AFC Divisional Playoffs
New England Patriots (13-3)
vs.
Denver Broncos (8-8)
Gillette Stadium
Foxboro, Massachusetts
8:00 P.M. EST
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow did something last week that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has not been able to do over the last few seasons: He won a home playoff game. Of course, Brady has won far more than his fair share (especially if you ask the Raiders) of playoff games and is the owner of three Super Bowl rings. Brady's team is also heavily favored tonight in Foxboro.
Last weekend, the Patriots were in the same position as most football fans. They were at home -- thanks to earning a bye in the opening round as the No. 1 seed in the AFC -- watching Tebow author another stunning chapter in his amazing season. In the climactic moments of the Wild Card triumph, Tebow made the Steelers pay dearly for not respecting his ability to throw the ball. Will the Patriots make the same mistake? Or, will Brady and the offense score enough points that his team's defense hardly figures?
During the regular season, the Patriots ranked just behind the league-leading Saints in terms of yard per game and points per game. Piloting that prolific offense, Brady joined Drew Brees and Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a single season.
While some fans are willing to attribute miraculous powers to Tebow, no one is going out on a limb to say he is a passer on par with Brady. And that may be the only attribute that will matter today. When these two teams met during the regular season, the Patriots hung up 41 points on the Broncos' defense while Tebow only managed 23 points -- the same number his team had heading into OT against the Steelers.
Do the Broncos have the defense or the firepower to keep up?
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And the Patriots moving into Broncos turf.
Brady wants to become first with 5 TD passes in first half of playoff game.
Tebow takes short drop and throws wide of Thomas. Inaccurate pass by Tebow that could prove meaningful if Brady tacks on more points.
Looking to avoid a delay of game. Flags are thrown but picked up. Still 3rd and 5.
This time Lance can't catch it on run. Third and five. With nearly 90 seconds left, Pats hoping to score again if defense can get off the field here.
Lance Ball picks up five yards on first down.
Can Tebow orchestrate a drive before halftime?
He was quite impressed by that throw, for good reason. Just one quarterback admiring the work of another.
| @ GlobePatriots : Brady's throw to Branch could not possibly have been more perfect. |
| @ caplannfl : Tebow 28 yards passing in first half, last Brady TD 61 yards. |
| @ CasserlyCBS : Clear Off Pass Int by Pat WR. This is an example of what clubs are upset about |
Oh my Tebow's Lord, Brady aired it out and Branch ran through it in stride up the sideline. That was a 61-yard TD.
Woodhead slices up the heart of the defense for a first down. And Pats are rushing to the line.
But it's short. It does take a Broncos bounce, though.
On third and 20, Ball takes it on the ground. Pats use another timeout. They want to score again before intermission. We've got 2:38 remaining and a punt coming.
| @ PostBroncos : Big Money Gerrard Warren Gator Chomps after dragging down Tebow for a six-yard loss. Warren, like Tebow, went to the University of Florida. |
Gerard Warren absolutely consumes Tebow after he pulls ball back from McGahee. And it looked like he was waving this arms in a Gator motion as he came off.
With pocket collapsing, Tebow steps up but can't escape. Pulled down for loss. 2nd and 14.
Royal catches a quick throw to sideline and dives ahead to pass marker.
Another short gain for Broncos on legs of McGahee.
Another run for McGahee, who sidesteps and slidesteps his way for the first. Terrific outing for him so far.
| @ ChrisHarrisNFL : Crazy business right?RT @darrenrovell: In 2 seasons, the Patriots have paid Rob Gronkowski a total of $3.36M Tebow has earned more than $10M |
Again, Broncos with poor starting field position, starting at 11. McGahee gets six on first down.
Brady throws hot up the sideline to a diving Branch but it's broken up. Huge three-and-out set for Denver D. Punt coming.
Green-Ellis picks up a short gain, setting up third and 7.
Once again terrific field position for Pats. Broncos tip over Brady as he throws long to Edleman, who gets tangled with defender. No flag. No completion.
It's another three and out for Broncos as Tebow can't see early opening and then, waits, before throwing it away under pressure. Punt coming.
This latest seems ill-formed. Tebow pitches to Royal, who then comes back toward him and into the scrum. Patriots not biting.
On first play of drive, Arrington nearly snagged that Tebow ball. Royal missed it too.
That commercial could end up being the thing Tebow is most remembered for tonight.
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