Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning. Two future Hall of Famers who have a long history together. They have had some epic match-ups in both the regular season and the postseason. Brady has had the better results winning nine of their thirteen meetings. The Patriots are coming off a controversial loss to the Carolina Panthers, while the Broncos are coming off a win where they handed the Chiefs their first loss. Both of these teams want to win, and both need to win.
The Patriots are having a down year by their standards. Normally, they are the NFL’s leading offense, but with the loss of Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker, and for part of the season Rob Gronkowski, it has taken a hit. Tom Brady is still one of the best, if not the best, but he has to adjust to his very young receiving corps. On the other side of the ball, injuries have hit New England hard. They have lost, among others, Vince Wilfork and OJ Mayo. One thing they do have in their favor, Peyton Manning always has trouble playing in cold weather, and it is COLD! We all know about the four neck surgeries that Peyton has had over his career. We all don’t know how the weather will affect his body.
This game is important to gaze how Manning would do if he got to play in an outdoor Super Bowl. It is one of the coldest days and could be a good indicator to how his body will respond. For tonight’s matchup, I think Brady will get the win tonight at home. Denver is without tight end Julius Thomas and a favorite target. This offense can definitely recover, but it is a slight relief to a depleted Pariots’ defense. Brady knows he was robbed of a win on Monday and he will do everything he can for this one. Broncos vs. Patriots-who you takin?
