Super Bowl 2012: Tom Brady, Patriots Face Giants In Super Bowl XLVI

Finally, the New England Patriots are back where they belong: the Super Bowl. Tom Brady and the Pats overcame their mistakes to defeat the Baltimore Ravens, 23-20, to win the 2012 AFC Championship Game on Sunday afternoon.

NFL Playoffs 2012: Epic 49ers Comeback, Tom Brady Returns And A Giants Upset

The NFL's Divisional playoff weekend didn't have quite the thrill or the drama that the Wild Card contests brought just a week prior, but still there was plenty of shock, awe and entertainment with how the weekend's games turned out.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: SI.com Grades New England's Performance

In decisive fashion Saturday the New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos, 45-10, in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. The victory advances New England to the conference championship game where the Pats will host either the Baltimore Ravens or Houston Texans next weekend at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The Ravens and Texas play each other Sunday (1 p.m. on CBS).

However, before New England fans move onto next week, SI.com's Chris Burke graded the Pats' performance in his Inside The NFL column, and with little surprise there were a lot of As and Bs.

Here's what Burke said about Tom Brady's record-breaking performance:

Quarterback: Take away one awful overthrow for an interception, and this was Tom Brady at his absolute finest. He threw for 363 yards and six touchdowns, while spreading the ball around just enough to keep Denver way, way off balance. The TD pass he threw to Deion Branch late in the first half was a thing of beauty. To top things off, Brady even turned in a 48-yard, quick-kick punt late. Grade: A

Also, earning As were linebackers and defensive backs who he said, "the Patriots did, essentially, what Pittsburgh failed to do last week."

Patriots Vs. Broncos: Deion Branch, New England Nearly Perfect

Deion Branch knows a think or two about winning football games. He's a former Super Bowl MVP who had been around Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots for a considerable amount of time. When he thinks a team played well, then they probably played some pretty good football.

That was the case on Saturday night for the Patriots, who routed Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos, 45-10, in the AFC Divisional Round to set up a meeting with the winner of the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens game on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game next weekend. Brady and the Patriots were perfect. Well, almost perfect according to Branch.

"We knew what was at stake. We wanted to go out there and take care of business," Branch said. "Not saying that we didn't want to do it last year ... but the biggest thing was going out there an trying to play mistake-free football. We almost did that." (via WEEI)

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: It's All About Winning For Tom Brady, Pats

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots had no problem taking care of business against the Denver Broncos on Saturday night, cruising to a 45-10 victory over Tim Tebow and the Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round.

Brady had quite the day himself, tying a playoff record with six touchdown passes, five of which came in the first half. But for Brady, it's not about the records. Naturally, it's all about the wins and losses.

"It's all about winning," Brady said. "You lose a few playoff games and it's a very bitter way to end the season and it sits on your mind for quite a long time. For us to come out and play the way we did and have a very solid performance in the most important game of the year is very gratifying. We've got eight days until the biggest game of the year so from this point on everyone will be focused on what we do to be better next week and hopefully play for another championship." (via WEEI)

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: Tim Tebow Fodder Fuels Tom Brady, Pats

The buildup for Tim Tebow's rematch with the New England Patriots made for an interesting (and possibly annoying) week for football fans everywhere. For Tom Brady and the Pats, it was only fuel for the fire that resulted in a big win.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: Tom Brady Tops Tim Tebow With Six Touchdowns, Pats Roll 45-10

After two years of finding themselves behind early en route to first-round exits, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots came out firing on all cylinders, leaving Tim Tebow and the Broncos in their dust en route to a 45-10 win in their first playoff game of the year.

For once being made to receive the ball to start the game, New England wasted no time at all showing why they were the top-scoring offense in the AFC. Starting from the 20-yard line, Tom Brady completed passes for 8 and 17 yards to BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Rob Gronkowski to bring the ball to midfield. There, Aaron Hernandez made a surprise appearance as a running back, breaking free up the left sideline and picking up 43 yards before he was taken down. With just seven yards to go, Brady found Wes Welker coming across the middle for the opening touchdown.

