This was the perfect game for me in that I was not emotionally vested in either team win or lose. From that vantage point, I appreciated very differently a game, or presumably a different game itself, that others apparently watched or reviewed. Taking absolutely nothing from an impressive Denver team, I did not see a superlative defensive showing from as much as I saw Brady making his worst judgments of the season. I did see a New England defense, that for whatever reason had not received nearly the same or even similar attention as their offense, keeping their offense in the game. I also saw Belichick, possibly out of some peculiar hubris or arrogance, denying the obvious and attempting a ridiculous fourth down conversion in lieu of an almost sure field goal with over five minutes left. This game was still so much up for grabs given a porous Patriots' offensive line and its associated woes that giving much more than passing credit to the Broncos seems impossible. The score reflected an utter coaching meltdown- never mind a missed extra point.
Gostkowski missed an extra point. That is the only story from the game worth remembering. The Denver defense did not stop Brady when they had to at the end. Brady takes the game into overtime and wins in a manner he so often does. But Gostkowski missed an extra point. That's the only story worth remembering about the game.
Is no one going to lambast Gary Kubiak for his ridiculously conservative and predictable second half play calling that almost lost the game? Denver has played at least 5 games this season with similar second half impotence. While Manning was better in this game than he has been all season, he had little chance in the second half because all his passes were on "must pass" situations. Without Wade Phillips' defense, Denver would have been maybe 3-13.
Congrats to a defense that may be the best the NFL has seen since the Ravens in 2000.
Congrats to a defense that may be the best the NFL has seen since the Ravens in 2000.
1
Football fans in Massachusetts have been spoiled beyond our wildest imaginations.The Brady-Belichick teams will be remembered as some of the best there ever was, and rightly so. Ten AFC Championships, four Super Bowl wins, great comebacks, some crushing defeats on the national stage. And no team played better when the weather outside was atrocious. Unfortunately we will also have to say they just couldn't quite get it done at high altitude, based on their terrible record in Denver CO. Hats off to the Denver Broncos for an impressive win. Rooting for the Orange in SB 50.
3
At some point the Patriots became the Yankees of football. Or the Lakers or Blue Devils of football: pick your pretty team that people love to love and love to hate. Too many wins, too many bandwagon fans, and too many supermodel girlfriends/wives. And like the above teams, they were good enough to earn it.
It was a nice run, and the Denver defense ended it. A lot has been said about Manning's season and the nature of this rivalry. But maybe Tom Brady is also getting a bit old? He feels like Jeter, not quite pulling another one out of the bag. Now that the dynasty is over, to whom do we turn to hate like we hated the Patriots? Or to turn that question around, to whom do the bandwagon fans outside New England turn to now? The Yankees aren't good, Kobe is awful and retiring, and Duke might not be all that this year.
It was a nice run, and the Denver defense ended it. A lot has been said about Manning's season and the nature of this rivalry. But maybe Tom Brady is also getting a bit old? He feels like Jeter, not quite pulling another one out of the bag. Now that the dynasty is over, to whom do we turn to hate like we hated the Patriots? Or to turn that question around, to whom do the bandwagon fans outside New England turn to now? The Yankees aren't good, Kobe is awful and retiring, and Duke might not be all that this year.
It was all about the missed extra point in the first quarter. You could sense it throughout the game every time the score was posted. Had it been made it might have been the most thrilling overtime in NFL history.
2
"It was all about the missed extra point in the first quarter."
Only to people looking for a scapegoat.
The game was lost by the whole Patriots team, and won by the whole Broncos team. playing 60 minutes, not the 2 seconds it takes to kick an extra point. Both the jeers for Brady and the cheers for Manning miss the whole point...it was a team effort on both the winning and losing sides.
Only to people looking for a scapegoat.
The game was lost by the whole Patriots team, and won by the whole Broncos team. playing 60 minutes, not the 2 seconds it takes to kick an extra point. Both the jeers for Brady and the cheers for Manning miss the whole point...it was a team effort on both the winning and losing sides.
2
I think the Tom/Giselle macrobiotic diet contributed to his lackluster performance yesterday. A little more protein in the system may have helped Tom bounce back a bit quicker from the unending smackdown he received from the Broncos yesterday......still smiling and feeling good today over this game
1
On the contrary, TR, the Patriots organization did not contest the ruling that there organization did, in fact, cheat. What was taken to court was whether Brady individually could be punished pursuant to the Players Contract for having destroyed his phone without sufficient prior notice that such destruction may be a punishable offense.
Lest we forget:
"In a dramatic about-face Tuesday, Kraft announced he was accepting the league’s decision to fine his team $1 million and forfeit two draft choices as part of the discipline handed down for the Patriots’ role in what the league said was an intentional effort to gain a competitive advantage in the A.F.C. championship game against the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 18."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/21/sports/football/roger-goodell-says-pat...
"Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced Tuesday at the Spring League Meeting that the team will not appeal its punishment, which includes a $1 million fine and the loss of a first-round pick in 2016 and a fourth-round selection in 2017."
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000493270/article/new-england-patri...
Lest we forget:
"In a dramatic about-face Tuesday, Kraft announced he was accepting the league’s decision to fine his team $1 million and forfeit two draft choices as part of the discipline handed down for the Patriots’ role in what the league said was an intentional effort to gain a competitive advantage in the A.F.C. championship game against the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 18."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/21/sports/football/roger-goodell-says-pat...
"Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced Tuesday at the Spring League Meeting that the team will not appeal its punishment, which includes a $1 million fine and the loss of a first-round pick in 2016 and a fourth-round selection in 2017."
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000493270/article/new-england-patri...
5
When an opposing player states about hitting the quarterback: “As long as he’s getting up, that means that we didn’t hit him hard enough,” Jackson said, " I understand why pro-football is about money not sportsmanship not athleticism. The NFL has succeeded in making a national pastime that aims for player injuries as a winning strategy, and causes brain damage. Ugh.
4
It's time for the NFL to have new leadership and courageously address the long term health issues of their players. In our desire to celebrate the 50th Super Bowl, I look at those who played in earlier Super Bowls and who are suffering from debilitating illnesses resulting from their injuries now. Bryan Gumbel and his news team explored this issue at least 10 years ago, and still the NFL stalls. We all know of past Super Bowl heroes, whether they played for the Bears, Cowboys, Giants, or Jets, who today are suffering from head injuries sustained from playing in the NFL. Beyond shameful, isn't it?
1
That was a heavy weight fight right to the end.
WOW
All week we were hearing about the great matchup between Brady and Manning, but in reality Brady and Manning both played against great defenses that knew what was at stake.
Luckily for my home team the clock ran out just in time.
