New Englanders Primed and Ready for AFC Championship Game
by Tim Lynch on Jan 10, 2012 3:00 PM MST
in Diagnosing the Problem
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Yes, you read that title correctly. The game on Saturday already a foregone conclusion as far as they are concerned. As well they should, their New England Patriots open up two touchdown favorites over the Denver Broncos. Heck, they don't even think the Broncos are really a playoff team - well, maybe that's taking it a bit far. I believe the exact words were, "The worst playoff team in NFL History". So it's time to start making your plans for the Sunday after next, because the Patriots will be playing for yet another Super Bowl berth!
That about summarizes what I took from this article in yesterday's Horse Tracks. Why will it be such a cake walk for the Patriots on Saturday? Well, let's see what Bostonian's have to say about that:
The Patriots, presumably, will not make the same mistake the Pittsburgh Steelers made, which is to say the Patriots will not dare the Denver Broncos to throw the ball deep. Bill Belichick is far more likely to make the Broncos methodically drive down the field, asking Tebow to demonstrate the one thing he still has failed to show.
Consistency.
Yep. That is exactly how you beat Tim Tebow. Something every defense in the league that has faced him has tried to do this year. Yet every time an NFL defense figures out Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow figures out that NFL defense. The Pittsburgh Steelers copied what the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Kansas City Chiefs did to Tim Tebow. You know, that "once NFL defenses catch on" tidbit we are fed by the experts. No one stops to think, "When Tim Tebow catches onto what NFL defenses are doing..."
Oh, but the Patriot fans confidence doesn't stop there!
And so, the road to Indianapolis just became a little clearer, New England no longer required to deal with Pittsburgh this postseason as the pieces continue falling neatly into place. There is hardly any shame in that. On Saturday night, the Patriots seemed destined to face both the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens if they are to return to the Super Bowl this year. Now the Steelers are out of the picture, felled by a poorly conceived game plan and a young, unrelenting quarterback who continues to leave doubters in his wake. (Emphasis mine)
Translation: The Denver Broncos? The Tim Tebow-led Denver Broncos? bwahahahahaha. Let's not talk about the 200 yards the Patriots gave up in the first quarter of their previous meeting. No way, no how! In fact, I stated after their previous meeting that the Patriots should have more questions about their team than the Broncos do about theirs. The Broncos know they can't turn the ball over three consecutive times in a row and expect to win, but do you really think the Patriots feel good about stopping the Broncos rushing attack? They had to rely on the bounce of a fumble to wrestle back control of that game. No, the Patriot fan is already looking forward to another AFC Title game.
If the first two snippets didn't bother you, how about this one:
Let's say that again: depending on the specific oddsmaker, the Patriots are bigger favorites in this game than they have been in any postseason affair since Super Bowl XLII. They are clearly the superior team. Add in the fact that New England is playing at home coming off a bye, and the Patriots should absolutely, positively be hosting the AFC Championship game in Foxborough on Jan. 22.
If that's presumptuous, so be it. The Patriots went 13-3 this season and were the No. 1 seed in the conference. The Broncos went 8-8, the worst record among all playoff participants. Were it not for the fact that Denver plays in the anemic AFC West, the Broncos would have been home watching yesterday.
It is presumptuous ... and arrogant. I only hope the players on your team feel that way as well. Tim Tebow just put up 30 points on the best defense in the National Football League and they did it without much effectiveness in their #1 ranked rushing attack. If you ask me, the Patriots are the one's in trouble this weekend. The Broncos are underdogs again, and with nothing to lose you should expect their A+ game on Saturday.
In many ways, New England has been at the top echelon for so long they have forgotten how dangerous a team can be when the players are having fun. The Denver Broncos are having fun again and the Patriots have everything to lose this weekend. Win or lose, the Broncos will give Tom Brady and Bill Belichick headaches. Here is one last chunk of presumptuous New Englander writing:
Now the Patriots are set to begin the postseason anew with what looks like a seeming layup, a relatively mediocre Denver team that just upended one of the two remaining clubs to defeat the Patriots this year.
I took some heat for predicting a loss to Kansas City in Week 17, but with the "divine" season we are having, it just seemed fair to give Kyle Orton a win over his former team. I don't like predicting Broncos failures and it is rare when I do and you won't get any of that from me this week. Call it Karma, call it Divine, for now let's just call it Magical! And here's to one more week of it!
GO BRONCOS!
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Very interesting
Incredible that a team that was down in the first quarter, and gave up so many rushing yards, would be that much of a favorite. It was only because of turnovers that the Broncos got behind and had to become one dimensional. I think McGahee will snap back this time and put the fumbles behind him.
Is this vibe comming from pats pulpit ?
by broncosfaninphilly on Jan 10, 2012 3:10 PM MST via mobile reply actions
That's fine. Keep doubting the Broncos...
That’s how we like it.
by MidTNBronco on Jan 10, 2012 3:11 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
I didn't realize we New Englanders were doubting the Broncos until
someone from Denver said we were.
BTW, the same people doubting the Broncos now were probably the same people doubting the Jets in the playoffs last year.
It is what it is
Yeah, I didn't either
apparently we’re overconfident at the same time. Egomaniacs with an inferiority complex?
Keep the faith!
Don't blame us for being fired up over that article.
Go chew out the dingleberry who wrote it, not the dingleberry who responded to it. :P
Haha... I always send him comments and emails
along with a few other chosen writers. My suggestions for some reason are ignored.
