This year, Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos are having one of the best regular seasons in recent memory averaging nearly 43 points a game. However, only six years ago Tom Brady’s 2007 New England Patriots team finished with a perfect 16-0 regular season record while averaging nearly 37 points a game. With that in mind, it’s only natural to ask who wins in a battle of these regular season wonders? Peyton’s Broncos or Brady’s Pats?
Aside from their first ballot signal callers, both teams feature prolific pass catchers. Today’s Broncos feature Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Julius Thomas while the ’07 Patriots had Randy Moss at his peak, Donte Stallworth, and Troy Brown. Not to mention both of these teams feature Wes Welker working the slot, only the Pats got Wes as he was just entering his prime. And seeing as they had Moss at his best, you‘ve got to give the wide receiver advantage to the ’07 Patriots.
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At running back, the Broncos feature a resurgent Knowshon Moreno while spelling him with rookie Montee Ball and second-year pro Ronnie Hillman. The ’07 Patriots featured Lawrence Maroney and consummate pro Kevin Faulk, neither of which put up big numbers in this pass first offense. So for running backs, it’s advantage Broncos.
Seeing as these teams both sport highflying offenses, the big difference between the two can be found in the defense. The 07’ Patriots gave up just over 17 points a game to their opponents, while today’s Broncos give up nearly 10 points more per game at over 27 points per contest. Or in other words, they can’t stop anyone! Advantage: Pats.
Finally, Brady has a 9-4 lifetime record against Peyton, given all but one of those victories were against Peyton’s Indianapolis Colts teams. However, Brady also has three Super Bowl titles to Manning’s one.
So in a game that is likely to come down to inches and a last-minute, drive you’ve got to take the Brady to Moss connection for the game-winning touchdown. Final score: Patriots 34, Broncos 31.