WOW
All week we were hearing about the great matchup between Brady and Manning, but in reality Brady and Manning both played against great defenses that knew what was at stake.
Luckily for my home team the clock ran out just in time.
7
Even to this day there are Yankee haters since they won so frequently. It's likely the same in the NHL with Montreal often found holding the Stanley Cup. So it is with the Patriots, but in their case all of their success came in the salary cap era, while past NFL consistent winners such as the Cowboys and the 49ers like the Yankees could spend all they wanted to secure a championship.
3
I am joking, but any team visiting the Broncos should be given 2 free points (equal to a safety) because the high altitude of Denver makes the air thinner, and the visiting team is gasping for air by the second half. They showed a long sequence of Bronkowski on the sideline on the oxygen machine. The Broncos of course live there, and they are used to it.
Who knows, Belichik being a member of the rules committee, might propose it, lol.
Who knows, Belichik being a member of the rules committee, might propose it, lol.
2
Poor Pats - came down with a bad case of Bronchitis.
7
While the Pats had a great run this year, it's tough to win games, much less a super bowl, when your total offense consists Brady dropping back and throwing the ball 55 times a game. Amazing they came as close as they did without any running game. No team in history has succeeded with as little ground attack as this one.
3
The game came down to a couple plays... Makes you wonder if doctored balls could have made the marginal difference for the Pats to take it.
I mean, hey, it worked for them last year.
I mean, hey, it worked for them last year.
5
Very nice article, well written, insightful, and a little emotional. Good job. Thank you
2
Is it within the realm of possibility that the Broncos' front seven on defense played better than the Patriots offensive line by a wider margin than the Patriots' front seven on defense played better than the Broncos' offensive line...if that makes any sense? It's hard to express that, but the quarterback don't play each other - they play the opponents defense, behind an offensive line that either does its job or gets beat. Football is not all that mysterious.
Mike Singletary, as coach of the Forty-Niners, made the ludicrous statement that the quarterback is not the most important player on the team. The QB is the most important player. But they're not better than the guys protecting them.
Mike Singletary, as coach of the Forty-Niners, made the ludicrous statement that the quarterback is not the most important player on the team. The QB is the most important player. But they're not better than the guys protecting them.
3
THAT was a game worthy of watching.....close, nail-biting and the way it should be! Congrats to the Broncos for helping Manning close out his storied come back. Brady has time but Manning has overcome adversity with grace and intelligence. Time for the national sports media to pay him respect.
10
The Patriots had a good run, but it would have been quite an achievement for them to get back to the Super Bowl after all of the injuries they sustained this season and all of the players who had to rotate in and out as a result. (You're not going to get very far when you have to sign a running back out of retirement at the end of the season!)
As good as Denver's defense played - and they definitely brought their "A" game yesterday - it was still a nail-biter, and the Pats could have forced overtime or even won the game. There are plenty of Pats "haters" out there, but tell me all of you don't envy their ability to get back to the playoffs every year and even contend for the conference championship despite the turnover on their roster. (And spare me the "cheater" chatter: "Deflategate" has been largely debunked; see the article about it elsewhere in the Times sports section.)
Now, Denver may have won itself a booby prize. What Carolina did to Arizona last night - one of the league's best defensive teams - is downright scary. They just ran, passed, and scored at will, and forced 7 turnovers to score 49 points. Is the Denver offense good enough to overcome this runaway train? Peyton will see intense pressure and strong pass coverage in two weeks. Could turn out to be Super Bowl 48 all over again…
As good as Denver's defense played - and they definitely brought their "A" game yesterday - it was still a nail-biter, and the Pats could have forced overtime or even won the game. There are plenty of Pats "haters" out there, but tell me all of you don't envy their ability to get back to the playoffs every year and even contend for the conference championship despite the turnover on their roster. (And spare me the "cheater" chatter: "Deflategate" has been largely debunked; see the article about it elsewhere in the Times sports section.)
Now, Denver may have won itself a booby prize. What Carolina did to Arizona last night - one of the league's best defensive teams - is downright scary. They just ran, passed, and scored at will, and forced 7 turnovers to score 49 points. Is the Denver offense good enough to overcome this runaway train? Peyton will see intense pressure and strong pass coverage in two weeks. Could turn out to be Super Bowl 48 all over again…
6
Rooting for the underdog is an American sports power paradox I have inherited and embrace as a rule. Even when my team is up, I still want to see good refereeing, great plays on both sides, close final scores and fans who behave.
Hard for me to resist sharing your dour & dim view of Bronco history repeating itself a-la SB 48. But I will truly enjoy SB 50 if it is only half as an exciting "nail biter" as this AFC championship game. Few true "sport" fans like watching blowouts.
Go Broncos! Have the time of your sporting lives, along with Panthers!
Hard for me to resist sharing your dour & dim view of Bronco history repeating itself a-la SB 48. But I will truly enjoy SB 50 if it is only half as an exciting "nail biter" as this AFC championship game. Few true "sport" fans like watching blowouts.
Go Broncos! Have the time of your sporting lives, along with Panthers!
1
Well, Carolina has been known to get "sloppy" at inopportune times - like against the Giants, when they gave up 14 points late in the game and almost blew it. Or going into overtime with the colts, or letting Seattle score 17 unanswered last weekend.
So if the Broncos don't let the Panthers get out to a quick lead (like they did last night), then they have a chance.
So if the Broncos don't let the Panthers get out to a quick lead (like they did last night), then they have a chance.
523 straight successful PAT's by NE. Then one miss.
The Football Gods were smiling on that old Manning body, and Denver. ("My kingdom for a PAT!")
The Football Gods were smiling on that old Manning body, and Denver. ("My kingdom for a PAT!")
4
Being a Giants, and Jets, fan it is good to see a Manning team defeat the Patriots. One thing was good. I looked at several Boston papers and none of them blamed the refs. So at least this time they are taking the defeat well.
6
Great choice of photo to accompany the article. As you can clearly see, Aqib Talib grabbed Gronkowski's jersey and pulled him down when he was jumping to catch the ball. This type of move has been pass interference forever.
Look, the Denver defense played great, and the Patriots offensive line played horribly. But there's no doubt that on this critical 4th and 6 play, Denver got away with a game-changing penalty.
Look, the Denver defense played great, and the Patriots offensive line played horribly. But there's no doubt that on this critical 4th and 6 play, Denver got away with a game-changing penalty.
6
And Talib is a former Patriot. Wonder why the team let him walk in free agency?
Did they pick on poor little Gronk? Boo-hoo.
Anyway, I don't think the photo shows that at all: it was a good non-call.
Anyway, I don't think the photo shows that at all: it was a good non-call.
5
Ironic!
It's usually the Pats getting away with the game changing penalties.
It's usually the Pats getting away with the game changing penalties.