The ensuing drive from the Broncos would see the most sustained success they would have in the whole of the first half. Tim Tebow and Willis McGahee took the team from there own 25-yard line to New England's 37 in just five plays, but the attack would stop there. Coming up on Tebow from behind, Rob Ninkovich would knock the ball from the quarterback's hand, allowing Brandon spikes to pounce on the fumble for a turnover. Tom Brady would complete four passes for 37 yards on his way to the red zone, where he found a diving Rob Gronkowski in the corner of the end zone for his second touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

After a strong defensive showing forced the Broncos to punt, the Denver defense showed their only real fight of the night on the next drive, with Quinton Carter picking off Brady at the 40-yard line on an overthrown pass intended for Rob Gronkowski. Returning it all the way to the 25, Carter set up a quick drive for the Broncos culminating in a 5-yard run into the end zone for McGahee.

That was the last time the game would really be close. After trading punts, the Patriots started their next drive near midfield. A check down to Gronkowski, a quick toss to Deion Branch, and another run from Aaron Hernandez brought Brady within striking distance, and he once again found Gronkowski in the end zone to make it 21-7.

After trading punts again, the Patriots lined up at their own 28 and ran Danny Woodhead for 11 yards, and then Brady let loose. Going to the deep ball, Brady hit Deion Branch perfectly in stride for 26 yards through the air, and then another 35 on the ground to take a 28-7 lead on a two play touchdown drive. Getting the ball back at midfield with 69 seconds to go, Brady went ahead and put the game away, completing three of four passes before Rob Gronkowski made a record-tying third touchdown reception in only his second postseason game.

While the game was essentially wrapped up at that point, there were still a few highlights to come. After yet another three and out from the defense to start the third quarter, Brady found Aaron Hernandez to tie another NFL record with six touchdowns in a postseason game. And while the offense would quiet down from there, adding just one more field goal, the defense held Tim Tebow and the Broncos to three points in the whole second half to keep this from ever becoming a game.

Things did get a little heated when, on a 3rd-and-10 play in the fourth quarter, Bill Belichick sent Tom Brady out to perform a quick kick. As the ball rolled inside of the 10-yard line, Broncos linebacker Von Miller lashed out at an unsuspecting Dan Connolly, sparking a brawl that resulted in two unsportsmanlike penalties for the Broncos. From there, however, it was a quiet run to the finish line, and into the AFC Championship Game for the New England Patriots.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Final Score: Tom Brady Torches Denver, 45-10

Tom Brady had heard enough. Tim Tebow this, Tebow that. Tebow is the greatest quarterback ever, and he was going to come into GIllette Stadium and kick the teeth out of the New England Patriots. Tebow was the greatest quarterback ever.

Well, evidently, Brady wanted to prove a point. And boy, did he ever.

Brady tied an NFL record with six touchdown passes while throwing for 363 yards on 26-of-34 passing as the New England Patriots stomped out Tebow Time (again) and crushed the Denver Broncos, 45-10, in the AFC Divisional Round on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.

Brady's massive performance only had one drawback, an interception, which led to Denver's first touchdown. New England amassed 509 total yards (363 passing, 146 rushing) while giving up 252 yards to Denver (363 passing, 146rushing).

Rob Gronkowski racked up 145 yards and three scores on 10 catches for New England. Deion Branch had 85 receiving yards on three catches. Aaron Hernandez had four catches for 55 yards and one touchdown and rushed for a team-high 61 yards on five carries for the Patriots.

Tebow finished the game with 136 passing yards on 9-of-26 passing. Willis McGahee had 76 rushing yards and one touchdown on 17 carries and Demaryius Thomas caught six passes for 93 yards in the Broncos' loss.

The Patriots opened the game with a quick score, with Brady finding Wes Welker (55 yards, TD) for a seven-yard touchdown catch with 13:14 to go in the first quarter, putting the Pats up 7-0. Brady then connected with Gronkowski for a 10-yard score with 7:17 left in the opening quarter.

After Brady's interception, the Broncos marched 24 yards on four plays and scored on a five-yard run from McGahee, cutting the Patriots' lead in half, 14-7, at the start of the second quarter. From then on out, it was all Brady.

Brady connected again with Gronkowski for a 12-yard touchdown with 7:49 left in the second and fired touchdowns to Branch (a 61-yard score with 2:06 left) and found Gronkowski again on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds left before halftime to give New England a 35-7 advantage at the break.

In the third quarter, Brady threw a 17-yard touchdown to Hernandez with 11:53 to go and Matt Prater split the uprights on a 41-yard field goal, which cut the Broncos' deficit to 32 points. Stephen Gostkowski made his only field goal attempt of the game in the fourth quarter, connecting from 20 yards out with 12:44 to play in the game.

