formula to win,” Joseph said.
MATCHUP TO WATCH:
Courtland Sutton vs. New England’s defense
Denver’s most productive receiver has posted a team-high 770 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this season, but the Broncos know New England may try to take away Courtland Sutton as an option on Sunday night.
“They’re going to have a way to win the game,” Payton said Wednesday. “That’s evident when you watch them on tape. They’re very well coached. [Belichick has] been consistent that way for so long. [Wednesday night], we do…
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