Keep the faith!
Tim... Have you seen this yet?
From SportsNation: Conan O’Brien re-enacts the Broncos’ overtime victory with peanuts. It was pretty funny.
Keep the faith!
thanks Marima! Very funny indeed (at least the part about the Steelers going straight to hell...)
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 10, 2012 5:23 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Hey, I take that personally!
I think New England fans will be in trouble if they think that the Broncos are going to fumble three times in a quarter again.
by egotistical ma on Jan 11, 2012 1:10 PM MST up reply actions
I read this article...
…and many others that reflect a similar sentiment. Let ’em keep underestimating us! Just like the bears, jets, and STEELERS did!
I’m excited to see Tebow & co play their hearts out!
3 more weeks of Broncos coverage, baby!
by H-bizzle on Jan 10, 2012 3:12 PM MST via iPhone app reply actions
All of this banter puts the Broncos in the best frame of mind for the game.
Fuel to the fire. It makes it more difficult for the Pats to play with that edge that you can only get when your back is to the wall…a beat down dog. BB will have them ready to go, and the players will say all the right things, but in the back of their minds they’ll be looking to the next game.
Advantage Broncos!!
by Mile High ThundaDownUnda on Jan 10, 2012 3:13 PM MST reply actions
Leave it to Patriots fans and analysts to look past the Broncos
I’m pretty sure Belichick & Co. won’t be overlooking Denver. So this is just fuel for us fans, but I don’t realistically expect that the rest of the Patriots team is overlooking us.
by neumdaddy on Jan 10, 2012 3:16 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
And in fairness, as the Patriots, who would you rather play?
Steelers (the team that whipped you) or Broncos (the team that you whipped)? Of course this is a great draw for them.
so maybe the Pats arent overlooking us..
and thats a big MAYBE. the fact is the fans are. if we can come in there like we did first quarter of last game, Foxbourough is gonna be mighty quiet. and that my friends might very well indeed get to the Pats players. If we come out stunnin’ like we did before i bet you will be able to feel the collective enthusiasm leave the stadium.
by veggiezaffer on Jan 10, 2012 3:38 PM MST up reply actions
Didn't realize we were overlooking you guys.
Last I checked, I know a lot of Tebow fans around here.
It is what it is
Just the MSM, as usual
The clued in folks know better. We’re used to the MSM giving us the ugly step-child treatment. Last I looked only 8 teams are still playing, 24 are home watching. Guess we must not be so bad then.
They should be praising Denver's win this week...
…since it adds a smidge of relevancy to their regular season – they can now say they have defeated at least one team with a winning record when they won against us in round 1. I find it fascinating that of the other two teams with a winning record they lost to – we just beat one this week.
Not that any of that really matters much beyond being enormously funny as it relates to the confidence some of the pats fans are exuding. Let them have fun and look past us… it will be that much more satisfying in the end. Loving the karma build-up for the week already…
Not seeing the same level of insults to be honest
And likely won’t be seeing the same level of excuses afterwards regardless of the outcome. BB and team are doing the classy thing, and will be better prepared for it by not dismissing Denver with vapid assumptions. The complete lack of respect is the karma builder – go ahead and keep that up.
Ugh, I hope we take to them!
show everyone we DESERVE to be here! I’m sick and tired of people acting like the broncos are a joke..even after the win sunday all I hear from people is “yeah..but”
We do deserve this, we fought hard just like the other teams here..we fought hard when everyone said we couldn’t make it.. When things were going wrong, our team never quit! There is ALWAYS a dumb ass excuse as to why we win, why we are here..i dunno…how about we fu%@ing earned it maybe? So what we are 8-8, that’s what it took to get here..
This just pisses me off..let them over look us, let them jump the shark, see who gets the last laugh!
Go broncos!
Dont trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display..
by Tuscani on Jan 10, 2012 3:26 PM MST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
only fools disbelieve
guess we’re dealing with some fools here
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 3:46 PM MST up reply actions
For sure Brad..
I’ve been getting talked down to all day by co-workers and friends to the point where I’m just sick to death..can’t wait for this game..not that it will change minds..haters gunna hate…
Dont trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display..
by Tuscani on Jan 10, 2012 3:52 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
I don't think
let them jump the shark
you know what that phrase means, but I understand what you’re saying. Go Pats.
Can I Scream?
? Enlighten me?
Dont trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display..
by Tuscani on Jan 10, 2012 4:10 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
It’s used mainly to refer to TV shows that have gotten consistently worse after a certain episode.
by tossin on Jan 10, 2012 4:54 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
yep
when writers include an outrageous situation into a declining TV series to build up excitement, the show has “jumped the shark” and is on it’s way out.
Keep the faith!
Happy Days
I had long stopped watching that show when Fonzie jumped a shark with his motorcycle. Funny how fast a phrase can become mainstream. Or am I that old?
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
I know, it was a joke, bad attempt on my part...
Dont trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display..
by Tuscani on Jan 10, 2012 5:16 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Don't listen to that BS
Anyone who says “Yeah, but” after that game is a moron and has no logical ground to stand on. Hate our QB, diss our team, keep talking smack about the Broncos…all we did was win our division, get into the playoffs and beat the Steelers in the first round….
….so far.
GO BRONCOS!
"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV
For sure sadaraine! My thoughts exactly!
I honestly don’t understand it.. SuperBowl until we aren’t!!! (o.O)
Dont trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display..
by Tuscani on Jan 10, 2012 5:21 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Keep in mind...
