In the Red Zone

This Week

Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots

The New England Patriots host the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro MA on Sunday at 4:25 p.m.

At half time, the Patriots will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of their 3rd Super Bowl win. 17 of the 22 players who earned all three rings will be on the field.

The Broncos The Patriots
Overall Record 6-1 Overall Record 6-2
Road Record 1-1 Home Record 4-0
AFC East 1-0 AFC West 1-1
AFC Conf 4-0 AFC Conf 4-2

Walt Anderson is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at PLUS 3. The over/under is 54.5.

My Prediction is Broncos 33, Patriots, 31.

Take the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 5-3 against the spread and 4 of 8 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 223rd consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including Gillette Stadium directions, parking information, seating chart and map.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game nationally, Jim Nantz will do play by play, former NFL QB Phil Simms will provide the game analysis and Tracy Wolfson works the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

The DirecTV Sunday Ticket channel is 713.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 1 p.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 132, XM Channel 232 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Broncos Radio Network has former Broncos players Dave Logan calling the play by play and Ed McCaffrey does the color via their flagship station 850 KOA AM and KRFX 103.5 FM.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 809.

The game will be carried nationally by Sports USA with Larry Kahn doing play by play, Doug Plank has the game analysis and Troy West is the sideline reporter.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

  • Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
  • Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
  • Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
  • Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
  • Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots routed the Bears at home, 51-23.

The Broncos at home handled the Chargers on TNF, 35-21.

History

  • This is the 49th meeting between the two teams.
  • Denver leads the regular season series 25-19.
  • Broncos also hold the post season series lead, 3-1 for an overall record vs. New England of 28-20.
  • This is the sixth meeting since December 2011 and the Patriots have won those three of the previous four games.
  • Patriots and Broncos met twice in 2013. Patriots won the regular season meeting in Foxboro, 34-31 and lost in the AFC Championship Game in Denver, 26-16.

Patriots Team Notes

New England PatriotsHere is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • The Patriots overall franchise record is 444-375-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.
  • They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.
  • It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.
  • The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.
  • New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 13 seasons (2001-2013).
  • They have 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.
  • They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 13-season span.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

  • Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
  • Have the most regular season wins, 223.
  • Have the most wins including playoffs, 244.
  • Have the most conference titles, 6.
  • Have the most division titles, 13.
  • Have the most playoff wins, 21
  • Have played the most playoff games, 33.
  • Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
  • The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
  • Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

  • Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 144-40.
  • Since Gillette Stadium opened they are 85-15 at home in the regular season.
  • Since October 2003 the Patriots are a NFL best 41-9 in October games including a home record of 25-1.
  • They have won 32 of their last 36 October games.

Against the Broncos and the AFC:

  • New England is 11-9 vs Denver as the home team.
  • Patriots are 4-2 at Gillette Stadium against the Broncos.
  • Last November Patriots came back to win 34-31 in OT after being down 24-0 at half time. It was the largest comeback in team history.
  • Have won the last four meetings at home including playoffs.
  • Twice in wins at Denver Bill Belichick took intentional safeties to secure a win.
  • Have 33 consecutive regular season home wins over AFC opponents.

Last Week vs. the Bears:

  • Brady was 30 of 35 for 354 yards, 5 TD’s and 0 INT.
  • Scored three TD’s in 57 seconds in late in the first half.
  • 38 points scored were the most ever against a Chicago team in one half of football.
  • For 34th time in time in team history had two receivers both with 100-yard games in Gronkowski and LaFell.
  • Gronkowski (11), LaFell (9) and Wright (7) were targeted 27 times and caught all 27 passes five for TD’s.
  • DE Zach Moore had his first career forced fumble Week 8 vs. Chicago that was returned for a TD by DE Rob Ninkovich.
  • Ninkovich’s return TD was the second defensive TD of the season for New England. Kyle Arrington also returned a fumble for a TD.
  • Defense had 3 sacks (Ayers 1, Hightower 0.5, Easley 0.5, Moore 0.5 and Wilfork 0.5).
  • Had 32 first downs to the Bears 27 first downs.
  • Bears had 384 total yards to Patriots 487 total yards.
  • One week after giving up points in first five defensive drives (4 field goals, 1 TD) the Patriots reversed the tide and scored the first 6 times (5 TD’s, 1 field goal) the offense had the ball.
  • Patriots had the ball 9 times and scored on 8 drives (5 TD’s and 3 FG’s) and added a defensive touchdown on a fumble return.
  • Offensive line played very well, only allowed one sack and was really good when running ball.
  • Patriots continue to get penalized at a high rate, had 7 penalties vs. the Bears and are averaging over 8 penalties per game.
  • The Bears top 4 yardage plays allowed by the defense were all passing plays the longest being 34 yards. Their longest rush against the defense was 19 yards.
  • Four of the top five yardage plays for the offense were pass plays the longest being the 46-yard TD pass to Gronkowski. The longest rush was by Gray for 19-yards.

