On to the AFC Championship: Patriots Rout Broncos 45-10
by Greg Knopping on Jan 15, 2012 1:02 AM EST
in Patriots Game Reports
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60 minutes.
Up until tonight, the Patriots hadn't played a complete 60 minutes of football all year. But against the Broncos in tonight's Divisional Playoff match-up, that completely changed.
In their dominating 45-10 victory over the Denver Broncos, the Patriots played full throttle from start to finish. The slow starts that not only plagued the Patriots in the last few games of the regular season, but also in the team's last two postseason losses were quickly forgotten: the Patriots scored touchdowns on their first two drives while jumping out to a 14-0 lead.
Tom Brady and the Patriots offense got things going quickly by starting off in the no-huddle. The Patriots' opening drive was jump-started by an Aaron Hernandez 43 yard run and capped off by Brady's first touchdown of the night: a seven yard throw over the middle to receiver Wes Welker.
While the Broncos managed to drive 34 yards on their opening possession, Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich came up with a big strip-sack of Tim Tebow that was recovered by Brandon Spikes. The Patriots then continued the no-huddle and scored on a seven play, 59 yard drive that was capped by a beautiful end zone grab from Rob Gronkowski.
A couple of drives later, the Patriots made a rare mistake, with Broncos safety Quinton Carter intercepting a throw over the middle from Brady to Gronkowski (looked like a miscommunication). The Broncos took the ball 24 yards in 4 plays, capping off the drive with a Willis McGahee touchdown run.
From that point on, it was all Patriots.
Defensively, the Patriots stayed true to the 3-4 defense. In fact, I really can't recall a situation in which they weren't in the 3-4. They shifted personnel, taking James Ihedigbo off the field in passing situations and replacing him with Sterling Moore (with Devin McCourty shifting to safety). The Patriots attacked the "pitch man" on every option play, brought constant pressure on Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow, and were seemingly making plays in the backfield every other play.
The Patriots turned their final three first half possessions into 21 points. With just over two minutes to play and up 21-7, the Patriots really began to pull away with a 61 yard Tom Brady to Deion Branch bomb down the left sideline. The play put the Patriots up 21-7, and was a picture perfect throw. It was a good moment for the Brady-Branch duo, and brought back memories of their dominance in Super Bowl XXXIX.
Surprisingly, the Patriots weren't even done in the first half at this point. After forcing a quick three and out, the offense marched straight down the field and scored another touchdown in just five plays. With just ten seconds to go in the half, Tom Brady delivered a strike to Rob Gronkowski for a 19 yard score. Gronkowski's touchdown tied a postseason record for touchdown catches in a game, and for Brady, broke a record for most touchdown throws in a half (5).
Up 35-7 at half, the Patriots quickly extinguished any hope of a Broncos comeback as the second half began.
Second half recap and a look ahead after the jump!
After forcing another three and out, the Patriots were given a short field and quickly took advantage. The drive took four plays and was capped off with a Brady-to-Hernandez 17 yard catch and run for the touchdown.
With the score 42-7, the final result was essentially in hand. But the Patriots continued their complete dominance, playing a complete 60 minutes of football.
Even when the Broncos began to drive, the Patriots defense stepped up. In total, the unit made 14 plays behind the line of scrimmage (the highest of any team all season). That's impressive - the Broncos are a power running team.
Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow was 9/26 throwing, and rarely had time to do anything. The Patriots' coverage down the field was outstanding, and Tebow didn't really have many opportunities to make plays. Rob Ninkovich had a huge day off the edge for the Patriots. He was constantly harassing Tebow, producing 1.5 sacks.
Other players who were great for the Patriots defense: Gerard Warren, Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, and Pat Chung.
Speaking of Spikes and Chung, having those two healthy has been great for the Patriots' defense. Chung played all over the field, and Spikes was constantly making plays in the backfield, blowing up Broncos' linemen and getting to the ball carrier (also had a sack on college teammate Tim Tebow).