…New Englanders don’t make up the point spreads.
OH heck...here we go
No the Packers didn’t, but they sure bought into the hype about that point spread. I still smile when I think of that sideline quipping about how they weren’t even playing an NFL team or some such nonsense. Who was that? Eugene Robinson? I don’t recall but that is some funny junk.
"Bombs dropping down overhead. Underground. It's instilled to want to live." -EV
You we torched him 2 years in a row.
Wonder if Rod Smith sends him a Christmas card for his coverage skills. :D
Vegas I dont get the 14 points ?
Broncos ,better defense , RB , special teams , has nothing to loose us against the world attitude .
by broncosfaninphilly on Jan 10, 2012 3:42 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Its about the public
Everyone thinks the Pats will win. So in order to get someone to bet Denver… you have to give points its a home game so you give 3 off the bat. Then considering we lost last time and that was an away game (for NE) that’s another 3. So before you factor in anything else… we’re already +6 dogs. I think 14 is very fair considering we average like 17 points a game and they average 30.
Do you understand point spreads?
It has nothing to do with what anyone thinks the actual spread will be and everything to do with driving bettor behavior.
A 14 point spread means that everyone, and I mean everyone, thinks the Patriots will win. Just to get people to lay money on the Broncos they need to give people a 14 point cushion. That’s as close to consensus as you can get among people who gamble for a living.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 10, 2012 3:54 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
thats right
the true spread could be somewhere around 8. But if you put it at that the public will jump all over the Patriots
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by T.Dot_Bronco on Jan 10, 2012 4:42 PM MST up reply actions
Copy that.
I think it’ll be close, nevertheless.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 10, 2012 6:24 PM MST up reply actions
I'm not sure what it will be
I try not to bet Bronco games because I want to keep my emotions out of it. I’ll probably hit the over though
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by T.Dot_Bronco on Jan 10, 2012 6:57 PM MST up reply actions
Reality
Broncos better defense – maybe, but not by much. Broncos gave up 24.4 points per game, Pats gave up 21.4 – against almost the same number of total plays, so you could make a case the Pats are better here too, but I agree Broncos might be slightly better here (we would be better if we had a MLB that was consistent and could help in pass coverage, but we are very weak in the middle at MLB and safety).
Broncos RBs better? only if you look at yards per carry, where we have a slight advantage, but McGahee/Ball fumbled 5 times losing 4 (regular season only), while none of the three Pats RBs has fumbled at all this year.
Special teams? Field goals – Pats have a 9% better percentage – not saying they are better, just saying they are as good here as us. Punting – Pats net punt average 41.5 yards, Broncos 40.2 yards. Pats have a better net, even with our thin air advantage. Pats get the advantage in special teams.
Offense – Pats score 32.1 per game versus our 19.3. Massive advantage for Pats
Turnovers: Pats +17, Broncos -12 (Brady 6 fumbles losing 2, Tebow 13 fumbles losing 6)
Pats have home field, 13 days of rest versus Broncos 6 days of rest. Emotion – Pats are hungry, Broncos are happy and are coming off a very emotional win – advantage Pats.
Hope we win, but we will need a real miracle (or Brady going down quick) to win this one.
by cohiker on Jan 10, 2012 6:09 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Check out the Link above. How great is that?
I wouldnt bet against us, thats for sure.
Yeap!
I saw that picture…You know how a picture can say 1000 words, right? This one speaks volumes.
Too bad New England doesnt have a mayor. I wonder if BB is in a betting mood. I bet, he too, could look good in that position wearing a #15 Broncos jersey.
Thomas "Mumbles" Menino
Guy’s an absolute idiot, too.
“Remember when Varitek split the uprights?”
Can I Scream?
Part of the bet should have been that the mayor had
to use that as his avatar for a year. I will say this about the Steelers, great organization and the fans are by and large are really good and have very high football IQs. I can respect that.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 10, 2012 5:29 PM MST up reply actions
CAPTION ALERT!
Who has two thumbs and is taking you all to the Super Bowl?……..
THIS GUY
Go Broncos
by Scottey15 on Jan 10, 2012 3:52 PM MST reply actions 7 recs
the truth!
Dont trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display..
by Tuscani on Jan 10, 2012 3:54 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
And Greened
"It's all over fat man!"
-Tom Jackson
"When John Elway is standing in lava with a football, he will stay there and sink until you're open"
-Seanbaby
I'd just like to point out...
Pats last four games:
•Let Washington hang around all game before pulling ahead 34-27
•Let us get up 16-7, then got ahead on 3 straight turnovers and we had to more or less abandon the run too early
•spotted Miami a 17-0 half time lead, took advantage of turnovers again to come back, including a short field fumbled snap and an INT in their own endzone
•spotted Buffalo a 21-0 first quarter lead before roaring back.
The key – grab the lead early, hopefully into halftime, hang onto the ball, churn the clock, pick off Tom Brady, and pressure him with a 4 man rush. We got this – they haven’t won a playoff game in 4 years, and if we don’t shoot ourselves in the foot we may be able to move the ball all day on them.
by penguinman831 on Jan 10, 2012 3:54 PM MST via mobile reply actions
You're not wrong.
The Pats are in trouble if they let the Broncos punch them in the mouth again early in the game.
At the same time, they’re not going to panic if they do find themselves down.
When Denver is the "dog" they seem to shine brighter!
