New England Patriots: Three Offensive Players to Watch vs Broncos

By Fansided and Nick Ziegler/FanSided via Musket Fire
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Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws as Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) chases during the game in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots will be facing the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon. Who are three offensive players to keep an eye on?

Sunday afternoon will be an important game for the New England Patriots against the Denver Broncos. Last season, the Broncos were a thorn in the side of the Patriots. In the regular season, the Broncos were able to defeat the Patriots with Brock Osweiler under center.

In the playoffs later in the season, it was Peyton Manning who was able to defeat them to advance to the Super Bowl. Despite being a great team last season, the Patriots were unable to handle the Broncos.

Last season, the Broncos had a great defense. Even though their production from the quarterback position wasn’t great, the Broncos were able to win games with their defense. This season, the Broncos still have a very good defense, but they aren’t quite as good as they were last season.

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    One of the greatest strengths of the Broncos defense last season was their ability to shut down the running game. This season, the Broncos have struggled throughout the season to stop the running game of opposing defenses. One of the benefits of having Brady suspended for the first four games of the season was that the Patriots rediscovered their running game.

    With an improved rushing attack, the Patriots will be much better suited to defeat the Broncos in Denver. Even though the Patriots have done well this season, beating the Broncos could be a huge confidence boost for this team heading into the postseason. Here are three players to watch on offense for the Week 15 matchup.

    Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) catches a pass from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (not seen) and runs for a touchdown agains the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

    Chris Hogan

    One of the players that have gone somewhat unnoticed in New England this season is wide receiver, Chris Hogan. This offseason, Hogan was a quietly good signing for the Patriots. After a few nice seasons in Buffalo, Hogan has become a big part of the Patriots offense the past few weeks.

    With injuries to Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola, Hogan has been one of the players who has stepped up for New England. In the past three games, Hogan has totaled at least four receptions in each game.

    In the past two games, Hogan has scored a touchdown is each of them. In the recent win against the Ravens, it was Hogan who had the play of the game. With the Ravens mounting a comeback, Hogan was able to catch a pass from Brady for 79 yards.

    Even though the Broncos have taken a step back defensively, they still have a very good secondary. Along with Julian Edelman and Malcolm Mitchell, Hogan will likely have a tough defender guarding him throughout the game. With a two-game touchdown streak on the line, it will be interesting to see if Hogan can produce in a big game once again. With Michael Floyd’s status still uncertain, it will be on Hogan to be the big-play threat down the field.

    Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field after a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

    Tom Brady

    Sunday afternoon will be a big game for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Throughout his career, Brady has struggled against the Broncos, and he has also struggled in Denver. However, this season has been a great one for Brady. Coming into Denver, Brady and the Patriots are rolling.

    On Monday Night Football, Brady was able to have one of his best games of the season against the league’s No.1 ranked defense. Many believed that the Ravens were going to be able to pull off an upset in New England. Despite the game being close, that was mainly because of mistakes made on special teams.

    In the win, Brady had one of his best games of the season. He was able to total three passing touchdowns and over 400 passing yards. While getting a win for the Patriots will be the most important thing, Brady is surely thinking about possibly being the MVP. After a great game against the Ravens, Brady might be able to really solidify himself as the MVP favorite.

    Playing in Denver hasn’t been kind for the Patriots and Brady. However, Brady will be motivated to have a great game against the team that ended their season last year.

    Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs the ball against Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) during the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

    LeGarrette Blount

    One of the keys to the game for the Patriots on Sunday will be to have an effective running game. Last season, the Patriots were unable to have any success on the ground against the Broncos. In their two losses, the Patriots totaled just 80 rushing yards in both games combined.

    This season, the Patriots have been much better at running the football. Also, the Broncos rushing defense hasn’t been nearly as good as it was last season. Going somewhat unnoticed throughout the league has been the season that LeGarrette Blount is having. This season, Blount has totaled 1,028 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

    His numbers compared to last season aren’t even close, and he could be the difference in the game on Sunday. Having a balanced rushing attack against the Broncos defense will be nice for the Patriots. Although, the Tennessee Titans were able to win last week on pretty much just their rushing offense.

    Blount is quietly making a case to be named to the Pro Bowl this season. After struggling against the Broncos last season, expect to see a heavy dose of Blount on Sunday. If he is able to total 80 rushing yards, the Patriots will likely be able to defeat the Broncos.