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Are 2013 Patriots Better Equipped To Beat Broncos Than 2012 Patriots?

BOSTON (CBS) - Andy Gresh and Scott Zolak gave their takes on how the Patriots should game plan against the Denver Broncos heading into Sunday Night Football.

As producer Jim Louth astutely pointed out, Patriots fans just need to relax and here's why:

On October 7, 2012 Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos came into town Week 5 and got beat by the Patriots 31-21.

And if you take a look at the Patriots defense of 2012 and compare it to this Patriots defense of 2013, you'll see that this current roster is far more equipped to beat the Broncos.

The 2012 starters for the Patriots-Broncos game featured such characters as Rob Ninkovich, Vince Wilfork, Kyle Love, Chandler Jones, Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Tracy White, Devin McCourty at cornerback, Kyle Arrington, Tavon Wilson and Patrick Chung.

If that group can do it, why can't this group do it?

The Patriots are dealing with a litany of defensive injuries right now, including Alfonzo Dennard (knee), Aqib Talib (hip) and Steve Gregory (thumb) - not to mention Jerod Mayo, Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly all lost for the season.

Patriots Practice Report: Talib, Dennard, Gregory Limited On Wednesday

It'll be a tall task, especially when considering how improved this 2013 Denver Broncos team is from last year, but it's not impossible the way some people are making it seem.

Gresh & Zolak discussed the Patriots most effective defensive gameplan, and also pointed out how the frigid weather will have an impact on the game.

Listen below for the full discussion:

Are 2013 Patriots Better Equipped To Beat Broncos Than 2012 Patriots?

MORE PATRIOTS COVERAGE FROM CBS BOSTON

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