In reality, it's kind of hard to single out the performance of any defensive player because every level of the unit was dominant. You can't discount what they did because it was against the Broncos. The Broncos abused the Steelers' #1 defense just a week ago, and the Patriots were a unit that not only took away the big plays, but simply dominated each and every down.
Some quick stats: Patriots held the Broncos to 7/18 on third downs, sacked Tebow five times for 28 yards lost, and allowed the Broncos to gain just 3.5 yards per play. Impressive stuff.
On offense, it was pretty obvious that Tom Brady was a man on a mission. His final line: 26/34 for 363 yards and six touchdowns. That's good for a 137.6 quarterback rating. Rob Gronkowski caught 10 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns. Aaron Hernandez had four grabs for 55 yards and a touchdown, but also added 62 yards on five carries on the ground.
But the story of the day for the offense may have been the protection: Tom Brady wasn't sacked once and was only knocked down a couple of times. The play of the Patriots' offensive tackles, veteran Matt Light and rookie Nate Solder was superb, especially considering they were going against speedy pass rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil. Logan Mankins returned from a sprained MCL, played most of the game, and looked excellent. If the Patriots are going to make a run to the Super Bowl, the offensive line is going to be key.
Overall, getting a playoff win like this was satisfying on so many different levels. The Patriots were dominant, sent a message to the league, and finally got over their recent playoff issues.
And while the win certainly ends any arguments for Brady and Belichick's legacy being "tarnished," the road does not end here for New England. The Patriots are now on to the AFC Championship, and are one win away from their fifth Super Bowl appearance since 2001. Tomorrow, we'll further analyze New England's big win and look ahead to the team's potential AFC Championship opponent. For now, we'll sit back and enjoy the Pats big win.
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Patriots only scored 10 in the second half.
So disappointed.
by Richard Hill on Jan 15, 2012 1:09 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I have a feeling Bill sat down next to Brady on a bench in the locker room
And said “What the hell happened in the second half?” before smirking and walking off.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 1:30 AM EST up reply actions
Ravens or Texans Ladies and gents?
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Ravens tbh
Arian Foster gives me nightmares.
Tommy has experience with the Ravens defense, not so much the Texans, so I feel the Pats would be more prepared to face that. Ray Rice scares me less than Foster, and I believe even our defense can stop the great Joe Flacco.
by DukeofChutney on Jan 15, 2012 1:18 AM EST up reply actions
I feel like I want the Ravens.
I like our chances of stopping Ray Rice. Andre Johnson and Foster though? Plus the texans have a very good pass rush, while the ravens defense is a lot slower now (people in baltimore say Ray Lewis is a liability, but they cant have him pulled because he is the face of the defense).
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
texans defense uses edge pressure while the ravens attack up the middle
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about a victory?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Jan 15, 2012 1:44 AM EST up reply actions
Ravens....then Giants.
I want to put all this crap to rest…the last two years of Patriot short-comings, the whole BB is losing his touch, the whole Tom Brady is only as good as his Defense crap…..all of it…
My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius…leader of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal to the true Emperor of Rome, Marcus Aurelius….father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered a wife…and I will have vengeance in this life or the next!!!
by Panimal4422 on Jan 15, 2012 2:41 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd for the awesome gladiator reference.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Ravens
Not only that it will be the only entertaining matchup in the AFC (now that three teams are left in that conference), but revenge will be sweet!
Good game Pats
I think I can speak for most of MHR when I say good luck the rest of the way.
Please don’t mind our fans calling you guys classless for the Brady punt…..I was actually quite grateful…..I mean Brady could’ve thrown another TD to Gronk.
I’ll be rooting for you guys the rest of the way….and no, McD did not influence this game….congrats again!
"Vegetarians are cool. All I eat are vegetarians - except for the occasional mountain lion steak "
Ted Nugent
thanks man
Broncos are definitely heading to the right direction. Adding few more good WRs/TEs will make the offence more multidimensional and unstoppable. Tebow and Co still has a ton of upside and I am looking forward to see them develop with full offseason
Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?
Thanks for the back-up Nate
Anyways, to the victor goes the spoils, and i always root for those that beat the Broncos, because at least they lost to the Champs.
