Brady and Pats Bring TebowMania Down to Earth!

In my opinion there is no such thing as a good loss in the NFL. Every game from September to December means something and you can't just dismiss a loss and move on. Some people might depict New England's 41-23 thumping over the Broncos as simply a case of Tom Brady being Tom Brady and Denver not yet ready for primetime. I don't buy it one bit-especially the way the Broncos jumped all over the Pats in the beginning of the game. Denver took a 16-7 lead thanks to a dominating rushing game, and it looked like Denver's magical ride would continue, but reality, Tom Brady, and crucial turnovers set in and the Broncos loss at home to snap a 6 game winning streak. Now, Denver stands at 8-6 and it will be in a dogfight the final two weeks to make the playoffs. The Broncos got a touchdown run from Tim Tebow on its' opening drive to take a 6-0 lead (The extra point snap was low). Brady responded with at touchdown pass to Chad Ochocinco to make it 7-6 Pats in the first quarter. The Broncos answered right back with a Lance Ball 32 yard touchdown run to finish off a drive in which Denver and their running game completely gashed the Patriot defense. Up 13-7, the Broncos defense forced a Patriots punt, and Denver once again moved the ball methodically on the ground and through the air to set up a field goal and a nice 16-7 lead. From that point, the Pats dominated. After a Brady to Aaron Hernandez touchdown hook up, Ball fumbled on the Broncos next play. The Pats converted with a field goal and it was 17-16. Tebow fumbled on an option play the next series, and the Pats turned it into a short Brady QB sneak and it was 24-16. Quan Cosby inexplicably tried to field a punt with less than 10 seconds in the half in his own end, and he muffed it which led to a Patriots field goal to make it 27-16 at the half. Those three errors really buried the Broncos chances. After each team punted on their first possessions of the third quarter, Brady went to work and dissected the Broncos defense. A Danny Woodhead touchdown run gave the Pats a 34-16 lead late in the third. Tebow added a touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 34-23, but once again Brady cut the Broncos secondary to ribbons and put the nail in the coffin with a BenJarvus Green-Ellis touchdown run to make it 41-23. It was a disappointing finish to one of the most highly anticipated games in recent memory. After starting out so fast and furious, it is surprising to me how this team just melted in the second quarter.

Here are my quick thoughts and observations on the game......

1) Despite fumbling in the second quarter, Tebow played very well. He threw the ball really well this week and his numbers don't look eye-popping (11-22 and 194 yards) he played one of the most efficient games of the year. He is progressing every week, but if they don't make the playoffs, then the questions about him will continue.

2) The Broncos young safeties got exposed yesterday. Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore, who started for the injured Brian Dawkins, missed tackles, and they both looked late and out of position. Maybe it will be a learning experience for them, but they both need to play better next week.

3) The Broncos defense has gotten carved up by Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford, and Tom Brady this season. If Denver is going against an average QB, then they will play well. If they are going against a good offense with a top-flight QB, then they are in trouble.

4) The Broncos had no answer for Tight End Aaron Hernandez. They kept Rob Gronkowski in check for the most part (4 catches for 53 yards), did a nice job on Wes Welker (4 for 41), but Hernandez buried them. Give credit to Brady as well. He was his stellar self again (23-34 320 and 2 TDs.)

5) The three turnovers were the key for the Broncos. Each turnover led to points, and the game completely changed as a result. You are not going to overcome that against the Pats. For the first time, the Broncos special teams really played a stinker.

6) The Quan Cosby muffed punt was the absolute killer and turning point in this game. Instead of being only down 24-16 at the half, the Broncos were down 27-16 and they gave away three points. That totally changed the game.

7) The Patriots got every single call the entire day. It was absolutely ridiculous. The illegal use of hands penalty on Robert Ayers on a 3rd and 24 in the third quarter was a disgrace. The Pats didn't score on that drive, but it completely changed field position. Awful job by the officials.

8) This is a bad loss and not a good loss for this reason: The Broncos started this game perfectly. They jumped on the Pats defense, they were running it at will, and their passing game was effective. At 16-7 you had to feel good as a Broncos fan. Unfortunately, the roof caved in after that, and the Patriots just took over. I'm sorry there are no positives in this loss.

7) Denver heads to Buffalo for a very tricky game against the 5-9 Bills. If Denver wins and Oakland losses, then the Broncos win the West. If Denver loses, then they must beat the Chiefs in Week 17 to win the division. I will have a special look at the next two weeks for the Broncos during the middle of the week.