New England faces the winner of the Texans and Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream.

VIDEO: Tom Brady Punt Leads To Patriots Vs. Broncos Fight

The New England Patriots and Denver Broncos have played one of the least competitive NFL playoff games in recent memory on this Saturday night. The Patriots, behind Tom Brady's six touchdown passes, have built an unassailable 45-10 lead, and the only things left on the line for either team were records and pride.

Tom Brady's punt from the shotgun on third down may have hurt the Broncos' pride, because Von Miller started a fight seconds before it was downed. First, video of Brady's punt, which was actually very nice.

It traveled 48 yards, giving Brady a better punting average for the night than the Patriots' starting punter, Zoltan Mesko, who has two punts for 78 yards.

The fight was somewhat less amusing.

It's hard to see in the video, but Miller starts it by taking a cheap shot late in the punt.

Flags flew, but no players were ejected. Perhaps that was punishment enough for the Broncos who trailed by 35 points at that juncture.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score Update: Broncos, Patriots Trade Field Goals, Lead Stays At 35

The Patriots and Broncos have traded field goals in the third and fourth quarters, keeping the New England lead steady at 35 points.

The Broncos picked up their first points since the first quarter after Stevan Ridley, on his way into the end zone, coughed up the ball on a short catch out of the backfield. With Tim Tebow managing some big conversions on 3rd-and-13 and 4th-and-3 the Broncos finally made their way deep into New England territory before the defensive pressure once again proved to be too much. First stuffing Willis McGahee and then sacking Tim Tebow, the Patriots forced the Broncos into a 3rd-and-19, and when the ensuing pass fell incomplete, John Fox opted to take the three points in what is looking every bit a lost cause.

The Patriots wasted little time in responding. Facing a 3rd-and-10 on the drive's first series of downs, Tom Brady found Rob Gronkowski over the middle for 20 yards and the first. A few plays later, and the two hooked up again, this time with Brady throwing a deep ball down the right sideline which Gronkowski managed to corral before stumbling out of bounds. Unfortunately, with the Pats choosing to keep it on the ground from there, the drive fizzled out at the goal line, with Danny Woodhead's final attempt being shut down on the 2-yard line. Stephen Gostkowski's chip shot was good, and the lead was back up to 35 points at 45-10.

VIDEOS: Tom Brady's Touchdown Passes Tie NFL Record

Tom Brady's great night against the Denver Broncos has been a record-setting outing, too. His fifth touchdown pass of the night, which was also his third scoring strike to Rob Gronkowski, to make the score 35-7 at halftime, tied New England's franchise record for touchdown passes in a postseason game and pushed him past Kurt Warner and Dan Marino on the all-time list for postseason touchdown passes.

Brady isn't being stingy with the records: that catch by Gronkowski tied an NFL postseason record for receiving touchdowns in a game, too.

The next touchdown pass of Brady's night, his sixth and Aaron Hernandez' first catch, tied an NFL record for touchdown passes in a postseason game.

The scary thing? Brady might not be done.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score Update: Tom Brady Ties Record With Sixth Touchdown Pass

The Patriots have started off the second half much as they did the first, with Tom Brady tying an NFL record with his sixth touchdown pass of the night.

Despite being down 35-7, the Broncos tried to stay on the ground after the kickoff, but another strong stand from the defense forced Tim Tebow to throw deep on third down. Eddie Royal had a shot at the ball, but Sterling Moore knocked it down from behind to force the punt.

With Julian Edelman providing a good return, the Patriots started their first drive of the half already in Denver territory. That made things too easy for Brady. After a 5-yard run from Danny Woodhead, Brady found Wes Welker for 17 yards, bringing the Patriots into the red zone once again. While BenJarvus Green-Ellis wasn't able to get anything against the Broncos defense on the next play, Brady more than made up for it on second down, firing a bullet to Aaron Hernandez who juked his way past a defender, and high-stepped into the end zone for the touchdown.

It's 42-7 now, and the Broncos are in need of--what else?--a miracle.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score Update: Tom Brady Makes It Five First Half Touchdowns, Pats Up 35-7

The Patriots have put the kibosh on Tebowmania, as Tom Brady has found the end zone five times, with Rob Gronkowski being involved in a record-tying three of them.

Oh, and it's only halftime.

