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          NFL Nation

          Three reasons the Broncos can beat the Patriots

          • Jeff Legwold, ESPN Senior WriterJan 17, 2016, 10:00 PM ET
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              Jeff Legwold is a senior writer who covers the Denver Broncos and the NFL at ESPN. Jeff has covered the Broncos for more than 20 years, joining ESPN in 2013. He also assists with NFL draft coverage, including his annual top 100 prospects. Jeff has been a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors since 1999. He has attended every scouting combine since 1987.
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          DENVER -- Three reasons why the Denver Broncos can beat the New England Patriots in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game in Sports Authority Field at Mile High (3:05 p.m. ET, CBS).

          They’ve already done it: The Broncos, with Brock Osweiler at quarterback, defeated the Patriots Nov. 29 in Denver 30-24 in overtime. The Broncos rushed for 179 yards, led by C.J. Anderson’s 113 yards on 15 carries, a total that included a 48-yard touchdown run in overtime that was the game-winner. The Patriots played without Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, and Tom Brady threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns. The Broncos' defense held the Patriots to 39 yards rushing.

          Broncos are tested: Sunday’s 23-16 victory in the AFC divisional round over the Pittsburgh Steelers was the 13th game the Broncos have played this season that was decided by seven points or fewer. The Broncos are 10-3 in those games. Sunday’s was also their sixth win over a team that was in this season’s playoff field. They’re 3-0 in overtime and have scored five touchdowns on defense. In short, they’re used to playing close to the edge, or what Peyton Manning has called "that playoff-type football."

          The run game: When the Broncos carve out room in the running game, they are exceedingly difficult to beat. In fact, in games in which they've topped 130 yards rushing, they are 7-0. When the Broncos have play-action passes working and can thus slow down defensive fronts, they are a difficult team to beat. And with their defense, they can control the tempo of a game.