The Patriots’ thrashing of the Broncos’ defense at New England on Sunday came as a surprise given how well Denver played leading up to the game. The Broncos had no answer for Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski or Julian Edelman.
What happened?
“We didn’t communicate well. I am not exactly sure why it happened,” Broncos cornerback Chris Harris said Monday. “We looked and the film, and we will move forward.”
Green improving. Tight end Virgil Green’s absence created matchup issues reflected in the statistics. Julius Thomas stayed on the line to block, a task previously reserved for Green, limiting Thomas’ involvement in the passing game. Thomas caught two passes for 33 yards. Green landed on the inactive list because of the second flare-up of a calf injury.
“It’s always frustrating when you can’t be out there,” Green said. “It’s hard, because I felt like San Diego was my best blocking game, that I was showing what kind of role I can fill on this team.”
Because Green suffered a setback in practice last week, the Broncos are proceeding cautiously. He said he has improved.
“I hope to be back out there,” Green said Monday. “It’s definitely getting better.”
Footnotes. Receiver Wes Welker bruised his back on a hit that led to an interception. He is listed as day to day and said Monday that he felt “all right.” … Asked if he was concerned about kicker Brandon McManus, who missed a 41-yarder, Broncos coach John Fox said: “It wasn’t about one person. But we need to improve in that area.”