2
I'm a PATS fan and it may be a long shot but I really hope Manning and the Bronchos win SB50.
5
I have been a Patriots hater for years and a huge Peyton fan. that being said, Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the history of the game.
12
"If he gets up, we're not hitting him hard enough". That pretty much defines the asinine "sport" of football, promoting violence and domination as success. Our This is the message we give to our children, that teamwork is used only to overwhelm and defeat an opposition. Will we ever evolve to an understanding of interdependence?
5
Funny that you should read so far into the article (18th paragraph) if you abhor football as you say you do.
2
If you can get consistent pressure on immobile Tom Brady, you have a decent shot to beat the Pats. Giants and even the Jets have been able to do it. The Broncos had the personnel to do execute that plan against an offense with a battered O line and no running game to speak of. Even with that, the Pats were a missed PAT away from OT and a possible win.
1
What? No 'soft' balls, no secret sideline videos? The Pats are loosing their touch. ' No cheat, no win' should be their epitaph.
Go, Peyton! Go,Broncos! This would be a sweet one!
Go, Peyton! Go,Broncos! This would be a sweet one!
6
No, no, no. Cheaters don't get the benefit of doubt.
We have to assume that the Broncos won despite the Pats cheating... They just didn't get caught this time.
We have to assume that the Broncos won despite the Pats cheating... They just didn't get caught this time.
2
Oh, don't sell the Pats short. I am quite sure they found a way to bend the rules this season, too. You can start with their use and abuse of player injuries protocol.
1
Anytime that Brady is your leading rusher you have a seriously unbalanced offense; which makes the job of the defense a little easier. The Denver defense is so good that making life easy for them is tantamount to giving them a "W." Fun game to watch but probably more so in Denver! The Super Bowl has a lot of potential this year.
3
I'm glad Denver won. Denver made Tom Brady look like the average QB he really is. Talk about how great he is now, Pats fans. With the protection he was getting before last night, I could throw TD passes.
3
"Average?" Four Super Bowl rings in six tries? Seven straight AFC East championships?
Come on, get serious. You may not like the guy, but he's a first ballot Hall of Famer. Just like Manning (four AFC championships and one Super Bowl win in three tries, in case you forgot...)
Come on, get serious. You may not like the guy, but he's a first ballot Hall of Famer. Just like Manning (four AFC championships and one Super Bowl win in three tries, in case you forgot...)
2
A very fine football game with great defense played by both teams.
Of course, the difference was the Pats' missed PAT, from the new longer distance. The New England final touchdown from Brady to Gronkowski was a thing of beauty, one of the finest TD grabs by a tight end that you'll ever see. But the probability of the Pats executing a consecutive short yardage success on the two-point conversion was very low. Hence, the loss.
Gregg Easterbrook, you wanna know why teams don't go for two more often? That's the reason. Making it into the end zone from short yardage on one play is doable. Making it two plays in a row is a much lower percentage.
It was truly a team effort from Denver because Peyton Manning was errant and did not have a lot of zip on the ball. Both team's running games were anemic. Hence, little things like the missed PAT loomed large.
The Patriots linebacking core was all banged up. The Patriots offensive line was a patch job versus some ferocious rushers. You have to give Coach Belichick some credit for competing to the end and nearly winning the game. The New England secondary is very underrated, and much better than Carolina's.
Of course, the difference was the Pats' missed PAT, from the new longer distance. The New England final touchdown from Brady to Gronkowski was a thing of beauty, one of the finest TD grabs by a tight end that you'll ever see. But the probability of the Pats executing a consecutive short yardage success on the two-point conversion was very low. Hence, the loss.
Gregg Easterbrook, you wanna know why teams don't go for two more often? That's the reason. Making it into the end zone from short yardage on one play is doable. Making it two plays in a row is a much lower percentage.
It was truly a team effort from Denver because Peyton Manning was errant and did not have a lot of zip on the ball. Both team's running games were anemic. Hence, little things like the missed PAT loomed large.
The Patriots linebacking core was all banged up. The Patriots offensive line was a patch job versus some ferocious rushers. You have to give Coach Belichick some credit for competing to the end and nearly winning the game. The New England secondary is very underrated, and much better than Carolina's.
3
The Broncos were all over Brady, rushing him and hurrying him , sacking him with some brutal (but fair) hits. It did seem to me the refs ignored for the most part the very handsy and grabbing Bronco defensive backs. If they had called some of the holding penalties on the Bronco safeties it likely would have been a different result.
2
Very well written article. Thank you. It was a classic game, one of the best I've ever watched and I'm an old head. Both teams gave it all they had and acted like sportsman after the game. Maturity, a novel concept our elected leaders need to acquire.
9
As a lifetime Bronco fan, I was biting my nails in the end and remembering games past. A good game was played by two good teams!
1
What about Belichick's decision NOT to kick an easy field goal on Denver 16 yard line with plenty of time remaining?
This was inexcusable, and cost the Patriots another trip to the Super Bowl/
This was inexcusable, and cost the Patriots another trip to the Super Bowl/
9
Agreed. It was a shocking decision.
and from the 14 as well....
Pats gave-away 6-points...
the Broncs may have played differently under those circumstances, but Brady's "last drive" could have resulted in a game winning field goal...
very, very poor bench calls...
Pats gave-away 6-points...
the Broncs may have played differently under those circumstances, but Brady's "last drive" could have resulted in a game winning field goal...
very, very poor bench calls...
Had they kicked the field goal, Denver would have played a different type of game at the end. They had an 8 point lead and wanted to hang on. They played at the end to not lose, to hopefully run out the clock. They did not want to pass and stop the clock with incomplete passes or even worse throw an interception. So they played the "safe" game. Had the score been different, I am sure they would have been throwing more passes at the end of the game.
1
OMG I kept turning to other channels because I was so afraid that Manning would lose. This is great. I hope he goes out a winner in the super bowl. But Cam Newton was the best quarterback that money could buy for Auburn, so Peyton has to be very very good to beat Cam. If Cam's father had not gotten a bye from the NCAA for getting paid $$$ for his son to go to Auburn, old Cam would not be where he is now.
3
I wish i had seen the whole game. I passed out before the 2nd quarter ended. (We were playing a drinking game; everytime Manning said, "Omaha!" we had to drink a shot).
9
@Bill in Maine: Too funny. You spared yourself a lot of pain, maybe not from a hangover, but from the hangover of watching a miserable game plan and an even worse execution.
5
We played a similar game - shots everytime Brady was hurried, sacked, or blocked - I'm still drunk
2
It happens. I saw it in the first quarter and said so. The Patriots didn't show up on Sunday for the game. The hapless inertia, coupled with the Denver defense, sealed the deal tearing through the Pats offensive line. In spite of all that, Belichek's mistake of failing to take the FG and the missed extra point said that it just could have gone the other way. Very close game and not a rout by any definition. It would have went the other way in Foxboro.