In the 2014 Season:

  • Have a bye next week before traveling to Indianapolis for a Sunday night game.
  • Have won 13 games in a row at Gillette including playoffs since losing to Baltimore in the 2012 AFC Championship Game. It is the longest current home win streak in the NFL.
  • Have won 4 games in a row after a 2-2 start. Beat Cincinnati, at Buffalo, NY Jets and Chicago since a miserable loss in Kansas City Week 4.
  • New England has 70 penalties this season in 8 weeks and has been penalized 628 yards.
  • Patriots have had multiple turnovers on both losses this season while having no turnovers in 5 of their 6 wins.
  • New England is PLUS 11 in turnover differential they are 1st in the NFL. They have 8 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 2 INT’s and lost 3 fumbles.
  • The Patriots are 3rd in points scored averaging 29.8 points per game and are 14th in points allowed with 22.1 points per game.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Broncos.

Bill Belichick notes:

  • Bill Belichick is 7-11 vs. the Broncos overall in his career. He is 7-7 as the head coach in New England including 1-2 in the playoffs.
  • Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 205-106 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 168-62 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 224-115.
  • Belichick’s 224 wins are good for 5th all-time. Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau is 4th with 229 wins.
  • He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.
  • He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.
  • Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).
  • Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.
  • No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 11 consecutive seasons.
  • He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.
  • Belichick spent one season in Denver as an assistant special teams coach in 1978 under Red Miller.

Other Personnel/Coaches:

  • Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels was the Broncos head coach in 2009 and 2010 and compiled an 11-17 record.
  • Special teams coach Scott O’Brien was the Denver Special Teams Coordinator in 2007 and 2008.
  • Strength and conditioning coach Moses Cabrera had the same position at the University of Colorado in 2010.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Solder
  • LG: Connolly
  • C: Stork
  • RG: Wendell
  • RT: Vollmer
  • TE: Gronkowski
  • WR: LaFell
  • WR: Edelman
  • WR: Tyms
  • QB: Brady
  • RB: Gray

Defense:

  • DE: Ninkovich
  • DT: Wilfork
  • DT: Chr. Jones
  • DE: Easley
  • LB: Collins
  • LB: Hightower
  • LB: Ayers
  • LCB: Revis
  • RCB: Browner
  • S: Chung
  • S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

  • This is his 15th NFL season he is 5-7 vs. the Broncos in his career including 1-2 in the playoffs. He is 81-13 at home in the regular season.
  • Was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October.
  • Makes his 200th NFL start this week against Denver.
  • Overall he is 154-45 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 172-53. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
  • Had back-to-back-to-back-to-back multiple TD pass games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati (2), Week 6 at Buffalo (4), Week 7 vs. NYJets (3) and Week 8 vs. Chicago (5).
  • 377 TD passes in his career makes him tied for 4th in NFL history with Drew Brees.
  • 154 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.
  • He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 119 games; the team’s record is 102-17.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

  • Has caught a pass in 58 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak all-time for a tight end. Heath Miller is 3rd with a catch in 89 consecutive games.
  • Leads team in TD’s with 7 and receiving yards with 558.
  • Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • It was his 14th 100+ receiving yard games in his career. Most ever for a Patriots tight end.
  • Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.
  • Is tied for 2nd in team history with 50 touchdowns (49 rec, 1 rush) with Ben Coates (50 rec) and Randy Moss (50 rec).
  • He is 4th in team history with 49 TD catches. He is 1 behind Randy Moss and Ben Coates for 2nd place.