“Every dog has his day, but good dogs get two!”
Hey guys! Hey guys!
Hue Jackson’s available — you should grab him. He’s the second-best thing to happen to Denver this year.
/troll
Have fun, kids. Bound to be a great game.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 10, 2012 3:56 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
No thanks.
We already have the #1 ranked rushing offense and we don’t even have DMAC. Hue can go coach in Tampa.
Funny how folks forget how the last game with NE really was going. . .
Prior to our second quarter fumble-fest, we were pretty much running at will against this defense (165 yards in the first quarter). We don’t put the ball on the ground 3 times inside our own 30 in less than 5 minutes (and Rahim Moore doesn’t drop an interception on the first NE drive that they scored their first TD) and it’s a one point game in the fourth quarter.
Their defense knows their job just got a lot tougher if we are throwing it on them as well. They’ve got no one to matchup with DT. I think we’ll give them a little of their own TE medicine this week as well. McGahee plays the whole game (instead of 7 carries for 70 yards) and gashes them with the help of JJ and Ball (and a certain #15) to help us control the clock. It may not be at Mile High, but this defense does not matchup well with us. They could be in for a long day—especially with everyone expecting us to just roll over and die.
I’ll take upset # 2, and a bit more of that Vegas money!
by shasta77 on Jan 10, 2012 4:14 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
My Chief fan friend just told me:
This is like the movie Angels in the Outfield…. but this time it’s Broncos in the Endzone!
by MileHighPride on Jan 10, 2012 4:15 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
I wanna
See DT up at the top of the goal post catching a TD from TT :P
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
A Tony Massarotti article???? Really????
Dear Lord. He’s the biggest Patriots hater in New England. If you read anything else he’s written, or listen to his radio show on 98.5 The Sports Hub (2-6) he hates on the Patriots all the time. I can only listen to that show for 5 minutes before becoming depressed and have to switch stations. Why? Because no matter who the opponent, the Patriots can’t win. They have no defense. When they do win it’s because of Brady. Their defense stinks. Their defense is an embarrassment. It’s Belichick’s fault for not drafting any of the pass rushers in the draft that he wanted them to draft. There is NOTHING positive about the team. Nothing.
Keep the faith!
Ummm...he was all over the Patriots bones in that article.
Thankfully, its the only one I’ve read of his. :)
Well he has to be on the bandwagon at some point for him to jump off it, right?
And I was misguided. If the Patriots win it’s for two reasons – 1. Brady had to carry the team, or 2. The other team obviously choked and handed them the game.
Keep the faith!
I will grant you that the Patriots are a tough team to beat and one of the best three or four teams in the league year in and year out.
But to be fair, this year it really is all about Brady. The Pats defense is atrocious. I will cite the Denver game for an example. The Patriots defense surrendered 165 yards rushing in a single quarter in a game they ultimately won. I don’t know off the top of my head, but if I had to guess, I would bet that that was the first time in the entire history of the NFL that a team gave up that kind of rushing production in a single quarter and still managed to win the game. I think the Patriots are in a similar situation as the Colts were this season…. one ankle, knee or shoulder injury from being a sub-.500 team. Which really just goes to show how good Brady truly is.
Never let them see you bleed.
My shit always works sometimes.
by the_prodigal_fan on Jan 10, 2012 4:27 PM MST up reply actions
Yards, though. Yards.
Patriots were 31st in yards given up, but 15th in points given up. The Broncos weren’t scoring every time they had the ball and marched down the field.
It’s an adventure every time the defense takes the field, I’ll admit, and it does put more pressure on the offense when they get the ball in their hands.
Keep the faith!
The Broncos were scoring every time they had the ball.....until disaster struck.
3 consecutive fumbles. The Broncos are not good enough to do that and win. If the Patriots have to rely on disaster striking twice, then they are in serious trouble this week.
Momentum is a fickle bitch. This is what makes football the greatest sport on the planet.
Once the Patriots got on top, they were able to keep the Broncos against the ropes – even when the Broncos tried to make a game of it late.
The fumbled punt was opportunistic
But a ball being punched out by a defender isn’t just a random “disaster”. I hope they can capitalize on some turnovers, but you’re right in that those can’t be counted on. Well, nothing really can be counted on I guess.
Keep the faith!
My point was.
You cannot rely on fumbles every week. They ARE a random event. If victory for the Patriots hinges on fumbles, then yes, they are in trouble. lol That was kind of what I was trying to say.
It’s a dangerous way to live, that’s for sure. But I think victory for the Pats relies more on whether the OL can have their first good playoff game since 2007. If Brady has time to throw, it’ll be tough for the Broncos to keep up, even without turnovers.
by tossin on Jan 10, 2012 5:18 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
This.
Guys are coming back — Mankins is healthy. Light’s had 2 weeks off. Vollmer — don’t know about him, back is tricky.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 11, 2012 6:28 AM MST up reply actions
I don't know if they're radom events Tim
the recovery of a fumble may have some randomness to it but the causation of fumbles may not always be random.
Charles Woodson routinely goes for the strip and gets quite a few. That an action with purpose, not really random. The recovery however appears to have quite a bit of luck involved.
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by T.Dot_Bronco on Jan 10, 2012 5:19 PM MST up reply actions
It's random as in you cannot game plan for it. lol
You don’t design a game plan around recovering fumbles. That is what I am talking about.
