but the pats d has shown anyone can keep up with them or even exceed them
:nono:
While NE is second only to GB in giving up the most yards per game (both teams give up over 400yds/gm) they are 15th in defensive scoring. NE plays a safe 2-deep zone most of the time giving up a lot of underneath passing yards by trying to avoid the quick scoring long ball, but then bare down in the redzone. This does a few things, first gives up a ton of yards [and drives their fans nuts], second it makes the opponent work for their points. They get more possessions but that gives them more opportunities to make mistakes, which the D has capitalized on and third it
can be a psychological advantage. When you watch Brady march down the field fairly quickly and score TDs relatively easily and you have to go on long sustained drives to only come away with a FG, after a while I can see this getting frustrating and then you start to press and make mistakes.
But I do agree with you that if DEN is to win it will be on their D to come up with something special to stop (ie slow down) Brady and co. I just don't see it though. DEN gave everything they had in Denver to beat a badly injured PIT squad. I just don't think they can bring that level two weeks in a row especially going on the road.