Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti are looking ahead to the this Sunday, when Peyton Manning returns to Foxboro, this time as a Denver Bronco.
Despite the victory in Buffalo on Sunday, the Patriots secondary still had some problems. They allowed 350 yards passing against Ryan Fitzpatrick after being torched for more than 400 against the Ravens' Joe Flacco the week before.
How does Massarotti feel about them defending Manning, who joins the Broncos after years of celebrated duels with the Bill Belichick-coached Patriots when Manning was the face of the Indianapolis Colts franchise.
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"Not great," said Massarotti. "Manning is 5-2 in his last seven games against Bill Belichinck defenses, but he has throw five picks in the past two games."
Perhaps, though, Belichick should challenge Manning to throw the ball downfield, Massarotti said.
"I don't think he can throw downfield the way he used to," Massarotti said, noting that Manning, returning after missing a year following neck surgery, hasn't looked good in Denver's losses the Steelers and Broncos.
Said Felger: "I still think he's a good quarterback. He's an elite quarterback. When's the last time the Patriots beat an elite quarterback?"
Felger answered his own question by saying it was last season when the Pats beat Phillip Rivers and the Chargers.