You're just so random Tim
I never know where you’re going with these things
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by T.Dot_Bronco on Jan 10, 2012 5:57 PM MST up reply actions
You know who else routinely goes for the strip?
Brian Dawkins. I HOPE HE PLAYS!!! Unlikely I know but I’m holding out hope!
Quotes from my wife (2nd yr football fan) while watching the Broncos with me:
"Honey I know we are losing and you are upset but remember things could be worse. You could be cheering for the Raiders."
"THAT hit [Rahim on Jones] got a flag? What?!?! AND a FINE?!?! Why not just strap pillows to their heads and have a tea party on the 50 yard line since that's as much contact as the NFL will allow."
by DominantDenverDefense on Jan 10, 2012 10:29 PM MST up reply actions
that is true
if you’re going to base all of your football analysis on stats and yards, then you’re a Kyle Orton fan instead of a Broncos fan, as we say. Orton sucks and we wouldn’t be here had he remained the QB, the Pats do win the turnover battle every week. If they can’t turn the Broncos over though, we’ll win by 10
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 6:45 PM MST up reply actions
13-3 is too solid to have much luck involved. Remember when Cassell stepped
in? They had a good record at the end then too. Even though they didn’t make the playoffs they were a good team, good coaching has a way of raising all the boats.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 10, 2012 5:34 PM MST up reply actions
I didn't say it was luck.
It is Tom Brady. Let’s face it, the Pats’ defense blows. But they are still a very good football team because of Tom Brady. He makes everyone around him better. If he was not there, I don’t think the Patriots make the playoffs. Their defense is that bad.
Never let them see you bleed.
My shit always works sometimes.
by the_prodigal_fan on Jan 10, 2012 5:58 PM MST up reply actions
Vegas can keep their points
I liked the match up the first time and I like it even more this time. Let them all think that they are gonna take this game without a fight. I like it. I like how it feels too when the Broncos are giving those high 5’s as everyone else is still scratching their heads and wondering what just happened. I cant wait to have that same fantastic feeling again on Saturday…Hey that will be twice in a week could it get any better?? I have a feeling it will. :)
Sorry unrelated but
Quinton carter comming up live on the NFL network to talk about what B DAWKS teaching means to him . East coast time . Its now 6 ; 21pm
by broncosfaninphilly on Jan 10, 2012 4:22 PM MST via mobile reply actions
As for typical Patriots fan
These guys are the ultimate bandwagoners and generally know little to nothing regarding football. They are Red Sox fans first and foremost, and if the Pats are doing better then they become Pats fans all of a sudden after Baseball is over with. Let them keep being over confident, this team has the same weaknesses that all Pats teams have had in the past few years, can’t consistently run the ball and can’t stop the run, those spell doom in the playoffs. I think the Broncos enjoy being the underdog and nobody giving them any respect. People seem to forget, we were kicking their ass in Denver until we started fumbling, my guess is that we will be running it down their throats and I think big plays will come via the TE this time around from our side, I truly expect us to unleash Julius Thomas with Decker being likely out. They haven’t seen him and I am sure they won’t have an answer for him.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
by Broncoman on Jan 10, 2012 4:28 PM MST reply actions 3 recs
I'm hoping for a JT sighting as well
He would be a key piece to roll out of the garage now. They’ve not seen him. He’s a matchup nightmare. And you could use him as a slot or fullback to further isolate him. Definitely could see some throws to him and DF and Rosario this week. JJ and Ball as well.
Simply not true in my experience.
NE recently happens to have other sports teams that are doing well, or at least contenders. Football takes precedence over baseball and wins huge in the ratings whenever there’s a choice of whether to watch the Pats or Sox on a Sunday.
Whether the fans are excited or confident, has nothing to do with how the team feels, although personally I sure hope they’re confident.
Howie Long picked the Patriots as the most vulnerable AFC team this weekend, so aside from Vegas stirring the pot with a 13 point spread, I don’t see any overconfident consensus from the media for the Patriots at all.
Keep the faith!
There are lots of Bruins fans
after the Stanley Cup playoffs though!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 5:13 PM MST up reply actions
absolutely
They grabbed everyone’s attention. Bet there are a few more Broncos fans around now too, eh?
Keep the faith!
yes...
but I take pride in the fact I’ve always been one!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 5:17 PM MST up reply actions
Ditto Avalanche.
It’s a universal truth.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 11, 2012 6:29 AM MST up reply actions
You're completely off base here
These guys are the ultimate bandwagoners and generally know little to nothing regarding football.
I’m a Patriots fan first and foremost, and have been since I can remember walking. Typically people in the region choose baseball (Red Sox) or football (Patriots) as preference and the remaining 3 teams fall somewhere close behind.
If you want to make sweeping generalizations about another team’s fans and fan base, I could probably argue that 75% of the people on MHR these days wouldn’t be around if Oakland won a game.
I enjoy talking football with many of you here and have all the way back to week 15, but this comment is a bunch of unsubstantiated falsehoods and other things you know nothing about. Unreal.
Can I Scream?
Broncoman, I don't know what world you are living in,
but you are terribly mistaken.
That might be your experience
But it’s definitely not mine.
I’ve known lots of Pats fans over the years – and know about 5 now – and with a few exceptions they have been passionate, knowledgeable, and classy. Sure there’s been trash talk, but I dish it back at them, and it’s all been good.
by SFV Bronco Fan on Jan 11, 2012 2:26 PM MST up reply actions
the odds makers???