But for Tom Brady's interception and the following drive, the Patriots have not taken their foot off the gas since the opening kickoff. And with the defense forcing another 3-and-out, 69 seconds was plenty for the offense to find the end zone one more time. Starting with a quick 8-yard gain to Wes Welker, the Patriots went right back to their no-huddle offense, rushing to the line of scrimmage and tacking on another 20 with Aaron Hernandez.

The clock would stop on the next play when Brady overthrew Julian Edelman, who was well covered on his way to the end zone, but he found him on the next play for 11, and Edelman found the sidelines to give the Pats another shot at the touchdown with a timeout saved up to assure the field goal attempt. They wouldn't need it, however. Brady hit Rob Gronkowski for the eighth time in the half, and for the third time Gronkowski ended up in the end zone. Three receiving touchdowns in a postseason game ties the NFL record.

Up 35-7, the Patriots are in the driver's seat going into the second half. It's going to take some prolonged Tebow Time to change that.

VIDEO: Tom Brady Goes Deep To Deion Branch For Touchdown

Things have gone from good to great for the New England Patriots against the Denver Broncos. Tom Brady's fourth touchdown pass of the night, a bomb to Deion Branch, has given the Patriots a 28-7 lead over the Broncos in the second quarter.

Branch, who has something of a history of postseason success for the Patriots, burned Andre Goodman down the sideline to get open, and then outran him to the end zone.

Branch has two catches for 71 yards on the night, but the 61-yarder is clearly the highlight of his night. It's a bit harder to pick just one from Brady: he's thrown five touchdown passes on the night, and the lead has swelled to a 35-7 advantage.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score Update: Tom Brady Finds Deion Branch For 61 Yard Touchdown, 28-7 Lead

On the previous drive, the Patriots had been forced to punt when Deion Branch dropped Tom Brady's deep ball on third down. This time, there was no drop. A beautiful pass past close coverage fell right into the waiting arms of Deion Branch 26 yards from the line of scrimmage. Accelerating away from the corner, Branch covered the 35 remaining yards in a hurry, making his way into the end zone for a 61-yard touchdown pass and a 28-7 lead.

The touchdown was the fourth of the half both for the Patriots and Tom Brady, and once again made possible by a strong series from the defense. After Willis McGahee and Eddie Royal had picked up a pair of first downs to start the drive, the defensive line once again got to Tim Tebow in the backfield. A sack from Vince Wilfork pushed the Broncos back four yards, and another from Gerrard Warren made it 3rd-and-20 for the Broncos.

The Patriots now have about a minute left to pile it on at the end of the half after another Denver punt. More than enough for Tom Brady on most nights.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score Update: Tom Brady Finds Rob Gronkowski For Second Touchdown, 21-7 Lead

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have their second touchdown connection of the night thanks to a big punt from Zoltan Mesko and a strong defensive stand.

On his first drive after throwing a bad interception, Tom Brady looked very shaky, making one dangerous pass and overthrowing his receiver on third down, forcing the Patriots to punt. Zoltan Mesko made as much as he could out of a bad situation, however, pinning the Broncos at their at their own 5-yard line.

The defense, looking strong since the beginning of the game, took full advantage of their field position, holding McGahee to six yards on the first two downs, and then catching Tebow at the line as he tried to scramble for the first.

Starting just seven yards from where they had punted on the last drive, Tom Brady found his footing again. A check down to Rob Gronkowski was good for nine yards, and two plays later it was Branch making the grab on the sideline for 10. After Aaron Hernandez brought the Patriots into the red zone once again coming out of the backfield, Tom Brady and the Patriots faced a 3rd and 3. Lining up in a shotgun, Brady took the snap, checked his options, and fired over the middle to Rob Gronkowski, cutting back towards the middle. Gronkowski shed a defender, and turned upfield toward an unprotected end zone for seven more points.

After Brady's interception seemed to give the Broncos a burst of energy, the Patriots have now seized momentum, and have a big opportunity to put the Broncos down big before the half.

VIDEO: Tom Brady Finds Rob Gronkowski For Second Time On The Night

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots aerated the Denver Broncos during the 2011 NFL regular season. So far in the 2012 NFL playoffs, Brady and the Patriots appear to be well on their way to doing the same against Denver.

Brady has found Rob Gronkowski for two touchdown passes in the first half of the Patriots' AFC Divisional Round game against the Broncos. The second was a bit more conventional than the first, and gave New England a 21-7 lead.

