A match-up between Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning doesn’t hold the same weight this season as in years past, but the Denver Broncos’ defence has them entering an undefeated clash against the Green Bay Packers with reason for confidence.
While Green Bay has been balanced with both sides of the ball contributing to their flawless 6-0 mark, Denver has had to rely not on their future Hall of Fame quarterback to win their first six games, but instead on their dominant defence.
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2x MVP vs. 5x MVP. 6-0 vs. 6-0. Coming soon: @AaronRodgers12 vs. Peyton Manning https://t.co/nHlF17zdAi #GBvsDEN pic.twitter.com/UenhlAecrc
— NFL (@NFL) October 31, 2015
Though the Packers’ 16.8 points allowed per game edges the Broncos’ mark of 17.0 for best in the league, Denver’s unit has enduring three interceptions by Manning that have been returned for touchdowns, accounting for 20 of their 102 total points allowed.
Teams have had difficulty moving the ball against the Broncos, who surrender the fewest yards per game in the league at 281.3 and are tied for most interceptions with 10.
The success of the defence has been needed with Manning throwing only two touchdowns to seven interceptions in the past two games, combined with the running game averaging just 85.0 yards to rank 31st.
To remain unbeaten, Denver will once again need their defence to come through against Rodgers.
“Our job is to stop their quarterback. Their job is going to be to stop ours,” Denver defensive end Antonio Smith said. “It will be a battle of the defences when you bring it back to the beginning.”
The meeting will be the fourth time in NFL history two undefeated teams have met this late in the year.