Against Pittsburgh we where 8.5 point under dogs. So if played at Pittsburgh we would have been more like 14.5 dogs. What I’m saying is Vegas believes we have a better shot at this game then against Pittsburgh.
Good luck! The double revenge is ON!!!
by Bron#1 Fan on Jan 10, 2012 4:29 PM MST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
nicely put!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 4:34 PM MST up reply actions
I understand your point, but
Vegas is saying Pats are 5+ points more favored than the Steelers were last week. You are correct that on a neutral field the Pats and Steelers would both have been favored about the same against us (with equal rest time, the Steelers would probably have been the higher rated team by Vegas).
But we are playing away, and the Pats will have 13 days of rest versus our 6 days. We need more than just good luck – but the way our season has gone maybe that will happen!
The feelings expressed in the above article...
sound very similar to those expressed by Steelers fans just last week. Hmm.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Jan 10, 2012 4:38 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Reinforcements??
If I am not mistaken, Champ did not play in the last game against NE and Willis left early with an injury. With both back and healthy, that needs to be a favorable consideration.
by Lakewoodgrad on Jan 10, 2012 4:39 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
It's questionable whether
McGahee is 100%.
It is what it is
I am pretty darn sure Champ played
but you may not remember we were down a starting WR(Branch), a starting safety(Chung), and our best run stopping linebacker(Spikes). They are all healthy now.
I was of the mindset that making it to the playoffs was enough this year
And winning against the Steelers was above and beyond anything I ever expected. So no matter what happens on Saturday, I would end the season happy… Not now. Not after this post. Now I not only want to beat New England, I want to completely destroy them. We were 1 and 4, completely revamped our team and made it to the playoffs and the league can’t respect that? We took out the conference champs in the playoffs and the league can’t respect that? Well let’s see how they react when we dominate the No. 1 seed. We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Come on Broncos, I want to see a cold blooded massacre this weekend.
None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal
by Poster_Formerly_Known_As_Royal_Fan on Jan 10, 2012 4:43 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Preach it my bronco brotha!
Dont trip off the glitz that I'm gonna display..
by Tuscani on Jan 10, 2012 4:58 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
reality check
The Steelers were playing with a crippled QB and a make shift offensive line. They were a shell of the offense they had during the season. That being said, they did come back to tie the game and send it into OT. Denver plays better against defensive teams and struggle against good offensive teams. Great game plan from the Broncos against the Steelers. The Pats offense is not the Steelers offense. They will not run the ball much. They will spread the field and Brady will pick apart the secondary with Welker, Gronk, Hernandez, and Branch. Denver will move the ball against their defense. They will need to score TDs and not FGs to keep pace with the Pats. Denver has a running game but if they find themselves 2 or 3 scores down then the game will rest on Tebows arm. It may not be enough this time. Pats win 38-17.
by PVS53 on Jan 10, 2012 5:51 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think the spread will be so large
I can see the game in the high 20s just like our game against the Steelers, but if it goes into the 30s, Denver can compete, we beat the Vikes 35-32
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 6:51 PM MST up reply actions
Laughable
The Pats have a major weakness that was displayed by the Giants as a templet to beat them with. Put Brady on his back. Doom, Miller, Ayers and even our DTs are playing out of their minds right now. We’re going to force mistakes and our secondary will take advantage of them. As for our offense, remember that 200 yard first quarter? Well prepare to see it for an entire game. The only reason it stopped the last time we met was because of the turnovers and you’re not going to be so lucky this time. We’re going to go up big and early, and Brady may do one helluva job bringing you guys back and getting it close at the end, but he’s going to do it on his back and it won’t be enough. Broncos win 31-24.
None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal
by Poster_Formerly_Known_As_Royal_Fan on Jan 10, 2012 7:01 PM MST up reply actions
That Giants D-line was outstanding though
The Line should have won the MVP instead of Eli
Keep the faith!
So is ours
None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal
by Poster_Formerly_Known_As_Royal_Fan on Jan 10, 2012 7:10 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
A wicked hit for sure
But look at the stats from the 2007 Giants and you’ll see, that Giants D-line was way better. And the Patriots crappy defense sacked Tebow 4 times back in December. Brady was only sacked twice.
Keep the faith!
I still argue for three, Miller's "tackle for a loss" was damn impressive
And our defense has played much better games than we did against you guys. We may not be consistently at the ‘07 Giants’ level yet, but when we’re on, we’re right up there. And with the balls to the wall atmosphere of the playoffs, you’re going to see one helluva motivated squad. It should easily be good enough to have the same effect on Brady as the Giants did.
None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal
by Poster_Formerly_Known_As_Royal_Fan on Jan 10, 2012 8:30 PM MST up reply actions
I was thinking the same thing when I saw that hit
Does brady have velcro gloves on? :P
Go Broncos!
2011 AFC West Champions
I don't know how he didn't get is wrist broken.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 11, 2012 6:31 AM MST up reply actions
The first time me met
the Pats had a make shift O-line because of injuries. Denvers defense will not have the same success on their D-line this time around. Pats have a healthy O-line now. Denver does not have many suprises on offense. The Pats learned a lot from the first encounter. Broncos will not have the same success this time around. SORRY! 38-17 Pats
OOOOHHHHHHH, Now you've done it!