Except in ’05 when they lost to the Steelers… Fuck those guys… Like, forever…
REVELATION 6:8
And I looked, and behold a pale [Bronco]: and his name that sat on him was [Tebow], and [a Ferocious Defense] followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth [Quarter of the Game], to kill with [the 1st ranked run attack], and with [clutch plays], and with [bone crunching sacks], and with the beasts of the [Mile HIgh City].
Follow @TrappedInOC
by Trapped in O.C. on Jan 15, 2012 2:11 AM EST up reply actions
I know how you feel man
only time I root for them is when they face Jets, which unfortunately took place last year
Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?
Pretty crazy this team is one win from the Super Bowl
I just loved the sense of urgency they came out with.
Most dominating performance since the 2007 regular season.
It was nice.
but still have one more game to go before the big one. Can’t wait. :)
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
You think the last few years were in the back of their heads?
“Ah shit, what if we get down early?”
Because they clearly were not interested in coming back from a deficit.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 1:36 AM EST up reply actions
Possibly the last few weeks as well
All the media talking heads were having a field day with the Pats slow starts recently. But for Brady I’m sure those games were just a little reminder of the last two playoff games. I think his head might have exploded if they went 3 and out on the first drive.
by Aluminum Penguin on Jan 15, 2012 1:58 AM EST up reply actions
I still maintain that the slow starts were an exercise by Bill for just such a situation!
Not really, but hell, it couldn’t hurt if they ended up in a hole, being able to think “Hey, we’ve done this before. Recently. A lot. Against this very team.”
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 2:08 AM EST up reply actions
Nice article and great game. Im on a victory high right now!
Even when the Broncos began to drive, the Patriots defense stepped up. In total, the unit made 14 plays behind the line of scrimmage (the highest of any team all season). That’s impressive – the Broncos are a power running team.
Ravens would be ideal then the NYG IMHO
by Yardpenalty.com on Jan 15, 2012 1:28 AM EST reply actions
They lived in the backfield. It was unreal.
Nink, Wilfork, Spikes, Anderson…
I think Carter could have gotten back there even in his condition! Crazy night.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 1:41 AM EST up reply actions
Vince Wilfork- LDE #75
B Gap
Broncos Backfield
PO Box- 1.5 Sacks
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about a victory?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Jan 15, 2012 1:45 AM EST up reply actions
Love was awesome too.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I will always forget Love, which isn't fair to him.
Because when I see a guy that big with a number like that, I default to Vince, even though the hair should give it away.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 1:57 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
big gut guys
normal- Vince Wilfork
hair- Kyle Love
facial hair- Gerard Warren
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about a victory?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Jan 15, 2012 2:39 AM EST up reply actions
Alas, even on my HDTV I can't always notice until I've already booked it in my head for one guy or the other.
By which I mean ALWAYS Wilfork.
God love him.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 2:40 AM EST up reply actions
He graced us with 3 wilforks.
I want 4 now…. in case one gets tired..
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
If only they were all actually Wilfork
Pats could make an interesting 5-man front with speed guys on the edges.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 2:43 AM EST up reply actions
Indeed.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
when warren love and wilfork are in
it worked that way
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about a victory?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Jan 15, 2012 3:24 AM EST up reply actions
Indeed.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Ninkovich played with discipline
On a couple of plays I noticed it looked like his instincts were telling him to chase Tebow, but he stayed with the RB instead and ended up blowing up the play. I was so proud of that defense last night.
Keep the faith!
I remember that play
when ninko decided to keep from tebow pitching the ball to the RB for the option play. I thought it was a good play by him, and its great that Chung and other cleaned up. :)
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Random thought, but I love watching Gronkowski
Thinking that this is us watching the beginnings of what could be the career of one of the greatest players to ever play the position. It’s his second year and already he’s in the record books for so much. Nigh ungaurdable, amazing after the catch…
I know it’s hard not to be jumping the gun in his second year, but I’ve never seen anything like him, and barring some massive regression, I struggle to envision a career which does not end in Canton.