Whether their hookups are spectacular or not, though, Brady and Gronkowski are connecting and playing well. Brady has 127 yards through the air and three touchdown passes, and Gronkowski has seven catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

VIDEO: Willis McGahee's Touchdown Run Pulls Broncos Within Seven Points

The Denver Broncos found themselves in familiar dire straits against the New England Patriots in the second quarter. Down 14-0, and on defense, the Broncos got their first break of the night on an interception of Tom Brady.

The touchdown that followed Quinton Carter's pick and return was familiar, too: Denver kept things on the ground and allowed Willis McGahee to run into the end zone for six points.

McGahee, who has had a bit of a late-career renaissance for the Broncos in 2011 as the leading rusher in a run-heavy, option-dusted offensive attack, scored his fifth career postseason touchdown on the run. He has run for 57 yards on nine carries in the first half, and will likely threaten the century mark on the night.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score Update: Tom Brady's Interception Gifts Broncos Seven Points

Up 14-0 with the ball, the Patriots were well on their way to taking a commanding lead against the Denver Broncos. One bad throw from Tom Brady, however, and suddenly they're in a 14-7 game in the second quarter.

The play came from the 25-yard line on 1st and 10 after Tom Brady had found Wes Welker to convert a third down. With the offensive line holding off the pass rush, Tom Brady looked to pass over the linebackers to find Rob Gronkowski, but had the ball sail on him and into the arms of safety Quinton Carter downfield. Carter would return it to the original line of scrimmage before being leveled by Aaron Hernandez.

From there, it was half Tebow, half McGahee. Tebow found Demaryius Thomas at the 5-yard line to convert a third down after McGahee picked up seven yards on the first two, and then it was McGahee plowing into the Patriots defense and pushing a pile into the end zone for the touchdown.

Tom Brady will have to forget his mistake in a hurry, but he'll have good field position to help him after an unsportsmanlike call helped the Patriots get to the 40-yard line on the kickoff.

VIDEO: Tom Brady Throws Interception, Aaron Hernandez Delivers Big Hit

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots had a chance to bury the Denver Broncos early in their 2012 NFL playoffs opener on Saturday night. But an uncharacteristic Brady interception removed the Broncos' head from the chopping block.

Brady tried to find Rob Gronkowski over the middle, but the ball sailed on him and landed in Quinton Carter's hands. Carter made a game effort of returning it, too, before he ran into Aaron Hernandez' shoulder.

That interception would lead to Denver's first touchdown of the night, as the Broncos kept their offense on the ground to score. But Brady will probably have more than a few chances to atone for his mistake as the night wears on.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

VIDEO: Rob Gronkowski Makes Touchdown Catch, Is Still Unstoppable In 2012 NFL Playoffs

Rob Gronkowski has torn his way through the NFL this season, setting records for yardage and touchdowns by a tight end in a season and generally being the sort of unstoppable weapon the New England Patriots can use very, very well. His touchdown catch against the Denver Broncos in the 2012 NFL playoffs may be the best play he has made all year.

Watch the video:

Gronkowski reaches full extension, tips the ball, corrals the bobble, and holds onto it on the way down for a spectacular touchdown catch that gave the Patriots a two-touchdown lead against the Broncos.

The Patriots' embarrassment of riches at tight end — Gronkowski is fantastic, but Aaron Hernandez would be the starter on nearly every other team in the league — is already paying dividends in the playoffs. It's likely that Tom Brady will be going back to both as this Saturday night progresses.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score Update: Tim Tebow Fumbles, Patriots Grab 14-0 Lead

Tim Tebow and the Broncos were driving against the New England defense, but a sack and fumble gave the Patriots the ball, leading to Tom Brady's second touchdown throw of the night.

While the Pats had gotten solid penetration against Denver's offensive line, nearly taking Tebow down twice, but allowing the elusive quarterback to escape and make his way all the way to the New England 37 before they finally got to him. When they did, however, they did so emphatically, with Rob Ninkovich coming in from behind and swatting his outstretched arm, knocking the ball loose.

With Brandon Spikes pouncing on the fumble, the Patriots found themselves with decent field position and plenty of momentum. After a quick pass to Wes Welker, the Patriots went back to their tight ends, sticking with Aaron Hernandez coming out of the backfield for a run and a screen pass mixed with a couple of grabs from Rob Gronkowski to eat up the field in a hurry. Danny Woodhead added seven more yards to get Tom Brady to the ten, and that's where he and Gronkowski turned the magic on. A lob towards the corner from Brady looked to be too far for Gronkowski, but showing his remarkable athleticism, the big tight end laid out for it, making a diving catch which held up under review for the touchdown.

