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Wow. Was that an awesome game or what? The Denver Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23 in Overtime for a shot at the New England Patriots next week. This was the 4th Overtime game played by the Broncos this season. I don't know if that is a record or not, but it certainly hasn't been a boring season.
In a first reaction, gut check, knee jerk impulse, I have to give the Game Balls to Quarterback Tim Tebow and Wide Receiver Demaryius Thomas. I don't think I will get any serious argument about it either, but to be sure, I will elaborate on other standout players in my regular Game Ball-Horseshoes post in a few days. For now, we can thoroughly enjoy this heady win.
Tim Tebow passed for 2 Touchdowns and ran for another, to lead the Broncos to an upset victory over Pittsburgh. The Broncos were 7.5 point underdogs at game time. Tebow finished 10 for 21 for 316 yards, a 15.0 average, 2 Touchdowns, 0 Interceptions and a 125.6 QB Rating. He also added 50 yards rushing on 10 carries and a Touchdown.
Demaryius Thomas had another stellar game as well, looking like the 1st round pick that Josh McDaniels envisioned in last year's NFL draft and not the injury prone player of the past 18 months. Bay Bay made 4 catches for an amazing 204 yards, a 51.0 yards per catch average (is that a record?) and a marvelous 80-yard Touchdown catch in Overtime to win the game. That play was the longest Overtime scoring play in NFL Playoff History.
Personally, I felt that the game was won when Safety Quinton Carter Intercepted Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with 9:23 left in the 2nd Quarter. Or rather, I knew we would win. I also had the feeling that Head coach John Fox and Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy were throwing confusion towards the New England Patriots with their play-calling today. I am betting that they saved a few more wrinkles for the upcoming game as well. I hope so, because New England opens as 13.5 point favorites.
But the best news ever, or at least in the last 6 years is, the Denver Broncos have won a playoff game!
A Mile High Salute to Tim Tebow, Demaryius Thomas, the Broncos franchise and the entire Broncos Country.
SALUTE!
Go Broncos!