Halftime: Talib Goes Down, Patriots Trail Broncos 13-3

The New England Patriots will once again have to stage a big second half comeback if they plan on beating the Denver Broncos and advancing to Super Bowl XLVIII.  After 30 minutes, the Patriots trail the Broncos 13-3 in the 2014 AFC Championship.

The big story: Aqib Talib went down with an early second quarter injury and hasn't returned.  The Patriots declared Talib questionable to return with a rib injury, although Talib had a noticeable limp heading into the locker room.  The Patriots had only allowed three points to the Broncos with Talib out, but gave up a second quarter touchdown and a late field goal drive after he left the game.

Peyton Manning looked like he was settling in by the end of the half, and the lack of any Patriots pass rush certainly has to help.

The Patriots offense has been virtually non-existent.  Quarterback Tom Brady has had a good amount of time to throw the ball, and has looked relatively accurate aside from a missed deep ball to Julian Edelman.  However, an offensive pass interference and a terrible sack given up by Nate Solder to Robert Ayers limited the Patriots to just three first half points.  The team hasn't gotten anything in the running game.

The Broncos will get the ball up ten to begin the second half.  The Patriots need to make a stop.