As far as the SB, don't count any chickens - or panthers. I'm sure that not too many remember the 1984 SB between Washington and Oakland. The Skins were the best team that year and a powerhouse while the wild card Raiders obliterated them 38-9. Any given Sunday and whichever team shows up with their game.
As far as the SB, don't count any chickens - or panthers. I'm sure that not too many remember the 1984 SB between Washington and Oakland. The Skins were the best team that year and a powerhouse while the wild card Raiders obliterated them 38-9. Any given Sunday and whichever team shows up with their game.
1
As a American football fan, I like talking to objective fans who see the brilliance of this run. I've never seen anything like it - maybe Manchester United in their heyday. Brady 10/14 years in AFC championship. Four rings. Six super bowls.
I know there's lots of haters out there who throw out words like "Cheatriots" with the utmost jealousy. But you can't deny the run this organization has been on. We will see if Denver or Carolina can equal that feat starting in the Super Bowl. Good luck to both teams.
I know there's lots of haters out there who throw out words like "Cheatriots" with the utmost jealousy. But you can't deny the run this organization has been on. We will see if Denver or Carolina can equal that feat starting in the Super Bowl. Good luck to both teams.
2
Over the years pro football has more and more become a game of penalties, luck and fate. Big G misses an end zone reception and pleads for pass interference (clearly there wasn't), an incomplete pass overturned on challenge to a turnover (vary questionable review) and finally fate that "the cheater" got his comeuppance in the end. Give me Sam Huff, Jimmy Brown and Johnny Unitas any day.
4
"clearly there wasn't" is overstating it quite a bit. I don't see any big uproar over the officiating of the game, but if you are saying it was "clear" that in the picture accompanying this article that number 21 Aquib Talib isn't grabbing number 87 Rob Gronkowski's Jersey and pulling him down with his left hand then you are being wrong.
Look at the picture at the top of this page. Maybe it should not have been called, but it is definately not "clear". look a gronkowski's jersey - If you want to say something is "clear", it is clear that Talib's fingers are grasping the jersey and tugging it enough to stretch the jersey.
I didn't come here to complain about the officiating, but I was surprised to see someone claiming that a photo in a New York Times article could not be trusted.
Look at the picture at the top of this page. Maybe it should not have been called, but it is definately not "clear". look a gronkowski's jersey - If you want to say something is "clear", it is clear that Talib's fingers are grasping the jersey and tugging it enough to stretch the jersey.
I didn't come here to complain about the officiating, but I was surprised to see someone claiming that a photo in a New York Times article could not be trusted.
Goes to show how important home field advantage is. Pats had a chance to have it then lost to their two heated rivals, Jets and Dolphins. As a fan of the former happy to see that we had a role, but the Broncos D was awesome. It really wasn't that complicated: Like the NY Giants, Broncos knew they had to be in Brady's face all day, and they were. NO QB can tolerate constant pressure and be effective. In these days where offense and the pass rules, it was defense that decided the outcome. Old school football.
Kudos to the Broncos! Great victory, contrary to the predictions of the arrogant sportswriters, all whom had Pats in the Super Bowl, before the game began.
All who had written off Manning. He outplayed Brady on his gimpy legs and mangled arm.
Go Broncos. Take it to the house next week!
Kudos to the Broncos! Great victory, contrary to the predictions of the arrogant sportswriters, all whom had Pats in the Super Bowl, before the game began.
All who had written off Manning. He outplayed Brady on his gimpy legs and mangled arm.
Go Broncos. Take it to the house next week!
14
Good game, and glad to see the Patriots out. Go Broncos!
7
Oh whiny, entitled "Patriots Nation", no excuses this time. You can't blame injuries or the officiating (like you did in the regular season lost to Denver). And Belichick did it again -- outcoached himself by shunning field goal(s) that could have/would have changed the outcome. You should all be so thankful for Pete Carroll out-hubrising Belichick in last year's Super Bowl....
In Wednesday's USA Today, Nancy Amour wrote a column titled "Brady Gets Best Revenge". He looked anything but vengeful in 3 of the last 4 games... losses to the Jets, Dolphins and Broncos. Yet again, a really good defense and good defensive game plan made him look mostly pedestrian.
As for Manning, he did just enough to help the defense carry the Broncos to the win, right? (and really nothing in the 2nd half). It's pretty clear from his post-game comments on the podium that the Super Bowl is going to be his final game. I don't think the Broncos can beat the Panthers and send him out like Elway, but with that defense, you never know.
In Wednesday's USA Today, Nancy Amour wrote a column titled "Brady Gets Best Revenge". He looked anything but vengeful in 3 of the last 4 games... losses to the Jets, Dolphins and Broncos. Yet again, a really good defense and good defensive game plan made him look mostly pedestrian.
As for Manning, he did just enough to help the defense carry the Broncos to the win, right? (and really nothing in the 2nd half). It's pretty clear from his post-game comments on the podium that the Super Bowl is going to be his final game. I don't think the Broncos can beat the Panthers and send him out like Elway, but with that defense, you never know.
3
I always dislike these displays of friendship and good sportsmanship that opposing teams put on after games these days. Besides being phoney, they violate the fundamental rule I learned as kid playing tough-touch-football in alleys and on empty lots, which was you came into the game determined to demolish your opponent, played the game in a way that left no doubt that you intended to demolish your opponent and left
the game believing that regardless of what you had accomplished, you had not sufficiently demolished your opponent. Those, of course, were the good old days.
the game believing that regardless of what you had accomplished, you had not sufficiently demolished your opponent. Those, of course, were the good old days.
2
In this pass-happy era of the NFL, this game showcased some of the finest defensive play the league has seen in years. A satisfying and thrilling game for old-school football fans.
7
What a dog fight the entire way. I'm a Pats fan and although I am disappointed by the outcome, the entire season was a fight to stay healthy and amazingly we made it to the AFC match despite injury after injury after injury.
The Broncos defense won this game today. And come February, the Panthers are gonna walk all over the Broncos. It's Carolina's year
The Broncos defense won this game today. And come February, the Panthers are gonna walk all over the Broncos. It's Carolina's year
1
With Gronk struggling to breath and put on oxygen partway through the game, no mention of the altitude is an oversight, in my view. If flatlanders have never gone from sea level to heavy exertion at a mile up, you just cannot know what a lousy feeling that is.
1
Since the Panthers will open at -3.5 at least, and since all the cognoscenti will almost universally pick against them, the Broncos are exactly where they want to be heading into Super Bowl 50!