Up 14-0, the Patriots have given Denver all they can handle through the first 10 minutes of the game.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: New England Strikes First, Leads 7-0 After Opening Drive

The New England Patriots wasted no time whatsoever in their first game of the 2012 NFL playoffs. After receiving the ball to begin their AFC Divisional Round game against the Denver Broncos, the Patriots drove 80 yards in just over two minutes to take a 7-0 lead.

Aaron Hernandez made the big play on the drive, lining up in the backfield and running for 43 yards on a rare carry. But the touchdown that ended the drive was a familiar sight for Patriots fans: Tom Brady throwing a short pass to Wes Welker.

Brady's touchdown pass extended his streak of postseason games with a touchdown to 18, two shy of the NFL record held by Brett Favre. And, more importantly, it put Tim Tebow's Broncos in an early hole.

The Broncos didn't respond particularly well: though Tebow and Willis McGahee both ran for first downs on their first drive, Tebow was hit from behind and fumbled, giving the Patriots the ball near midfield.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score Update: Tom Brady, New England Take 7-0 Lead Two Minutes In

The playoffs are underway for the New England Patriots, and there's no starting slow this time against Tim Tebow and the Broncos. Just two minutes into the game, and Tom Brady and the Patriots already have an 80-yard touchdown drive under their belts.

Starting from the 20 after Danny Woodhead took a knee on the opening kickoff, BenJarvus Green-Ellis got the first two looks from New England, first on an 8-yard dump off from Tom Brady, and then on a 5-yard run up the middle for the first. One play later, and they had another fresh set of downs when Brady found Rob Gronkowski on the right side for 15.

The next play was the big one, courtesy of the other tight end, Aaron Hernandez. Lining up behind Brady, Hernandez took a shaky handoff, and found the right sideline, racing all the way to the 5-yard line before the Broncos could take him down. On the very next snap, Tom Brady found an open Wes Welker crossing the middle of the field for the touchdown.

Tim Tebow will get the ball for the first time now, facing a 7-0 deficit.

Broncos Inactives: Eric Decker and Brian Dawkins Out For Denver

The Denver Broncos will attempt to continue their magical season tonight as they travel to Foxboro to face the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional match-up. These two teams met less than a month ago in Denver, when Tom Brady threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns en route to a 41-23 victory over Tim Tebow and the Broncos.

Tebow and the Broncos would not win another regular season game following their week 15 loss to the Patriots, but snuck into the playoffs and pulled off an epic upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime last week. Unfortunately, the Broncos lost their number one receiver, Eric Decker, to a knee injury last week. He, along with defensive leader, Brian Dawkins are both inactive for tonight's game, according to the Broncos official Twitter.

#Broncos inactives: Decker, Paxton, Dawkins, J. Thomas, R. Harris, Harvey & Mohamed.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Patriots Inactives: Shane Vereen, Sebastian Vollmer, Ron Brace Out

The New England Patriots host the Denver Broncos tonight in an AFC Divisional match-up and week 15 re-match which saw the Pats win by a final score of 41-23.

The Pats had 13 players listed as questionable on their final injury report for tonight's game versus Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos, including notables Kyle Arrington, Wes Welker, Patrick Chung, Logan Mankins, Rob Ninkovich, Brandon Spikes and Sebastian Vollmer. Of the 13 players listed as questionable, only one will be inactive for tonight's game.

Per the Patriots official twitter account, seven New England Patriots will be inactive tonight:

Tonight's inactives are Ryan Mallett, Nate Jones, Shane Vereen, Gary Guyton, Donald Thomas, Sebastian Vollmer & Ron Brace.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms To Call Game

Tonight's game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots will be broadcast on CBS at 8:00 EST with Jim Nantz and Phil Simms on the call. The same duo called last week's epic Broncos vs. Steelers game, and this is the fifth consecutive Broncos game Nantz and Simms will call – sixth overall this season. The Broncos are 0-4 in regular season games in which Nantz and Simms have called, but 1-0 in the Playoffs.

