So here we have it, the battle royal that NFL fans have been hoping for ever since Tom Brady and his New England Patriots overcame a 24-point half-time deficit to defeat the Denver Broncos in a miracle game in overtime back in Week 12.
It doesn’t get much better than this. Patriots versus Broncos, Brady versus Manning in an epic, gun-slinging duel to add to the already mighty history of both players.
On one hand you have Brady, a highly decorated superstar with three Superbowl rings, two MVP titles and a lock in hall of fame spot when he retires.
In the other corner you have Peyton Manning, four time MVP but with only one Superbowl ring and something to prove.
Whether or not you value MVP awards or Superbowl rings (a debate that will always rage on), there is no doubting that these two are among the greatest quarterback in modern history.
New England Patriots
The Patriots got here by putting on a running clinic against the Colts last week in a 43-22 demolition. LeGarrette Blount picked a hell of a game to have a career night with 166 rushing yards to go with four touchdowns. In doing so he became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 125 yards and four touchdowns in a playoff game.
So can we expect much of the same from the Patriots with their running game dominance? Roar Expert, Dominic Davies examined the Patriots evolving offence to be more run dominant but will that be their best chance of winning?
When the Patriots dismantled the Broncos in the second half in their last meeting, it was all through Brady and his passing exploits. With Broncos cornerback Chris Harris out injured, it could open up the passing route and give them a shot at winning.
Defensively, they won’t be able to pick off Manning as much as they did against Andrew Luck last week so the key will be pressuring Manning as much as possible to force incompletes or rushed attempts. It will be a hard task trying to keep Manning and the Broncos contained but if they can seize key opportunities then it could be vital.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have an arsenal of offensive weapons that any team would be jealous of and they have been put to devastating use this season.
Partner Peyton Manning with Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Walker, Julius Thomas and Knowshon Moreno and the result is the best ranked offence by a large margin.
Manning will have multiple quality options on every drive so their offence isn’t a worry but what can we expect from the defence?
The previously mentioned injury to Chris Harris hurts their prospects and for a team that allowed 254 yards per game against the pass, this game could be a case of limiting the damage and hoping the offence catches fire.
Dom’s thoughts are that the Broncos defence should go all out against the Patriots run game and hope they get to Brady before he hits the open man. Brady is lacking quality options down field so taking away as much time as possible could be the best option.
With cold but clear weather expected, it could be the setting for a good old fashion shootout between two of the greatest passers of the this era.
Get your coffee ready and join me at 7am AEDT for what will be a cracker of a contest.
mushi
Roar Guru
He also runs a 5 sec 40.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Final Score - Patriots 16 - Broncos 26 Manning and the Broncos put on a master class of offence with 504 total yards. Manning finishes with 400 yards and 2 TDs. Brady had his chances but blew some wide open passes. Manning > Brady? Let the debate continue. The Broncos are off to Superbowl but who will they face? Join Chris Chard now for the 49ers-Seahawks live blog. http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/01/20/san-francisco-forty-niners-at-seattle-seahawks-nfc-championship-game-live-scores-blog/
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
On the 4th and 1 the Broncos get a 1st down and that is the game!!!!
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
2 minute warning and it's 3rd & 2 at the NE17. Google Chrome just failed on me so I'm on IE. Looks like Denver has this one. A 1st down here and it is game over.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Q4 2:48 Patriots 16 - Broncos 26 Manning finds Tamme for a 1st down followed by a 5 yard run and the Pats take ther final time out.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Touchdown Brady. He strolls down in to the end zone but the 2 point conversion fails. Patriots 16 - Broncos 26 3 minutes left as the onside kick fails.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Just short of an INT there. Brady was rushed. Vereen gets through the lines for a 1st down at the DEN 30. 4:15 left.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Edelman again open as Brady finds him at the DEN 41. Still not over.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Brady finds Edelman at the NE 39. 1st down. Denver loading up on defensive backs now.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
They start with an incomplete and then an 8 yard pass to Edelman. 3rd down and 2
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Q4 7:00 Patriots 10 - Broncos 26 Patriots still with 7 minutes left to get a TD and 2pt conversion. With Denver's offence playing so well they have to risk it with an onside kick if they score.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Incomplete to D.Thomas and Prater comes out for a 54 yard attempt. IT'S GOOD!!!!!! Q4 7:00 Patriots 10 - Broncos 26
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
37 yard pass to J.Thomas and the Broncos are at the NE 38. Pats need some good D here as a FG means they have to score twice with two 2 point conversions. Big 3rd & 8 coming up.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Manning trying to find D.Thomas and there was a pick chance there but no dice. 2nd down.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Q4 9:26 Patriots 10 - Broncos 23 Patriots kick off as normal and Denver will start at their own 25.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
TOUCHDOWN!!!!!! Brady finds Edleman at the front of the end zone and it's not over yet. Patriots 10 - Broncos 23.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Brady missed a wide open Edelman in the end zone there.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Incomplete on the 3rd & 3 and the Patriots go for it on the 4th down. Brady finds Vereen at the the DEN 7 and they survive.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Rogers-Cromartie comes from Brady's blind side and forces the throw away. Brady almost gets sacked but finds Vereen for 7 yards. Could have been an INT chance there too.
Mark Pybus
Roar Guru
Another long pass to Collie for 20 yards and the Patriots are at the DEN 42. Edelman then finds his way to the DEN 26 for 16 yards. 10:58 left.