1
"Shut down" ?!? Look - it was a good defense - no question - but Denver only won by 2 points - hardly dominating. Denver squeaked a win would be more like it.
1
Denver totally outplayed them. Pats were lucky to be in the game due to unforced error of the backward pass by Manning. Other than that their offense tanked completely.
1
On behalf of all UT VOL fans around the country, and around the world, hats off to the one the only, the GREATEST VOL OF ALL- PEYTON MANNING!!!
As someone born and raised in Baltimore and the Colts, I did not care for Eli Manning and the uniform he wore. Then on the Sunday following the death of Johnny Unitas, Manning wore high-top cleats to honor Unitas, his childhood hero. That's when I stopped hating Eli Manning. As a fellow old man, I wish him well in the Super Bowl. How could I not?
Dude, Eli Manning plays for NY
1
You are referring to Peyton Manning, methinks.
What year are you talking about? Eli will be in the stands watching his brother Peyton playing.
Our team won one today, due primarily to our outstanding defensive unit. The offense did their best, which was just enough to beat the seemingly shell shocked Tom Brady who has not been hit so hard, or so often, in so many of his past games. I think the Carolina Panthers will be a much more fearsome adversary. My hope is that we win of course, but we may just have to settle for a respectable loss. That being said, after watching Cam Newton methodically shred the CARDINALS JUST LIKE THEIR TEAMS NAMESAKE. I am being a realistic fan, being seventy five years of age brings a certain realism along with it.
I really do hope we show a better result than the hapless Cardinals did today. I am a fan of the Broncos since 1959 and have seen the team change to meet the times, so I am just being a realist. We have a significant challenge facing the Carolina Panthers led by the outstanding quarterback Cam Newton.
I really do hope we show a better result than the hapless Cardinals did today. I am a fan of the Broncos since 1959 and have seen the team change to meet the times, so I am just being a realist. We have a significant challenge facing the Carolina Panthers led by the outstanding quarterback Cam Newton.
9
Pats clearly had a number of opportunities to put points on the board, when they were deep in Bronco territory. Twice they could have kicked 2 field goals, then a kick at the end instead of trying for a 2 point conversion and missing. They would have won. Let's just say it didn't come together for the Pats, because God was letting the Pats know that God was very displeased about Deflategate, and thus, the Pats had to learn a bitter lesson about integrity and honor in the game...
2
Yeah, right. How about the two misses by Manning to wide open receivers in the end zone... there's 14 points for the Broncos right there.
Most analysts missed this: the best thing Denver had going for it was that they were playing in Denver where winning playoff games is very hard. That turned out to be more valuable to Denver than Brady getting all his receivers back.
3
True that. Next year the Pats won't use a game against my Phins as a scrimmage to work on their run game. What hubris. Glad my team played a big hand in the Pats well deserved demise.
Love it! Great to see the Pats not be able to cash in on Gronks Offensive Interference on his last touchdown catch. "Shove the defender away and catch the ball... the refs won't dare call it." Another bonus was Brady panicking and missing a wide open Gronk crossing the back of the end zone for the 2 point conversion. Touch Brady and he's an average QB at best... a scared average QB.
3
Excellent game. I think Carolina will crush the Broncos, even though, for sentimental reasons, I'd like Peyton to win and retire. But Cam Newton and company are going to be very hard to beat.
5
I will be roundly condemned for saying these two things, but just to be impartial:
1. Tom Brady should feel lucky that he does not have to face Cam Newton in Super Bowl 50.
2. Win or lose, Peyton Manning should retire after this season. If he continues, he will be in danger of becoming a Drama Queen.
1. Tom Brady should feel lucky that he does not have to face Cam Newton in Super Bowl 50.
2. Win or lose, Peyton Manning should retire after this season. If he continues, he will be in danger of becoming a Drama Queen.
4
Peyton Manning, Isidore Newman School, New Orleans.
Very well done, Peyton Manning.
Very well done, Peyton Manning.
1
The Patriots actually could have one this game
had they gone for the short field goal on 4th
and 1! 3 additional points, and the Pats would
have won 21-20!
Denver's pass rush was awesome. Pats O line...
Get well guys, there's always next year.
had they gone for the short field goal on 4th
and 1! 3 additional points, and the Pats would
have won 21-20!
Denver's pass rush was awesome. Pats O line...
Get well guys, there's always next year.
You know that only works if the rest of the scenario played out as it did. They still would have had to score a TD without the Broncos scoring and with the different circumstances the Broncos would probably have played a less conservative game. So, the best you can say is "we'll never know".
1
Egreshko....Always take the points. 4th and 16
20-15. Touchdown at :14 sec, 21-20. extra point
kick, 22-20 Pats.
However, your right in that we'll never know.
20-15. Touchdown at :14 sec, 21-20. extra point
kick, 22-20 Pats.
However, your right in that we'll never know.
Brady should have been called for at least 6 "intentional groundings" That would have set the final score to an even more representative of how pathetic the Patriots'game was today.
I don't understand why referees do NOT call intentional grounding when there's no receivers within 15 yards of where the ball is thrown ..
It just makes it too cheap and unfair to "avoid" being sacked ..
I don't understand why referees do NOT call intentional grounding when there's no receivers within 15 yards of where the ball is thrown ..
It just makes it too cheap and unfair to "avoid" being sacked ..
17
NFL Refs not allowed to call intentional grounding on Brady or Offensive Interference on Gronk (check out his last touchdown catch... nice push off, Gronk!)
2
What game were you watching? That did not happen once in the way you described it during the AFC Championship game on January 24 2016, much less 6 times...
You are allowed, within the rules, to throw a pass that you do not intend for anyone to catch as long as you are out of the pocket and the ball passes the line of scrimmage, or if there is an eligible receiver in the vicinity of the pass. You can believe whatever you want, but that doesn't mean your beliefs are right. If you re-watch the game, you will not see any intentional grounding no-calls.
You are allowed, within the rules, to throw a pass that you do not intend for anyone to catch as long as you are out of the pocket and the ball passes the line of scrimmage, or if there is an eligible receiver in the vicinity of the pass. You can believe whatever you want, but that doesn't mean your beliefs are right. If you re-watch the game, you will not see any intentional grounding no-calls.
1
I thought the Patriots had to try the 2-point conversion to try to tie it up, and force OT. Kicking the extra point didn't seem to have been an option. Or am I showing my football ignorance? ... be kind, please!
