ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- It takes multiple linebackers to provide the punch to the Patriots' run defense.
That notion should sound familiar to Broncos fans. Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall together fill the gaps left after the defensive line occupies blockers, and their ability to close holes helped the Broncos finish the season by allowing fewer yards per carry than any other defense.
New England runs a different scheme than the Broncos, and they use Dont'a Hightower, Rob Ninkovich and Jamie Collins in different ways, but to equal effect.
"[Hightower] is probably the bigger guy, but they're physical and Collins can run sideline to sideline.