2012 NFL PLAYOFFS: Denver Broncos topple Steelers, next up New England Patriots
Still think Tim Tebow doesn’t have what it takes to play in the NFL? The knock on him has been his abilities as a passer and those questions were answered against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday. Tebow threw for 316 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. He also added a score on the ground behind 50 yards rushing on the day. Had Willis McGahee not fumbled in the 4th quarter, this game would have been ended sooner but an 80 yard catch and run in the first non-sudden death overtime in the NFL sealed the deal. Did I mention he passed for 316 yards? Demaryius Thomas also deserves a large share of the credit for his great hands and running after the catch. His 204 yards with the overtime score propelled Denver to their first playoff win since 2005. Now comes a match up with the New England Patriots in Foxborough.
The Patirots have only lost one home game this season, a four point heart breaker to the New York Giants which was pulled out on a Eli Manning pass to Jake Ballard with 15 seconds left. The last time the Patriots met with Denver, the Broncos turned the ball over 3 times, two of those turnovers leading to a ten point swing and 27-16 lead at halftime. The loss kicked off the Broncos three game slide to end the season and is no doubt one they would like to have back. They will get that chance now but face a much stiffer challenge against a quarterback who is as playoff seasoned as they come in Tom Brady. If Tim Tebow can build off this game and continue his stellar passing performance, the Broncos will have a chance to keep pace with the high scoring Patriots offense. The Patriots have overcome their 31st ranked secondary all season because of the pass attack, always seemingly able to treat opposing secondaries as if they were among the league worst.
Bottom line is the Broncos secondary will need to play their best game of the season if they hope to beat the Patriots. Though he was hobbled, they have to feel good about holding Ben Roethlisberger to 289 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Brian Dawkins possible return for this game would also be a huge motivator and add to the swagger of the secondary. While Brady is among the most elite quarterbacks, if the Broncos can take away Welker and Gronkowski all bets are off. As displayed by the New Orleans Saints, momentum is a big factor come playoff time and the Broncos have just rocketed in that department. This will be another match up where stats favor the opponent but intangibles favor the Broncos.
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