Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

What Patriots can learn from TNF

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Bill Belichick sometimes will show New England Patriots players and coaches key developments from other games around the NFL, as those situations could come up in their own games.

Along those lines, here were a few takeaways from the "Thursday Night Football" game between the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos:

Instant replay on kickoff return was turning point: When Broncos kick returner Andre Caldwell lost a late second-quarter fumble following a Chargers touchdown that made it 7-7, it set San Diego up with great field position and the chance for a "double score" as they would get the ball to open the third quarter. But instant replay reversed the call as NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino explained on Twitter:

 

Anything other than hand or wrist puts player down." That was a close one and a good reminder to all returners when it comes to what constitutes a player being ruled down.

Importance of disguising defensive intentions: Not that the Patriots really need any reminder of this based on their history playing Peyton Manning, but the veteran quarterback is a master at the line of scrimmage with his hard snap count, which often leads to the defense declaring its intentions early. One of the primary examples of this came with 11:45 remaining in the third quarter, with Manning's hard count baiting the Chargers into showing their intended blitz. That led Manning to change things around and hit running back Ronnie Hillman in the right flat for a 16-yard gain. Two plays later, it was a touchdown. This highlights the importance of winning the pre-snap chess match against Manning.

Winning 50-50 balls: Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders had a big night, as did Denver cornerback Aqib Talib. One common thread between them is that they won more often than not in 50-50 situations. Sanders' 38-yard catch with 1:53 remaining in the first quarter was the most notable to fall into this category, while Talib was especially active on the defensive side in terms of batting away passes. Sometimes it's about scheme. Sometimes it's just about making a play in 50-50 situations. To beat Denver, those 50-50 situations have to be won.

'Best team in football': The Broncos were impressive on offense and defense and with extra time to prepare for their Nov. 2 game at New England, they will likely be a favorite. As CBS play-by-play man Jim Nantz said, "We've had a chance to see, in person, Denver three times. We've seen everybody from Seattle to New England. This is the best team in football." CBS analyst Phil Simms then said, "Right now there is no doubt in my mind they are the best team in football. So many weapons on offense. Peyton Manning the quarterback. Fast. They can do everything on the defensive side. Like I said earlier in the game, they match up and they attack [on both sides of the ball]."

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