Julian Edelman notes:

  • Held to 1 catch for 14 yards Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Has 4 career games with 10 or more catches after a 10-catch game Week 3 vs. Oakland.
  • Leads team in receiving with 45 catches.
  • Had a 34-yard punt return at Minnesota Week 2 it was the 11th punt return of 30 yards or more in his career. That ranks third in team history.
  • Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.
  • Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Tim Wright notes:

  • Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Has TD catches in 3 of the last 4 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati,Week 6 at Buffalo and Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Brandon LaFell notes:

  • Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6.
  • Week 6 at Buffalo was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

  • Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.
  • Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.
  • Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

Jonas Gray notes:

  • Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

  • Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.
  • Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.
  • Has converted 32 consecutive 4th quarter field goals.
  • Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.
  • Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.
  • Has scored at least 1 point in 115 consecutive games a franchise record.
  • He is 3rd in team history in points with 1,110 trailing only Gino Cappelletti (1,130) and Adam Vinatieri (1,158).
  • Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

  • Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.
  • Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

  • Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.
  • Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Leads team with 2 INT’s.
  • Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.
  • Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

  • Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.
  • The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.
  • In 6 seasons with New England has only missed one game.
  • Second on team with 4 sacks.
  • Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.
  • Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

  • Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.
  • Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati or Week 6 at Buffalo due to a knee injury.
  • Third on team with 3.5 sacks.
  • Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.
  • Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Jamie Collins notes:

  • Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo).
  • Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.
  • Second on team with 49 tackles (34 solo).
  • Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.
  • Has also forced and recovered a fumble in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

  • Had a sack in his first game as a Patriot Week 8 vs. Chicago. Also had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss.
  • Has 10 career sacks, 2 career INT’s and 3 forced fumbles.

Alan Branch notes:

  • Was a 2nd round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Michigan.
  • Played for Arizona, Seattle and Buffalo.
  • Was released in August by the Bills after a DUI arrest.
  • Has 170 career tackles, 8 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.

Jonathan Casillas notes:

  • Played at Wisconsin and signed as a UDFA with New Orleans in 2009-12 also played with Tampa Bay from 2013-14.
  • Acquired along with a 6th round pick in 2015 NFL draft for a 5th round pick in 2015 from the Buccaneers.
  • Played in Super Bowl XLIV with Saints and recovered the onside kick to start the second half.
  • Has 129 career tackles and 3 sacks.

General Team news:

Roster moves this week:

  • Signed DE Alan Branch
  • Released LB Deontae Skinner
  • Acquired LB Jonathan Casillas in trade with Tampa Bay

Patriots team captains for 2014:

Former Broncos on the Patriots:

Players with New England roots:

  • none

Players with Colorado roots:

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

Players from Colorado based colleges and universities:

  • T Nate Solder – Colorado

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

  • 20 – Gino Cappelletti
  • 40 – Mike Haynes
  • 73 – John Hannah
  • 78 – Bruce Armstrong
  • 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
  • 89 – Bob Dee

Broncos Team Notes

Denver BroncosHere is the Broncos roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Broncos Schedule/Results

Franchise Notes:

  • The Broncos all-time record is 438-379-10 and they are 20-18 in the playoffs with their last playoff appearance coming in 2013. That season the Broncos won at home against San Diego 24-17 in the AFC Divisional Game and beat New England 26-26 at home in the AFC Championship Game before losing to Seattle in the Super Bowl.
  • Denver has won two Super Bowls (XXXII and XXXIII) in 7 appearances.
  • The Broncos last appeared in a Super Bowl following the 2013 season and lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII, 43-8.

In the Bowlen Family Era:

  • This is their 31st year of team ownership.
  • Under the Bowlen’s ownership the Broncos have won their two Super Bowls and have been to the big game six times.
  • Since 1984 the Broncos are 3rd in overall wins in the NFL with 313 behind New England (314) and San Francisco (323).
  • Won 18 playoff games and 11 division titles.
  • Since 1984 Denver has the most seasons at .500 or better with 26.
  • Denver has 13 AFC West Division titles one more than Oakland.
  • One of just three franchises to record 90+ wins in three decades since 1960 and only one to do it in last three decades.
  • Denver has not been shutout since 1992 a streak that has gone 335 games.