It’s the sort of thing you could enjoy on any team, much less a #1 AFC seed headed to the Championship game.
Alright, that’s all for me and my man crush. Well, one of them next to Brady. And Welker. And Herndo.
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Best TE in the game now. Such a beast.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Oi. That first sentence is a doozy.
But at least tonight I’m drinking in celebration!
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 1:37 AM EST up reply actions
there is one thing he will have to overcome: Life without Brady
sooner or later, Tom will hung up his cleats. As much as Gronk helps Brady as a big target, Brady helps Gronk with his accurate throw as well. If Mark Sancheez was playing our QB, there is no way Gronk can thrive in the same manner. Only Tebow knows when Tom will be gone or who the successor will be, but the day will come and it will be interesting to see how Gronk will respond.
Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?
e have to good promising backups. Hate to say it
but when Brady does retire I am looking forward to our future QB.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Yup. Excited about Mallett, honestly.
Love the pick after being taken back a bit initially. Seems like a guy who needs to mature, and he’s in a great position to do that. Not expecting Rodgers, but the results could be really surprising and impressive.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 1:56 AM EST up reply actions
Would
Mallet stay? Brady is only 34, so if he is anything like Brett Favre (in terms of years in the league not so much getting worse and worse his last few yers) he has 6 years, but realisitically I’m seeing 4, maybe 5. I can’t imagine someone waiting a combined 5-6 years to play. I predict Mallet will get traded eventually, maybe even start for a number one pick type team with us getting some sort of awesome deal.
Shawn Johnson... she's a nice lady
True, that's possible.
But if nothing else I like the idea. I have to assume Bill will have someone in the waiting, even if he leaves with Brady (very possible by my estimation).
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 2:09 AM EST up reply actions
Definitely
If Brady was gone after this year, I think Ryan Mallet would be the perfect QB to expect decent play from and possibly be a franchise QB, considering the type of offense he played in a defensive conference. To be honest, he kind of reminds me of a Peyton manning type player on the field. But like you said, I think Bill will make it on his to do list to leave the Patriots in the best possible situation.
Shawn Johnson... she's a nice lady
Watching yesterday's Around The Horn.
Bomani Jones gets the points.
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For this matchup that is.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 1:40 AM EST up reply actions
Not that anyone picked against, necessarily
So much as Plaschke/Paige/thatguyfromHouston all said TeBroncos could win, and Vegas is crazy to give Patriots any sort of significant spread. “Porous defense,” “slow starts,” etc.
Christ but we threw all that out the window. Amazing defense, incredible start…Best game in a very long while, if largely because of the stage.
Very proud of the team tonight.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 2:37 AM EST up reply actions
I keep thinking of the guys on ESPN
And how much they spit in the face of the Pats D. After putting up 29 on the mighty Steelers, what chance did the lowly scum that comprises the Patriots defense have against Tebow?
Now when I think of them my only response is: Bwahahahahahahahaha!
If they manage to win the Super Bowl, THEN maybe they won’t be considered the worst defense in the history of mankind.
by Aluminum Penguin on Jan 15, 2012 2:08 AM EST reply actions
Ocho is the man
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
He's a great guy from all I can see.
Wish things had really worked out for him here, but if he’s happy, I’m happy.
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 2:13 AM EST up reply actions
Ocho is awesome
I still kinda hope he gets a full offseason to work with TB12… which he could, because his base salary of $3 million in non-guaranteed, so there’s no reason to not give him a chance, unless BB is sure he won’t make the roster.
It’s not as if he’s due some big bonus or something.
by Greg Knopping on Jan 15, 2012 2:19 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah. WOuld like to see him back. Branch is starting to get injured too
and the Branch vs. Ocho competition will be something to watch for.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Salary Cap, Assessments, Free agency
While I’m a total draft freak, this year our solutions are better sought elsewhere. With all the DL injuries last year and the DB injuries this we are able to have unique tryouts in game situations and will better know who to keep. Ocho’s contract info and how it fits into salary cap; with Ellis,Koppen and some others is a big story. McDaniels relation with Brandon Lloyd, big opportunity. We are getting ahead of ourselves; Houston or Balt; Houston is likely to be the best AFC team next year but away with 3rd string QB. Greg the info you provide is relly excellent. Let’s see how we do in the Super bowl before we draft.
