Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium
The Quarterbacks
The number two in passing New England Patriots Tom Brady led offense will need to show why Tom threw for 5235 yards this season? Hitting the 6000 yard mark might be a possiblity in the future but for now the Denver Broncos will need to stop Brady from steering the drives down field with his uncanny precision in hitting any reciever from anywhere on the field. His talents led to 39 touchdowns this year almost doubling the 20 touchdown passes thrown by the Denver Broncos.
The Quarterbacks
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| Brady |
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| Tebow |
In their last meeting Brady threw for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns with a passer rating of 117.3 and put 41 points on the board to seal a win.
Wow! "Tebowing" has become a household word. Tim Tebow has made believers out of a lot of fans that did not believe a run first, wobbley throwing, mechanicaly unsound, rookie quarterback could make it happen. Well, the Pittsburg Steelers found out the hard way with 319 yards passing and two touchdowns there is something special happening in Denver. Could we see the offense open up again in New England? Against the Patriots in December Tebow only had a 50% completion rate and 194 yards passing, but his legs scored two touchdowns rushing and was the leading rusher for the Broncos with 93 yards.
All of this can be thrown out the window with Tebow behind center, especially in the fourth quarter.
Advantage - Patriots
Running Backs
The Patriots rely on the passing game to win ballgames so Steven Ridley and Ben Jarvis Green Ellis will be looked to for keeping the pressure of Brady. They share the backfield nicely giving way to the tight ends for the short yardage and wide receivers for the big plays. The Patriots were 20th in the NFL that rushes for 110.3 yards per game still has the presence to keep the defense honest or they will score on you! Green Ellis is also a threat in the passing game a strength often used in screens to open the lanes.
Run, run and run is or was the offense of choice for the #1 ranked rushing team in the NFL until last weekend against Pittsburg. Willis McGahee had 19 carries for 61 yards and Tebow had only 50 yards. Lance Ball did get 4 touches for only 11 yards to give them a breather. We could see more action from this trio to keep Brady off the field and conrol the clock. This becomes a real mystery this weekend.
Advantage - Broncos
Wow! "Tebowing" has become a household word. Tim Tebow has made believers out of a lot of fans that did not believe a run first, wobbley throwing, mechanicaly unsound, rookie quarterback could make it happen. Well, the Pittsburg Steelers found out the hard way with 319 yards passing and two touchdowns there is something special happening in Denver. Could we see the offense open up again in New England? Against the Patriots in December Tebow only had a 50% completion rate and 194 yards passing, but his legs scored two touchdowns rushing and was the leading rusher for the Broncos with 93 yards.
All of this can be thrown out the window with Tebow behind center, especially in the fourth quarter.
Advantage - Patriots
Running Backs
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| Ridley |
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| McGahee |
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| Green Ellis |
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| Ball |
Run, run and run is or was the offense of choice for the #1 ranked rushing team in the NFL until last weekend against Pittsburg. Willis McGahee had 19 carries for 61 yards and Tebow had only 50 yards. Lance Ball did get 4 touches for only 11 yards to give them a breather. We could see more action from this trio to keep Brady off the field and conrol the clock. This becomes a real mystery this weekend.
Advantage - Broncos
Wide Receivers
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| Welker |
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| Thomas |
What can we say about Wes Welker the little engine that could. He seems to be the redzone target on every play even on their 5 yard line. He was clutch again this year with 1569 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns. The true leader of the receiving corp. He caught 122 passes this year showing his durabilty and health issues are behind him. He may be a huge factor in this game going against the 18th ranked passing defense.
A star is born! Demaryius Thomas had the game of his life last week and will want to carry on the the new found fame. The final play in overtime for the win capped off a 204 yard day with the winning touchdown that he has skills. Can Tim Tebow find this star in the making against the porous 31st ranked New England defense, if so get your horseracing tickets. He did struggle for the yards all season with only 551, but with a 17.2 yards per catch he has the big play ability.
Advantage - PUSH
Tight Ends
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| Gronkowski |
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| Fells |
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| Hernandez |
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| Rosario |
This is where the game could be won. The outstanding historic run that the tight ends in New England are having is reshaping the offenses and defenses in the NFL. How do you stop the playmakers Rob Gronkowski 6'6" 285lbs that caught 90 balls for 1,327 yards and scored 17 touchdowns and Aaron Hernandez 6'1" 245lbs on the other side receiving for 910 yards and scored 7 touchdowns. Combined the tandem scored 24 touchdowns at the tight end position. That will have to scare the secondary of the Broncos.
The tight end position for the Broncos is bleak at best. Daniel Fells 256 yards and Dante Rosario 117 yards all season are mainly blockers the rushing attack and protection for the unorthodox quarterback Tim Tebow. They do there job and they are in the playoffs so no ones complaining!
Huge Advantage - Patriots
Prediction Patriots 38 - Broncos 16
Now fans time to show your pride!
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