Broncos vs. Patriots: Denver Will Have to Pick Their Poison for Pats Offense

When you post a 13-3 record in the NFL, chances are you have a pretty dominant offensive attack.

In the New England Patriots' case, that's exactly what it is—New England's offense finished No. 2 overall in the NFL this season.

Back in New England's Week 15 41-23 victory over the Denver Broncos, the Broncos simply could not stop Tom Brady and New England's passing attack.

Denver attempted to double-cover tight end Rob Gronkowski, and it may have worked as he finished the game with four receptions for 53 yards, but New England's other tight end, Aaron Hernandez, shredded Denver's secondary as he caught a game-high nine passes for 129 yards and one touchdown.

When it comes to defending the Patriots, you just have to pick your poison—or that's how Hernandez described it to ESPN Boston:

"

I don’t care about what they [Denver] do. They have to pick their poison. We have so many weapons.

"

I highly doubt that we'll see the same game plan that the Broncos had a few weeks ago, as it obviously did not work—but whatever their game plan is, they're certainly going to have their hands full. 

The biggest issue that presents itself to Denver is that their top defender, cornerback Champ Bailey, does not match up well against any of New England's top offensive weapons.

Bailey does not have the skill set to defend Wes Welker, he's not big enough for Gronkowski or Hernandez—which means that he'll likely end up covering New England's No. 2 wide receiver Deion Branch. 

With Bailey on Branch, Welker, Gronkowski and Hernandez should take advantage of several mismatches. 

I figure that Denver will likely be playing a lot of zone and possibly even double-covering Welker or Gronkowski on occasion.

For Brady, if he wants to snap New England's three-game playoff losing streak, he will have to take what Denver gives him and simply feed the ball to the open receiver.

It's just that simple.

For more articles like this, check out PatriotsPlus.net.