Well at least we know who our back up Punter is now
by lololol on Jan 15, 2012 2:13 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 2:13 AM EST up reply actions
me oh my
seeing this defense play that good again sends shivers.
Bonus about today
Saints lost, and we have their 1st round draft pick, which will be #28.
"These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick
So same Draft # as we traded away last year
Though we also acquired their 2011 2nd Round which turned into Shane Vareen. Let’s see who the Pats take this year with #28 (if they keep that pick).
Don’t ever wrestle with a pig. You’ll both get dirty, but the pig will enjoy it.
1 Cor 13:13
If the Pack lose it will be 27 no?
Doesn’t matter though it’ll be traded away anyways
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 15, 2012 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
Pats keep their higher pick...
…and trade their lower. That way the lower pick has a greater chance of moving up the next year and they pick up a solid 2nd.
by Richard Hill on Jan 15, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
One game at a time
It feels great to get that win and get the monkey off our backs to finally win a playoff game, but we still have two games ahead of us. Let’s do what the Patriots do best and take it one game at a time and not declare victory just yet.
Stands alone
I have watched every great quarterback dating back to Unitas. There is no one like number 12. Andrew Luck….. yeah right. Flacco cannot match points with the Patriots. Shout out to Shaun Ellis who had a good game tonight.
Absolutely.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
the front 7 played lights out
the only player that had issues on defense was arrington on only 3 plays
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about a victory?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
by freeland1787 on Jan 15, 2012 3:22 AM EST up reply actions
Devin McCourty made one obvious mistake
He was gawking at a pileup in the middle of the line in the second quarter, and allowed McGahee to get outside of him for a first down when he could have been sealed off.
Chung made that one dumb hit out of bounds
But other than that, I didn’t see anything particularly bad from the safeties. Amazing! Definitely great to have Chung back, and Sterling Moore looks like a keeper.
by Aluminum Penguin on Jan 15, 2012 5:54 AM EST up reply actions
If we were Jets fans, we wouldn't even need the SB wins
AFCCGs!!!!
"I don't know. I'm making this up as I go."
Sterling Moore is a championship corner.
It's your thing, do what you wanna do, I can't tell you, who to sock it to. The Isley Brothers
by sweetjesusihatethejets on Jan 15, 2012 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
Didn't watch the game
As I was huddled over my phone whilst attending a 40th B’day party (80’s themed), I couldn’t help but smile at how wrong I was. I am truly pessimistic about bye weeks, last year’s loss to the Jets still fresh in my mind. “They muck with momentum”, I’d tell myself. My fears and theories have been stomped on, thank you very much.
As others have stated, I think the keys to this win were: a) constant and consistent pressure by the front 7 and b) stellar protection by Brady’s 300 lb bodyguards. Flying Elvis owned the trenches on both sides of the ball and thus made it nearly impossible for Denver to gain any kind of a foothold.
Spot on ya, guys.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
It was just your inner Hank showing
Alec Shane led a support group here earlier this week, lol. /Like your sig by the way. Dead on accurate.
Keep the faith!
Lost in the greatness of TFB/Gronk's performance was the mistake free O-line
Never heard anyones name called all night, except for Light getting into the scrum on the sideline, no false starts, no missed blocking assignments. They played outstanding.
GFY
Penalties as a whole seemed to be down
Denver’s O-Line was holding all night long, although I have to admit I wasn’t watching to see if the Pats were getting away with any either. That’s something I’ll look for when I re-watch the game. You’re right though in giving some love to that line, they did play outstanding. We were out of our minds last night.
Keep the faith!
It seemed the refs in both games yesterday let them play
Wasn’t any ticky-tack penalties, Branch’s push off on the TD catch could have been called, I’m sure Bronco fans were screaming for it.