Against the Patriots:

  • This is Denver’s 4th trip to Gillette Stadium in the last 5 meetings.
  • Broncos are 9-11 as the road team in the series and are 2-4 in Gillette Stadium. Both marks include the playoffs.
  • Denver was the second visiting team to win in Gillette Stadium when they beat the Patriots 24-16 on October 27, 2002 just two weeks after the Green Bay Packers became the first visiting team to win in Gillette Stadium.
  • Broncos won their first two games at Gillette before dropping the last four.

Last Week vs. Chargers:

  • Peyton Manning extended his TD pass record with 3 more TD passes all to Emmanuel Sanders.
  • Emmanuel Sanders had 9 catches for 120-yards and 3 TD’s.
  • Had no turnovers for 5th game this season.
  • Juwan Thompson had a pair rushing TD’s in limited duty (7 carries/24 yards).

In the 2014 Season:

  • Have won their last four in a row vs. Arizona, at NY Jets, San Francisco and San Diego.
  • After five home games in their first 7, they now head on the road for 3 consecutive weeks (at New England, at Oakland and at St. Louis) and 4 out of the next 5 and 6 of their last 9 are on the road.
  • They haven’t had a turnover in 3 consecutive games.
  • They have been penalized 57 times for 482 yards.
  • Denver is PLUS 4 in turnover differential tied for 6th in the NFL. They have 7 INT and have recovered 1 fumble while they have thrown 3 INT’s and lost 1 fumble.
  • The Broncos are 1st in points scored averaging 32.0 points per game and are 6th in fewest points allowed with 20.3 points per game.

Broncos Staff Notes

Read what Denver Broncos head coach John Fox had to say to the New England media about the match up.

John Fox notes:

  • This is Fox’s 4th season as the head coach in Denver he is 40-15 in the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs for an overall record of 43-18. Prior to that Fox was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers for 9 seasons and had a record of 73-71 in the regular season and 5-3 in the playoffs. Combined between Denver and Carolina he is 113-86 in the regular season and 8-6 in the playoffs for an overall mark of 121-92.
  • Fox is 2-7 vs. New England as a head coach including 1-2 in the post season combined between Denver and Carolina.
  • He is the 15th head coach in Denver history.
  • He is third in team history in coaching wins behind Mike Shanahan (146) and Dan Reeves (117).

Other Staff/Personnel:

  • Offensive Coordinator is Adam Gase it’s his second year in the position after serving as quarterbacks coach (2011-12) under Fox and wide receivers coach (2009-10) under Josh McDaniels.
  • Jack Del Rio is the defensive coordinator in his 3rd year with Denver. Prior to that he was head coach in Jacksonville from 2003-11. Was interim head coach for a period last season when Fox was out with health issues.
  • Director of Player Personnel Matt Russell served as a pro scout for the Patriots from 2000-01 and an area scout from 2003-2005, winning three Super Bowls during his time in New England in 2001, 2003 and 2004.
  • Defensive Backs coach Cory Undin was a Patriots defensive assistant in 2004.
  • Offensive Line Coach Dave Magazu is a native of Taunton MA and attended Taunton High School before graduating from Springfield College, where he was a four-year starter as a defensive tackle on the football team. Magazu also served as the offensive line coach at Boston College from 1999-2002.

