Even if Patriots QB Tom Brady will never admit it, the media obsession over Broncos QB Tim Tebow leading up to their Divisional Round game had to motivate him just a little bit. So what does Brady do? Ties the NFL Playoff record with six touchdown passes, including a record five in the first half, leading the Patriots to an easy 45-10 win over the Broncos Saturday night in Foxboro, Mass.
Also tying an NFL Playoff record was TE Rob Gronkowski, who has gotten used to breaking records this season, as he had three of the six TD passes, as well as 145 yards receiving. The Broncos were able to keep him contained fairly well the first time they played, but had no answer for him Saturday. Brady finished the game 26 of 34 for 363 yards, and did have an interception that led to the lone Broncos touchdown, an overthrow to Gronkowski.
The Patriots Defense was ready for Tebow and the Broncos Offense, with an amazing 13 negative plays, including five sacks and a forced fumble on the Broncos opening drive, when the Broncos were driving. Tebow finished the night just 9 of 26 for 136 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions, and WR Demaryius Thomas had six catches for 93 yards. Tebow used long plays to Thomas last week in their win over the Steelers, but the Patriots defense rarely gave him enough time to even try a long pass, let alone Thomas getting open deep.
The Patriots will host the AFC Champsionship game next Sunday for the first time since January of 2008, when they beat the Chargers to move to 18-0. They'll take on the winner of the Ravens - Texans game.
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NFL Playoffs 2012 - Road To Indianapolis: Tom Brady Throws 6 TD Passes, Patriots Blow Out Broncos 45-10
Jan 15
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