There were holding calls on both o-lines that went uncalled but seemed like Broncos got away with fairly obvious ones, they didn’t get called cause Tewbow was running for his life anyways
The obvious ones got called, Horsecollar, Chungs late hit, Wilfork getting a little too “quick” for himself on that offsides.
Just glad neither crew inserted themselves in either game.
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 15, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
Still hate the Branch thing
Since he was being held, and only pushed the defender off of his arm/
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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 15, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Mike Pereira, former head of NFL officiating, agrees:
Offensive PI is rarely called without an arm extension
he really didn’t even push off, Branch just slowed down and allowed the runner to bump into him and then he turned on the jets again.
That's what it looked like to me
He changed speed for an instant, made defender slow down and adjusted for the catch. Still with the wrong zebras it would have been called
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 15, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
With about 300 more yards...
Brady will have the most total yards thrown in a full NFL season. A stat I’m quite sure that doesn’t give a damn about.
Still pissed Ridley coughed up the rock on that run
That was setting up TFB’s 7th
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 15, 2012 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
He was too
Ivan Fears was talking to him on the bench and I hope it just strengthens his resolve instead of nicking his confidence.
Keep the faith!
yeah saw that
They can’t all be Lawfirm
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 15, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
Really? Brees was 200 ahead after regular and he’s played 2 more games. Surely his lead is 500+?
by quadruple option on Jan 15, 2012 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
Brees is at 6404 total, had 462+464 in each playoff game
TFB only has 5598. Highlights why “total” season stats are irrevelant, an extra game in the wildcard – which no one wants to play, pads stats.
Brees can’t add to his numbers but could still keep the record(I assume he has it right now)
TFB would need over 400/gm to eclipse the current.
Ask Brees how having that record feels
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 15, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
Duh
I kind of forgot about last week. Dumb me!
Belichick has enlightened me on this years draft
We will select…. Dwayne Allen TE from Clemson. Then we’ll have Herndo at RB Gronk and Allen at TEs and Welker and whoever WR2 is. The Hernandez at runningback is a mind-blowing thing, as long as he can stay healthy.
by Always Sunny Next Year on Jan 15, 2012 9:46 AM EST reply actions
Fans weren't too sure about that draft when it first happened
Most of us were screaming for pass rushers and he goes and drafts two tight ends. That’s why he wears the hoodie and we don’t.
Keep the faith!
I get so annoyed when all the media constantly says BB has failed at drafting
When he got Gronk, Herndo, Spikes, McCourty, Mesko, Deadrick in one draft that is successful. And of course he traded back for picks.
by Always Sunny Next Year on Jan 15, 2012 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
I was hoping they stopped using it, but it was working so well.
Unless there’s no way to stop it – still don’t want to reveal all the tricks yet.
Can the Rainmaker(as he shall be known going forward) throw the ball?
Or maybe the endaround, lateral back to TFB, for a Gronk in the Endzone?
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 15, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
“So, Tebow, now you see that evil will always triumph…because good….is dumb.”
by jonnyphoenix on Jan 15, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
Great game yesterday
Tom Brady and the Patriots showed why they are the high water mark in the AFC if not the NFL. Hope your team plays well and the players all stay healthy for the remainer of the playoffs.
Broncos will have to regroup and rebuild a bit more to be more competitive next year, but we are on the way up.
Congrats again and best of luck and health to all you Patriots and Patriots fans.
"When I began playing the game, baseball was about as gentlemanly as a kick in the crotch." - Ty Cobb
Thank you very much.
The Broncos are definitely on the way up. With that D, and a couple emerging players on offense, you should have no problem next year and for years to come. I can’t wait until the rematch between our two teams next year.
And thank you for the well wishes! Same to you.
It matters not how strait the gate, nor charged with punishments the scroll:
I am the Master of my fate. I am the Captain of my soul.
by BigRussNovak on Jan 15, 2012 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
Nowadays, you find Tim Tebow in your GRE prep book
Thad Castle: Which one of you assholes stuck his finger in my asshole?
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