I wanted the Pats to win, but now you have fired me up! Because of your reaction to some run of the mill New England sportswriters piece, daring to have the cojones to think maybe the Pats are in a favorable position now that the dust has cleared for the Divisional round, how dare he!, and now I read you want to “completely destroy” the Pats, well my dander is up sir!, or madame! Never in all my years have I heard such words – a “cold blooded massacre”! Well, you have done it. I am officially rooting so extra hard now, like never before, in all my 40+ years. Oh it is on, now, I mean I was just going to enjoy a nice match between two solid teams, but now…ohhhhhhhhhhhhh.
This was great. Thank you.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 11, 2012 6:32 AM MST up reply actions
I was more worried about the Steelers than the Patriots...
It’s really hard to beat the same team twice in a year. Besides, it was harder to run on the Steelers instead of the Pats. I really think Denver has a great shot. Especially with Tebow finding his groove in throwing bombs
Atheist for Tim Tebow!
Side note
Ever wipe your ass with a terrible towel? It feels real good since it’s soft, like the Steelers
Atheist for Tim Tebow!
by CombatChuk on Jan 10, 2012 4:45 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Total rec
I’m sure there were plenty enough left on the stadium floor last Sunday to fill the Mile High Bathrooms.
None of us go out and play for stats. You just do whatever you can to help the team out. -- Eddie Royal
by Poster_Formerly_Known_As_Royal_Fan on Jan 10, 2012 5:38 PM MST up reply actions
The Pats need to be humbled!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 4:44 PM MST reply actions
Puh-leeze
They get humbled and beat on by every local media organization and every hour of the day on two local sports stations. Double the listening fun for fans. : P
Keep the faith!
by Marima on Jan 10, 2012 4:48 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
well, Pats fans anyway
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 4:54 PM MST up reply actions
I'm not offended by anything this guy said
They should be favoured and they should be confident. They already beat us in our house. I don’t care how it happened, it happened.
If I’m the Broncos I’d be less worried about what some hack writer says and more worried about how to stop Gronk and Hernandez. If you need extra motivation to pump you up before a huge playoff game then you’re missing something.
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by T.Dot_Bronco on Jan 10, 2012 4:50 PM MST reply actions 4 recs
One of your best posts Tim...Highly recommended!
"There will be no miracles for those who don't believe!" " You can not win without faith!" "Losers doubt, and watch it happen." "Winners believe, and make it happen!"
Damn…I probably shouldn’t have recommended this! It is going to stay front page and then the Patiass fans will see it! Crap!
"There will be no miracles for those who don't believe!" " You can not win without faith!" "Losers doubt, and watch it happen." "Winners believe, and make it happen!"
by BroncosJackieB on Jan 10, 2012 5:01 PM MST up reply actions
It will not stay on the front page, but thanks!
I couldn’t contain my frenzy after reading it…figured I’d instead spread the frenzy. :)
Excellent idea because I hadn't seen it!
now my blood is boiling like it should be!
"There will be no miracles for those who don't believe!" " You can not win without faith!" "Losers doubt, and watch it happen." "Winners believe, and make it happen!"
by BroncosJackieB on Jan 10, 2012 5:16 PM MST up reply actions
Too Good Not To Share
For all my Bronco Fans; my son-in-law (sil) is not into sports, specifically, football. He is, however, into rodeo, specifically, the PBR. My Granddaughter (gd) is 5 yrs old. My daughter reported, on facebook, the following conversation:
SIL: What is a bronco?
GD: That is a football team dad.
SIL: No, I meant a real bronco.
GD: Oh, he was the guy that caught the pass to end the game sunday.
My daugher went on to say " I think we let her spend too much time with grandpa on sundays" ….
GO BRONCOS !!!!!!
by windblocker on Jan 10, 2012 4:58 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
So far this is playing like a movie script
Rookies who get no respect back into the playoffs. Mighty Goliath of defense gets felled by a single throw. Rookies still get no respect and now have to go on the road facing their new enemy – the Mighty Goliath of offense.
Kind of ironic isn't it?
Play the best defense in the AFC last week, and the worst one this week. You just can’t make stuff up that good.
Last Sunday at home where we last played a playoff game and lost to the same team. Now on the road against the only other team in the AFC to have won back-to-back Super Bowls in the past 20 years.
Yes it is...
and if you read my post about the fairy tale then you would know how happy I am so far!
"There will be no miracles for those who don't believe!" " You can not win without faith!" "Losers doubt, and watch it happen." "Winners believe, and make it happen!"
by BroncosJackieB on Jan 10, 2012 5:18 PM MST up reply actions
The broncos are not worried about some hack writer as you say .
Its the fans who get upset at the hack The actual team could care less whats going on outside of there locker room .
by broncosfaninphilly on Jan 10, 2012 5:04 PM MST via mobile reply actions
From ESPN write James Walker
But this week the Patriots will advance. Denver is an easy draw for New England, which is getting back to full strength.
http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/42030/nfl-with-james-walker
Atheist for Tim Tebow!
Yeah, even I cringed when I read that. Of course, this is the same dude who posted that Brady owned the Steelers before the Steelers beat down the Pats 25-17. sigh
He has to say that, though
He has the AFC East beat, and the Patriots are his only team left alive this season
Keep the faith!
Let's hope the results are similar to superbowl XLII
I think it’s very appropriate that he used the point spread against the giants in superbowl XLII as his example, when at the end of that game, it was the giants who made the game wining play with 35 seconds left. It is simply amazing to me that he makes that comment and says nothing further about the fact that the patriots lost that game. I hope it accurately portends this upcoming game.
