Broncos looked really good. And the Packers looked like shit.
The Packers got exposed, plain and simple. The Green Bay offense runs almost entirely isolation routes. They spread the receivers out and force man coverage, because Rodgers will shred a zone and it doesnt provide enough pressure on him. Those Iso Routes are predicated that somewhere someone is going to beat a defender and Rodgers can extend the play long enough with his legs to make the play. Usually works. Except Green Bays receivers suck this year and Denver was able to single cover them all and have incredible athletes stopping Rodgers from dancing around.
Play man vs the Patriots and they will destroy you. First and foremost, Brady is not Rodgers. Brady is getting rid of the ball on an average of 2.1 seconds a throw. He makes his plays before the ball is snapped. Second reason is that Edelman, Amendola, Lafell and Lewis are 4 of the best man coverage beaters in the NFL. Bunch formations, rub routes, tons of motion, crossing routes.. ect. It is the exact opposite of the Green Bay offense. Green Bay never runs motion and their receivers all are working far away from each other to give Rodgers time to read and make plays. The third reason is Gronkowski. How do you man him up? Whatever you do, you are taking 1 or 2 possible pass rushers away from getting pressure on Brady. The Patriots understand Gronk doesn't need to catch 1 ball to dominate a game. Double him up? Great, he is also a great run blocker and you have two players defending a guy down blocking on a third. Oh yeah... watch out for play action. Whatever way you choose to cover him, you are wrong and the Patriots offense is built to make you pay for it. And even if you cover him perfectly, he still can probably get free and make the play.
Doesnt mean Denver wont win, just means that you shouldn't expect what happened to Green Bay to happen to New England. They are two completely different animals.
btw... Brady is 7-0 vs #1 ranked defenses.