The Denver Broncos are set to host the New England Patriots in Week 16. Ahead of that Christmas Eve showdown, we asked Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire five questions about New England and Sunday’s game. Check out our questions and Jordy’s answers below.
1
Are the Patriots a QB away from getting back on track?
I wish it was that simple. How great would it be if the Patriots could just draft Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, and they’re suddenly a winning football team again?
Quarterback is the biggest hole to fix right now, but the team also needs considerable offensive line help. If Trent Brown and Mike Onwenu don’t return next year, they might have holes at both tackle positions. Receiver has also been a major issue for the team.
There isn’t enough explosive talent on the outside. Rookie wideout Demario Douglas looks promising, but the Patriots desperately need a true No. 1 talent to really take things up a notch.
2
Do you think Bill Belichick will return in 2024?
I think there’s a chance that Belichick sticks around next season, but if I had to choose right now, I’d say the Patriots will hire a new coach after this year. This has been an embarrassing and humbling season in so many ways for the franchise. The Patriots should thank Belichick for building the greatest dynasty in NFL history and move in another direction with a new coach.
3
Does New England have a notable weakness Denver might be able to exploit?
The Patriots started rookie corner Alex Austin in the defensive backfield for the first time last week when veteran J.C. Jackson wasn’t able to play. Austin held his own against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it would still make sense for the Broncos to take a shot or two at the young defensive back. They might be able to exploit matchups due to his inexperience.
4
Name an underrated Patriots player that Broncos fans should be aware of this week
Christian Barmore is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, and no one is talking about him. He can clog up rushing lanes along the defensive front, and he’s always a threat to bust through the line and rush the passer in the middle. Just ask Patrick Mahomes. He was pestered by Barmore throughout the Patriots-Chiefs game.
5
What's your prediction for Sunday -- who wins and why?
I’m taking the Broncos to pull out a tough victory. The Patriots defense is good enough to keep them in it, but being on the road against a Broncos team looking to bounce back from last week’s blowout loss to the Detroit Lions, I don’t like their chances. Broncos 20, Patriots 17.