As a young chap living in Denver, I had never seen a pro game. I was from a state that hadn't any pro teams, but some collegiate knock-outs. So, neighbors who had season tickets for 4 seats, good seats, we were invited to attend a Bronco game. We largely wanted to go as the opposing team had the star, Joe Namath, as quarterback, and when he walked onto the field, the notorious South stands, stood and yelled en masse, "Get Namath's Knee!!" I grimaced, exchanged frowns with my wife, and kept quiet. I though it terribly unsportsmanlike. In time, I began to see the difference between pro and collegiate. I moved from Denver just before the back-to-back Super Bowl victories led by John Elway. I had continued to follow them faithfully regardless of where I lived and there's enormous satisfaction in seeing Kubiak who played for Denver and was Elway's back-up, then assistant coach under Shanahan, ultimately be named head coach for the Houston Texans. That saw him with both great and no so great seasons but invaluable experience. And now in his first year in Denver, a trip to the Super Bowl. What a team, what a city!!!
8
As a Patriots fan I knew they were doomed to lose this game by listening to sports radio out of Boston this week (WEEI). All the hosts were already looking forward to the Super Bowl in Brady's home town. They were talking about Brady and Belichek's legacy. It was not a question of if they would win but by how much. How Awful Manning is. The last time I heard so much confidence was before they faced the Giants in the SB. Hard to win with no running game. The last time Brady faced so much pressure was in those Super Bowls against the Giants. Still, I thought they were going to pull it out. Just as well, Carolina would beat either team.
23
We'll never know if Carolina would have beaten the Pats, but we're going to find out if they can beat the Broncos.
You may be doing what the sports radio hosts were doing, declaring the Broncos losers before the game is played.
You may be doing what the sports radio hosts were doing, declaring the Broncos losers before the game is played.
5
Some of the best defense I have ever seen.
23
No mention of the impact of the new rules on extra points.
4
Peyton 1 Sports Writers ( so-called) 0
14
The Broncos defense ate us up and spit out the bones. Downright impressive.
A Pats Fan
A Pats Fan
35
Agreed. The Bronco's defense won this game hands down. It will be interesting to see if they can get to Newton like that. It is their only chance, just like it was the only way they could have beaten Brady. The better team that day won that game. Hats off to the Bronco's defense players and coaches.
3
me too, Brincho's D were monsters. but missing that extra point on the first touchdown did them in- at least at the end of regulation. if he had made it it would have been tied and gone into OT.
I think I'm psychic, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach as soon as he missed that extra point.
I think I'm psychic, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach as soon as he missed that extra point.
NO! THE FIX WAS IN! (hee hee). The NFL hates the Patriots and that is why they never win.
2
Too bad the game really turned on a simple missed point after touchdown kick by a kicker who hadn't missed one all season. Absent that miss early in the game, this game would have been determined in over time.
Not sure any team is going to stop the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 though.
Not sure any team is going to stop the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 though.
12
Pey-ton Man-nimg beat Brad-y. ( sung to Nationwide Ins tune.)
6
Defense is the game "post season" in most any sport. The Pats lost because of Bronco D yes but also...they were completely discombobulated on offence. That they had all their weapons available and according to history...well they should have won and they blew it. The players and the coaching...blew it. They are after all just like the rest of their peers. i am jaded and i admit it. NE seemed to get some serious preferential treatment. Jones on drugs...no testing...no comment...no suspension? If that had been a NY player...? Anyway it worked out: though i realized i wasn't happy the Pats lost....i just wasn't unhappy. That could be construed as tolerance? Maybe?
1
Patriots were having issues with sideline tablets in the first half. Bummer. Was it related to air pressure differences at higher altitudes? Or a karmic interpretation of the Ideal Gas Law? ahhhh...Never mind. Let's just put a hoodie on it.
5
Guess Brady couldn't cheat his way through this game. He would've if he could have.
16
Hey - I'm a Denver fan, having been born there; but Brady's no cheat. He's a great quarterback.
Credit where credit's due - the Broncos D was amazing.
Credit where credit's due - the Broncos D was amazing.
12
Must be a Republican who doesn't understand (or believe) in science. Scientists across the country have shown conclusively that there was no cheating.
3
TR....based on real science a football could only possibly lose about .5 lbs of pressure do to the temperature change; anything more than that was a deliberate act..
a more passionate gridiron battle than we'll likely to see in the post season final scene.
9
I thought it was a pretty epic battle between two great defenses and two great quarterbacks. Brady did more both good and bad for his team but was the better quarterback in the second half considering the level of duress. He just got screwed by a bad call by Belichick when they should have taken the three on fourth down. But who am I to question the judgement of the genius.
8
The better team won, but more importantly the Pats confirmed they have never been or will be any and of dynasty.
4
It's old school. Players stepping up because everybody wins. Football is in transition as it always is, maturity of coaches allows the transition to look seemless. Good for Peyton.
5
Two chances to score a field goal and Pats "go for it" and come up empty, forcing a must 2 pt conversion when they can't score TDs all day. Last weekend it was "they need a FG and TD, get the FG out of the way." This weekend?
3
Thank you, Broncos!
- a former Buffalonian
- a former Buffalonian
7
On behalf of all of us who live over a mile above sea level, you are more than welcome.
A very satisfying loss. Very!
5
I've been a lifelong Patriots fan and had been worried about the Denver defense as they've been the best defense most of the season.
That's how it turned out, no way the Patriots could have won that game the way the defense played, the better team won.
I would have loved to see the Patriots go to another Super Bowl, but the team that made better plays won. Sure we had injuries during the year but so doesn't everyone else.
That's how it turned out, no way the Patriots could have won that game the way the defense played, the better team won.
I would have loved to see the Patriots go to another Super Bowl, but the team that made better plays won. Sure we had injuries during the year but so doesn't everyone else.
18
Orange Crush puts a crimp in Pats fans proclamation of Tom Brady being the greatest quarterback who ever lived.
4
The genius coach is to blame for this season. The stupid on side kicks against the Eagles, the coin toss issue in the Jets game, the loss to Miami, one victory in any of those games would have given the Patriots home field and they have a bad history in Denver. And today he opts not to kick fiels goals in the fourth quarter when one field goal and the last TD would have meant victory. Belichcik thinks he's smarter than every one else but this season he really screwed up. If he gave Brady a haflf way decent O line and at least one good wide out the outcome would have been different. Without TB, the Pats would have been an average team the last 15 years.
10
Fully agree. The Miami game was a fiasco cause Bill chose not to win it with a terrible game plan and not using Jimmy Garoppolo. But I agree with many here: I think this year the Panthers are invincible.
5
Why didn't the Patriots replace Marcus Cannon with a smaller, faster offensive lineman to keep up with Von Miller? Heck, a fullback playing offensive line would have been more effective blocking Miller than Marcus Cannon was. Von Miller isn't a power rusher, but he's as fast as a safety.
1
There was no one to replace him with. Von Miller beat every lineman he faced during the game.
