You hear it all the time nowadays: the NFL is a matchup-based league.
That sentiment could not be more accurate than it was on Sunday night when the Patriots offense exploded for a season-high 41 points against the stingy Broncos defense.
For years, the Patriots have attacked defenses by using a versatile group of skill players to take advantage of weak spots in the opponents coverages. But it goes deeper than getting pass-catching running backs like Rex Burkhead on linebackers and safeties.
The Patriots also manipulate defenses with formations which puts opponents in no-win scenarios as their coverages are rendered useless based on the formation and personnel on the field.