Broncos Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Clady
  • LG: Franklin
  • C: Ramirez
  • RG: Vasquez
  • RT: Cornick
  • TE: J. Thomas
  • WR: D. Thomas
  • WR: Welker
  • WR: Sanders
  • QB: Manning
  • RB: Hillman

Defense:

  • DE: Wolfe
  • DT: Williams
  • DT: Knighton
  • DE: Ware
  • LB: Miller
  • LB: Irving
  • LB: Marshall
  • LCB: Talib
  • RCB: Harris Jr
  • S: Ward
  • S: Moore

Broncos Players Notes

Peyton Manning notes:

  • Was first overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts out of Tennessee.
  • In his career he is 8-14 vs. New England including 2-2 in the playoffs.
  • 13 time Pro Bowl selection and named to 7 All-Pro teams.
  • He is a 5-time NFL MVP and has won one Super Bowl MVP Award.
  • In his 3rd season in Denver he is 32-7 and 2-2 in the post season for an overall record of 34-9.
  • In 14 years in Indianapolis was 141-67 in the regular season and 9-10 in the post season for an overall record of 150-77.
  • For his career he is 173-74 in the regular season and 11-12 in the post season for an overall record of 184-86. He has won one Super Bowl (XLI) in three appearances.
  • Is 78-44 in his career on the road.
  • Wears number 18 after Frank Tripucka made the gesture to let him wear the retired number.
  • Son of former NFL QB Archie Manning and brother of New York Giants QB Eli Manning.
  • Set NFL record for TD passes in Week 7 vs. San Francisco and now has 513 TD passes in his career.
  • Threw for record 55 TD’s and 5,477 passing yards in 2013.
  • Only he and Brett Favre have a career win vs. all 32 NFL teams.
  • Second all-time in passing attempts, completions, yards and QB wins.
  • Along with Brady and Hall of Famer Joe Montana are considered the Holy Trinity among NFL quarterbacks.
  • Has thrown a TD pass in 46 consecutive games fourth longest streak in the NFL. With 1 TD pass will tie Johnny Unitas for 3rd longest streak (47). Brady is second with 52 games and Drew Brees holds the record with 54 games.

Wes Welker notes:

  • Has 19 catches for 181 yards and 1 TD this season.
  • Played six seasons in New England (2007-12).
  • Has most catches in NFL history by an undrafted player (860).
  • One of two players in NFL History with 5 100-catch seasons.
  • Had a five year streak with 100+ catches snapped in 2013.
  • In his 6 years in New England had the most prolific 6-year period for any NFL receiver with 672 regular season catches.
  • Patriots all-time receptions leader with 725 catches.
  • Made five Pro Bowls as a Patriot.
  • Has 49 career TD’s.

Demaryius Thomas notes:

  • Has four consecutive 100-yard receiving games.
  • Set Broncos record with 226 yards receiving and 2 TD’s on 8 catches Week 5 vs. Arizona.
  • Leads team in catches (47) and receiving yards (767).
  • Second on team in TD catches (6).
  • Has back-to-back 1,000 receiving yard seasons.
  • Had a career high 1,434 receiving yards in 2012.
  • Made his first Pro Bowl in 2012.

Julius Thomas notes:

  • Has 3 career 100-yard, 2 TD games only Shannon Sharpe has more (4).
  • Has 9 TD’s this season to lead the team after having 12 TD’s in 2013.
  • Tied for most receiving TD’s in NFL in 2014.
  • Made his first Pro Bowl in 2013.

Von Miller notes:

  • Has a sack in 6 consecutive games.
  • Leads team with 9 sacks.
  • Only player in Broncos history to make the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons.

Demarcus Ware notes:

  • Has 7 sacks on the season, second on the team.
  • 15th on NFL All-Time sack list with 124 career sacks.
  • Has 29 multi-sack games.

Aqib Talib notes:

  • Signed with Denver after 1.5 years with New England.
  • Has 2 INT’s in 2014 one returned for a TD Week 6 at NY Jets.
  • Has 25 career INT’s third most for a corner back since 2008.

General Team notes:

Former Patriots with the Broncos:

Players with New England ties:

Players who attended New England based colleges or universities:

  • none

Denver team captains for 2014 are:

  • QB Peyton Manning
  • WR Demaryius Thomas
  • DT Terrance Knighton
  • DE Demarcus Ware
  • S David Bruton

Denver has 3 retired numbers:

  • 7 – John Elway
  • 18 – Frank Tripucka
  • 44 – Floyd Little

Next Game

Indianapolis ColtsUp next: Indianapolis Colts – AFC South

Location: Indianapolis IN

Date/Time: Sunday November 2 at 8:15 p.m.

TV Network: NBC