1
Broncos Shut Down Patriots? That is exactly what happened. What a euphoric crowd of fans! Even Sylvester Williams waxed euphoric if also X rated (We're going to the ........ Super Bowl). Well done Mr. Manning. Well done Bronco Defense. It was a wonderful game for all football fans.
11
Although no one seems to be talking about it, this game was lost by whomever decided to pass up a gimmie field goal with 5:56 left in the game and go for it on fourth down with the ball on the Denver 16-yard line. Whoops. No first down; no three points. the difference this call made was monumental. Instead of being down eight when they scored a TD at the end, the Patriots would have been down only five. Gronkowski catch. Game over. NE headed for Super Bowl.
21
@ walt amses: They would have either had the field goal blocked, or Gonk would have missed. Or Denver would have run the ensuing kickoff back for a touchdown. So many different scenarios "could" have been played out, but one thing is certain, missing that extra point turned out to be fatal.
1
Perhaps you missed the PAT in the first quarter and Minnesota's "gimme" against Seattle...
You do know you're assuming that after a NE FG the game would have played out the same. Had Denver been down by only 5 I doubt they would have played as conservative as they did in the "real" game.
Peyton Manning's strategy was simple - to make sure the ball stayed inflated. That left the Patriots in disarray for Broncos to win the game fair and square.
12
Thank you Peyton for one last year. I'd love to see you go out a winner. You've made football so interesting for so many years.
6
Both teams are very good. I am personally a Patriots fan but it was an even game. Just better playing on the Bronco's part. Their is always next season!
1
But the Broncos can't possibly have won the game.
New England is the best, and they get the most publicity, and they're from the BOS-WASH corridor.
The Broncos must have cheated.
New England is the best, and they get the most publicity, and they're from the BOS-WASH corridor.
The Broncos must have cheated.
6
I kind of like dynasties and I would have liked Seattle to begin to establish one last year with a repeat as SB champions.
New England is always a must watch and even with seconds to go they were not considered out of the game. You almost forget they went a decade between SB wins and that none of their SB wins or losses was by more than four points.
NE v. Carolina might have been more exciting, but Carolina v. Broncos will have plenty of sentiment. I think I'll be pulling for Newton, Rivera and the rest of the Panthers. A second SB win might be poetic for Manning, but won't change his legacy much and I'd like to see Newton get started on his legacy after such a strong year.
New England is always a must watch and even with seconds to go they were not considered out of the game. You almost forget they went a decade between SB wins and that none of their SB wins or losses was by more than four points.
NE v. Carolina might have been more exciting, but Carolina v. Broncos will have plenty of sentiment. I think I'll be pulling for Newton, Rivera and the rest of the Panthers. A second SB win might be poetic for Manning, but won't change his legacy much and I'd like to see Newton get started on his legacy after such a strong year.
2
True, the Bronco's defense won this game but Manning was excellent against a NE defense that was also good. Great game. It was a team win in which Manning was a soldier-manager. Missed is that the coaching for the Denver defense was superb! The MVP should be the defensive coordinator!
8
Wade Phillips is a terrible head coach, and one of the best defensive coordinators ever to live.
Go figure.
Go figure.
1
Wade Phillips is my all time favorite NFL coach; great mind, great scheme, great sense of humor, great guy.
2
Tom Brady made today’s AFC Championship game the most exciting example of “grace under pressure” I have seen in 45 years of watching professional football. Of course, this is easier to confess here in Colorado. No one here stopped praying until the final genuflection.
Easy to hype the alleged personal rivalry between two of the best quarterbacks to ever grace the field, but Peyton Manning’s humility is hard to pick off.
"Our defense has been outstanding all season," Manning said. "They have led us to this point, let’s make that clear. Different guys stepped up at different times all season. I could go on and on. Each game, key defensive players stepped it up. But you have to be a good team to win these playoff games and you have to win as a team." (various online news sources 18 Jan 16)
Easy to hype the alleged personal rivalry between two of the best quarterbacks to ever grace the field, but Peyton Manning’s humility is hard to pick off.
"Our defense has been outstanding all season," Manning said. "They have led us to this point, let’s make that clear. Different guys stepped up at different times all season. I could go on and on. Each game, key defensive players stepped it up. But you have to be a good team to win these playoff games and you have to win as a team." (various online news sources 18 Jan 16)
8
In the 4th quarter, Denver defense stopped New England twice on 4th down plays deep in Denver territory. The third time, NE scored but were stopped from tying the game by yet another defensive stop by Denver on a 2-point conversion try. If NE had succeeded, the game would have gone into OT.
Game ball to the Denver defense.
Game ball to the Denver defense.
8
I'd argue it was incompetent coaching by NE not to kick the FGs. NE would've won.
Karma comes in many forms.
2
Why has NYT been writing Manning's NFL career obituary for a while. Pretty sure after this game Brady is more gimpy than Manning is, and feeling every muscle and bone in his 38-yr old body. This is NFL, and any game or any play could be your last one - it is brutal on your body. The score might show it close (and it was a hell of a game) but Denver clearly outplayed NE in every department including the special team. Ironic how Manning's and Brady's careers have diverged where Brady went from being a game manager to MVP on his team and vice versa for Manning. Now time for Manning to get that trophy.
BTW, did Mr. Easterbrook write in his notebook for NE to win after they went for it on the 4th down with about 6 minutes left in the game? There are times to go for it on the 4th down and time to kick a FG.
BTW, did Mr. Easterbrook write in his notebook for NE to win after they went for it on the 4th down with about 6 minutes left in the game? There are times to go for it on the 4th down and time to kick a FG.
2
Who will Giselle thrown under the bus this year?
4
Either the Broncos defense was on meth, or the Patriots' offensive line was paid to lose, lol...
1
I guess Brady's designated "Deflator" couldn't make it to the stadium on account of the blizzard
4
Forgot to allow for the altitude when deflating.
Both defenses looked solid. If this game was in New England, the result probably would have been different. In any case, happy to see a classy Brady share some kind words for Manning after the game.
It'd be nice to see Manning retire on top, but I have a feeling the Panthers will strongarm the Broncos pretty easily.
It'd be nice to see Manning retire on top, but I have a feeling the Panthers will strongarm the Broncos pretty easily.
2
Did the defenses play better, or was it simply a case of 2 Hall of Fame quarterbacks finally showing some rust at the end of their glorious careers?
3
This game was lost in Miami. We should have played to win there and played this one in Foxboro. Nevertheless, the Pats hung in to the last minute.
But you have to give it to the Broncos. Their defense won this one. They outplayed us.
But you have to give it to the Broncos. Their defense won this one. They outplayed us.
7
Awesome game. Patriots lived up to their ability to come back and use every second at the end of a game when given an opportunity. Denver D won the game hands down. Manning deserves this win, but was not able to close it with offense.
