Denver Broncos Week 15: 4 Ways to Unplug the Patriots' Power Offense

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I hear the footsteps of Bill Belichick's boys from Foxboro getting closer to the Mile High City for Sunday's much-anticipated clash between the NFL's benchmark and its new upstart darling.

This matchup and its myriad of fascinating and gripping storylines punctuates a remarkable Broncos season.

Tom Brady and his potent arsenal of weapons versus Orange Crush light.

Tim Tebow and his unparallelled and unmatched will to win in whatever way possible versus a Patriots defense that is their Achilles heel and may bounce them from achieving greatness.

It's a modern day David and Goliath matchup, if you will, which is sure to have the Broncos faithful riveted for the entire 60 minutes.

Here is my four-step game plan to neutralize the offensive from the east.

Eat the Clock

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Ball-control possession offense is the best defense against Tom Brady and his talented entourage.

Continue to work the ground attack and short passing game in order to wear down this vulnerable Patriots defense.

Win the battle of the trenches and utilize the edge by design more in order to open passing lanes.

The offensive line should come out on top and control the line, although Ryan Clady draws the trifecta with his matchup against Patriots defensive end Andre Carter and his 10 sacks after facing both Jared Allen and Julius Peppers on consecutive weeks.

Carter comes from a good bloodline, being the son of former Broncos defensive tackle Rubin Carter.

Consistent running up the gut and into the gut of nose tackle Vince Wilfork is not advisable.

The Patriots linebackers are a good unit, but if the edge is utilized, Willis McGahee, Tim Tebow and Lance Ball should have success in reaching the second line of defense throughout.

Pitches and screens will be effective against this Patriots front and will open and set up vertical opportunities.

Of course, the Patriots' league-leading worst pass defense must be victimized all game, and Tebow should have ample protection to do so.

Quick and deep strikes must be taken whenever the opportunity arises, but overall and given the style of play, the Broncos cannot get away from their game plan of possession football, or they will putting the ball back in Brady's hands for the equalizer and more all too often.

A diverse and intermediate vertical attack employing all personnel will provide a nice result while eating away at the clock and wearing down the defense.

The Broncos' slow and methodical pace, chewing up intermediate chunks of real estate, is needed until the fourth quarter, when they turn to no-huddle offense.

Put Brady on His Back

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Tom Brady gets skittish when rattled.

Brady must be pressured and rattled, or he will pick you apart.

He does not react well when faced with a rush coming from up the middle because he is uncomfortable moving laterally in the pocket.

This is where the blitz packages come into play—missing on blitz coverage is not an option.

The linebacking corps must continue to play like the unsung and opportunistic heroes they have become.

This is a huge game for both Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil on the edge as well, but it will be equally as important for the entire defense to step up for a full 60 minutes and display their hard-hitting ferocity and tenacity.

Miller and Dumervil will be effective in flushing Brady laterally.

The defense must continue to swarm, ball hawk and tackle with proficiency every time they are tested.

The defensive line must bottle up BenJarvus Green-Ellis, especially in the red zone, where he is most effective.

With all of Brady's aerial weapons, this back should be able to and must be contained. Their running game is efficient but not a game-changer.

Absolutely no secondary in the NFL can contain this offense without a stellar effort from the first two lines of defense.

This defense can and must rattle Brady through a brilliant game plan devised by defensive coordinator Dennis Allen that contains a variety of disguised and creative stunts and fronts.

As vital and impressive as Allen has been thus far, this game is his statement game and where he makes his mark as a special defensive mind.

Game-Plan for Welker and Not Gronkowski

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Pick your poison.

Rob Gronkowski with 1,088 yards and 15 TDs in the books or Wes Welker and 1,339 and nine TDs.

Gronkowski is a matchup nightmare given his size and speed.

He cannot be stopped on his way to MVP-type stats, so I believe it makes more sense to prioritize and focus in on shutting down Welker.

You cannot allow Brady both options. If he has both weapons at his disposal with regularity, chances are very good that the task at hand will be a very difficult one.

Try to slow down Gronkowski as best you can over the middle, but concentrate more on a Champ Bailey, Wes Welker matchup. Welker must be bumped at the line and not be given a cushion, as he is the best route runner in the game. 

Brian Dawkins has the ability to make Gronkowski and Welker think twice, so his availability is key.

Ball Security and Discipline

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Both teams have been very good at protecting the ball and limiting mistakes.

Simply put, you cannot give Brady second chances, through turnovers or a lack of discipline.

Against this defense, I do not see the Broncos turning the ball over, and hopefully they can be opportunistic in winning the turnover battle that can turn into points.