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Logan Ryan Will Be X-Factor For New England Patriots In Week 9

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By @petahrahgas

New England Patriots Denver Broncos

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots’ defense is about to face their biggest, toughest, most challenging-est challenge yet, facing a Denver Broncos offense that is becoming increasingly similar to Hercules’ second challenge: the Hydra. You know, because Peyton Manning has so many weapons and the Hydra had so many heads. The allusion works.

Obviously Darrelle Revis is going to cover Demaryius Thomas and that matchup will be spectacular to watch. From there, I think Brandon Browner will spend a lot of time covering tight end Julius Thomas, similar to what he did last week against Martellus Bennett. The master slot corner, Kyle Arrington, will do what he does best and cover the ex-Patriot/slot receiver/Darth Vader helmet wearing Wes Welker.

This leaves Logan Ryan to cover the almost Patriot Emmanuel Sanders.

Alfonzo Dennard could also help cover Sanders, but Dennard didn’t play last week so it’s uncertain if he’ll be suiting up this week. And I could only pick one player to be my x-factor, so Ryan is the chosen one.

Sanders will not be an easy task to cover, especially since he is coming of his best game — and probably the best game of any wide receiver so far — last week, recording nine catches for 120 yards and three touchdowns. Yes, three touchdowns. Sanders has quickly become a target for Manning, and with his speed and ability to make plays down the field, it makes plenty of sense.

It will be crucial to the Patriots’ success if Ryan is able to cover Sanders and keep him in check. I will trust Revis to take away Thomas (I mean he straight up erased Brandon Marshall last week), and Browner has the size and speed to cover the other Thomas. Sanders could be seeing a lot of targets from Manning, and Ryan is going to be challenged early and often this game. If he can hold up against the constant brigade, then the Patriots have a great chance of beating this high-flying offense.

Peter Rogers is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @petahrahgas, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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