7
Congratulations to Peyton and the wonderful Denver defense. Brady will have more years to go to the big one - but this is probably Peyton's last. Thanks for all the great plays over the years - nobody has ever been a better master of the two-minute drill.
4
Oh you forget Elway and the number of times he pulled the fat out of the fire, late. Cleveland will never forget "The Drive."
It was an exciting game and a defensive battle. In the end New England's mistakes were its undoing - two interceptions and a costly missed point after, which was the difference maker in the final score. Looking on the bright side, as a NE fan, I'm looking forward to forgetting about football until next season.
1
The Patriots come up short, robbing them of playing one more game this season. In other words, the Patriots, unlike the Broncos, won't have any more opportunities this season to suffer concussions. And the Broncos are considered the winners? From a neurological standpoint, the Patriots won easily.
On behalf of ethical athletes everywhere, CONGRATS BRONCOS!
7
Broncos defense was superb. Manning brought all his experience and together they got it done.
6
In Newton, MA, the TV CBS channel which carried the ballgame, had vision blocked by a black rectangle every time the Patriots made a play. The Broncos
were not blacked out, nor were advertisements or other channels. This became
very suspicious of tampering the TV channel only when the Patriots had the ball. Has anyone else been bothered by this black-out?
were not blacked out, nor were advertisements or other channels. This became
very suspicious of tampering the TV channel only when the Patriots had the ball. Has anyone else been bothered by this black-out?
I'm an *X Files* fan too.
The NFL. Sometimes you deflate the ball, sometimes the ball deflates you. Goodbye Patriots.
7
First time in my life, I rooted for the Broncos.
@Seattle
@Seattle
1
I'm for any team except Tom Brady and the Patriots!
6
Ah, how sweet.
1
Broncos' defense was outstanding. As disruptive as you'll ever see.
8
A truly great effort by Brady who was getting mobbed by Denver all day. He came very close to achieving a miracle in the very last minute.
I've always been a Unitas man, but may have to rethink that after today.
Playoff games should not be played on the home fields of the teams that are competing. The home teams win far too often.
I've always been a Unitas man, but may have to rethink that after today.
Playoff games should not be played on the home fields of the teams that are competing. The home teams win far too often.
7
.... and what would be the comments of Dr. Bennet Omalu & Dr. Ann McKee on this "development" ?
Good game! Congratulations to Denver for playing well and making it to the Super Bowl.
2
Congratulations Patriots for a hard fought game and Congratulations to Peyton Manning for another trip to the Super Bowl!
11
It's all about the defense (and maybe a bit about a missed EP).
2
The patriots were just as stymied by the Denver defense as they had been in November. I am very disappointed in Belichik who usually doesn't lose twice to the same team in the same season. But so be it. The Denver defense was truly amazing, sometimes too amazing. And they had Brady's number.
Coulda, woulda, shoulda. I sort of realized the season was sunk when the head coach decided to lie down and die in Miami, giving up home-field advantage through the playoffs. There were moments in this game when I sort of felt the coaches were giving up on Brady too. I think players can realize when coaches don't have confidence in their play. For example I don't understand why they didn't allow Brady to go no huddle sooner and more often.
It's always hard to see an abrupt end to the season. While I can't say I'm thrilled the Broncos will be in the Super Bowl, I do know they earned this win fair and square and deserve to represent the AFC in the big game.
Having seen the Panthers throttle Arizona, however, I suspect Peyton's next big game will be a whole lot harder.
Coulda, woulda, shoulda. I sort of realized the season was sunk when the head coach decided to lie down and die in Miami, giving up home-field advantage through the playoffs. There were moments in this game when I sort of felt the coaches were giving up on Brady too. I think players can realize when coaches don't have confidence in their play. For example I don't understand why they didn't allow Brady to go no huddle sooner and more often.
It's always hard to see an abrupt end to the season. While I can't say I'm thrilled the Broncos will be in the Super Bowl, I do know they earned this win fair and square and deserve to represent the AFC in the big game.
Having seen the Panthers throttle Arizona, however, I suspect Peyton's next big game will be a whole lot harder.
10
Christine - in a game this close, your point about not having home field advantage rings true. The history of the famed Brady-Manning match ups at each venue supports your theory (although like most people, I did not predict this outcome).
And it is not just sleeping at home all week or raucous fans that provide Denver an edge at home. You asked about going no-huddle sooner and we must remember that even well conditioned athletes are not immune to the oxygen deficit that comes from exertion at altitude without sufficient time to become fully acclimated. Maybe that O-line of over sized men that seemed over matched today was just gassed.
Most football games are won & lost in the trenches where the opportunities of more graceful athletes (adorned with great money and fame) are determined. I don't root for your team or your QB, but they deserve immense credit for coming so close in a game on the road and at altitude and with line play favoring the home team. Even Brady's quick release was not enough given the masterful defensive scheme of coach Kubiak, for which Belichick had no answer. - and that is a rarity!
And it is not just sleeping at home all week or raucous fans that provide Denver an edge at home. You asked about going no-huddle sooner and we must remember that even well conditioned athletes are not immune to the oxygen deficit that comes from exertion at altitude without sufficient time to become fully acclimated. Maybe that O-line of over sized men that seemed over matched today was just gassed.
Most football games are won & lost in the trenches where the opportunities of more graceful athletes (adorned with great money and fame) are determined. I don't root for your team or your QB, but they deserve immense credit for coming so close in a game on the road and at altitude and with line play favoring the home team. Even Brady's quick release was not enough given the masterful defensive scheme of coach Kubiak, for which Belichick had no answer. - and that is a rarity!
1
A terrific game.
21
They were the better team by a very slight margin. Manning couldn't get anything done in the second half and Kubiak lost a time out on a stupid challenge. But if the old adage that defense wins football games then the Broncos' defense bent but did not break.
25
The Broncos' defense won the game, fair and square. There was no subterfuge, nor did the NFL steal the game so as to avoid Roger Goodell having to give the Lombardi Trophy to Robert Kraft. The Broncos were simply the better team today.
82
yes. perfectly said
Mark -- I guessed you (along with the Refs) missed the "Talib NOT holding Gronk" in the endzone...
As for Roger, be careful what you wish for. What will happen to ratings (and advertising revenue) when all of 17 people outside Denver and Arizona/Charlotte tune in for the Super Bore 50?
As for Roger, be careful what you wish for. What will happen to ratings (and advertising revenue) when all of 17 people outside Denver and Arizona/Charlotte tune in for the Super Bore 50?
Right, and calling it a game between two great quarterbacks totally mischaracterizes the game. It was a contest between a great quarterback and an awesome defense, not helped at all by a weak offensive line.
3