GO BRONCOS!!!
We all know that the Patriots Team and staff aren't taking us lightly...
…but the fans most likely are. Bill B is nobody’s fool, and neither are the well seasoned players on the team. They have a pretty good idea that they had best mind their P’s & Q’s in this game.
It is better to keep silent, and appear to be wise, then to ramble on aimlessly and remove all doubt! The Wisest Man, Solomon.
by metalman5050 on Jan 10, 2012 5:33 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
After the way the Pats post season ended last year i doubt any of the players or coaches are taking anyone
in the playoffs lightly this year.
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany."
by rubincarterrocks on Jan 10, 2012 5:35 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
Cowboy fan: Send Brady off to an early exit. The second year in a row.
Our bad defense managed to hold them to 20 pts. Your defense should be able to smoke them the second time around.
Homer: [reading] “Project Arcturus couldn’t have succeeded without you. This will get you a little closer to that dream of yours. It’s not the Dallas Cowboys, but it’s a start.”
Homer:Aw, the Denver Broncos!
Marge: I think owning the Denver Broncos is pretty good.
Homer: Yeah, yeah.
Marge: Well, explain to me why it isn’t.
Homer: [sighs] You just don’t understand football, Marge.
by sanhoo on Jan 10, 2012 6:09 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
They're not just looking past the Broncos here, they're talking about who they want to face in the Super Bowl.
I’ve been listening to local sports radio here yesterday and today and I’ve heard at least 2 separate discussions about how this is the easiest road to the Super Bowl the Pats have had (Denver, HOU/BAL). It’s the typical Boston air of superiority that replaced the inferiorty complex ten years ago.
Orton is a Teboner-killer.
by bostonbroncofan on Jan 10, 2012 6:17 PM MST reply actions
Tell the whole truth
For that one conversation, there are over 1000 about the horrific Patriots defense and debates over degrees of suckiness.
Keep the faith!
by Marima on Jan 10, 2012 6:38 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Gil Santos
was on 850 KOA in Denver and he talked about the crappy defense, he’s a great broadcaster, really deep voice!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 6:48 PM MST up reply actions
He is outstanding, and I looooove his voice
I’m afraid he only has a couple of seasons left before he retires.
Keep the faith!
Yeah -- just hearing his voice gets me pumped up like a game is about to start.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 11, 2012 6:36 AM MST up reply actions
I admittedly don't listen to Boston sports radio too often
I have heard them talking about how bad the D is/was this season, but not leading up to the Broncos games. Last time it was strangely skewed toward religious discussion on EEI (Ordway and Holly, plus whoever is on in the AM). This time it was poking fun at Tebow and saying while the Giants SB loss was the most disappointing, if the Pats lost this week it’d be the most shocking.
Not knocking the confidence. I’d be confident if I were a Pats fan, but it’s a little early IMO to be assuming an AFC championship, especially after the past two years.
Orton is a Teboner-killer.
by bostonbroncofan on Jan 10, 2012 7:44 PM MST up reply actions
They're all getting so weird with Tebow
It’s like they all turn into awkward adolescents when it comes to a genuinely nice guy who believes in his faith more than anything else, and isn’t afraid to show it. In my opinion, Tebow has the courage of his convictions, and they know they couldn’t stand out and live like he does, and it makes them uncomfortable.
Keep the faith!
that's ridiculous
if the Broncos win Saturday, Baltimore will prove to be a stiffer challenge than the Pats would have been, I guess NE learned NOTHING from last year :(
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Jan 10, 2012 6:48 PM MST up reply actions
It was basically a comparison of QBs
They were drooling over the prospect that the only things standing in the way of the SB are Tebow and Flacco/Yates.
Orton is a Teboner-killer.
by bostonbroncofan on Jan 10, 2012 7:47 PM MST up reply actions
bbf - wouldn't you ?
Tebow misses on half his throws – Flacco is having a ho-hum year (without that D he’d be a losing QB) – Yates (three games, three losees, total of three TD’s) – all these guys are second or third tier quarterbacks. Can’t really blame New England fans for liking their chances – with the hand they’ve been dealt this playoff season.
by profootballfan on Jan 11, 2012 1:42 PM MST up reply actions
I would agree with the comparison of QBs of course
But that doesn’t mean the AFC is theirs b/c they have the best QB. There are 52 other guys suiting up to take into account. Plus NE lost to Bal at home 2 years ago so I wouldn’t so quick to write them off. It’s just gotten to a point in NE where these fans are so spoiled that they get ahead of themselves sometimes.
This AM on the radio they called last night’s Bruins comeback win “boring” and “predictable”, and said the rest of the regular season is pointless because the Bruins have proven themselves superior to everyone else already.
Orton is a Teboner-killer.
by bostonbroncofan on Jan 11, 2012 5:15 PM MST up reply actions
The Pats haven't done anything in the playoffs since 07
but you’d never know it by the general “nobody can match up against us” attitude. “We spotted the Bills 20 points in the first half and they still had no chance!”
Yeah well, A: What does that say about your D? B: The Pats lost to the Bills earlier this year, but they’re still the Bills. That won’t fly against a good team.
Orton is a Teboner-killer.
by bostonbroncofan on Jan 11, 2012 5:21 PM MST up reply actions
Here is something
Since 2008 the Broncos have won more playoff games than the Patriots at a staggering 1-0!!!! Ha!
"Before I speak, I have something important to say."
-Groucho Marx
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