Nantz has been CBS's top play-by-play announcer in 2004 and has been with the network since 1985. Nantz has called a lot of great sports moments, including Tebow's game-winning pass against the Steelers last weekend, which was subject of criticism by ESPN's Bill Simmons.

[Nantz] made the criminal mistake of (A) talking too much during the play (instead of letting us hear the crowd), and (B) not having a ready-made Nantzian pun ready for that moment. I mean, Nantz had 10 minutes between the end of regulation and the first play from scrimmage in OT to come up with a clearly-written-ahead-of-time line just in case Tebow threw a game-winning pass in overtime!

Maybe Nantz will get a chance to redeem himself tonight.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: Denver Defense, Not Tim Tebow, Will Decide Outcome In Foxboro

The spotlight will be on Tim Tebow as the Denver Broncos head to Gillette Stadium to take on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, but the Broncos' defense will have a bigger say in the game than the legs and arm of Tebow.

NFL Playoffs 2012, Divisional Preview: Tom Brady Vs. Tim Tebow & A Lambeau Letdown?

While football fans everywhere stock their fridges full and ready their flatscreens for the next installment of NFL action, Luke Hughes takes a look at what’s on tap and makes a few predictions for this weekend's divisional round playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Weather Forecast Frigid

If you are attending the Broncos vs. Patriots divisional round meeting in the 2012 NFL Playoffs, bring a heavy jacket. And a hat. And mittens. And hand warmers, if those are your thing. And possibly a blanket, long johns or an igloo.

The Saturday night weather at Gillette Stadium is supposed to be frigid for kickoff of the 8 p.m. game, and the temperature is only expected to drop as the clock strikes closer to midnight. According to Weather.com, the temperature is supposed to be 23 degrees at kickoff and gradually fall to 17 degrees by 12 a.m.

It's unlikely to snow at Gillette on Saturday night -- Weather.com predicts just a 10 percent chance of precipitation -- but the freezing cold weather should remind Tom Brady and the New England Patriots of a few prior postseason bouts.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Watch Live Online

For the first time in history the NFL will be legally streaming playoff games online, including the Super Bowl. Unfortunately only NBC broadcasts will be televised, which includes two Wild Card games, the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl. That means this Saturday night's divisional round matchup between the Denver Broncos (Tim Tebow!) and the New England Patriots, will NOT be available to watch online legally.

From NBCSports:

The games will be streamed online at NBCSports.com and NFL.com through SNF Extra, which features an HD broadcast, DVR-style controls, additional camera angles, in-game highlights, live statistics and interactive elements.

You can watch the NBC streams on your personal computers, laptops, iPads and Verizon iPhones. The Broncos vs. Patriots game is scheduled for Saturday night at 8 p.m Eastern, and can be seen on CBS.

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream. For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The New England Patriots host the Denver Broncos at 8 p.m. on Saturday night in the AFC divisional round of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

The Patriots, as normal, will heavily rely on the right arm of Tom Brady, but Luke Hughes cautions not to discount the impace New England's playmakers have on Brady.

At least one Patriots streak will fall today. New England enters the playoffs riding a seven-game winning streak, but the Patriots have not won in any of their past three postseason outings.

When: Saturday, January 14 at 8:00 p.m. EST

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA

Watch: CBS

For the first time ever, you can stream the game live online.

Listen: Sirius, 86

Betting Line: Patriots -13.5, Over/Under: 50 points

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Patriots Vs. Broncos, NFL Playoffs 2012: Tim Tebow Day Is Here

The second coming is here! Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos will face their biggest challenge yet -- Tom Brady and the New England Patriots -- in the divisional round of the 2012 NFL Playoffs at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA (TV/Radio: CBS/WBZ-FM 98.5 The Sports Hub).

Tebow and company tried and failed to take out the Patriots earlier in the season, but Brady's gang proved to be way too much for the Broncos to handle. Brady threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Patriots to a 41-23 romping of the Broncos back on Dec. 18 at Mile High Stadium in Denver. Aaron Hernandez led the Pats receiving core with 129 receiving yards and one touchdown on nine catches. Meanwhile, Tebow threw for 194 yards and rushed for 93 yards and two scores for Denver. The Patriots out-gained the Broncos, 451-393, in the victory.

New England is coming off a bye week, which it obtained by virtue of finishing with the best record in the AFC during the regular season at 13-3, giving Brady and the Pats time to rest up and get healthy. The extra time certainly helped, but the Patriots still have 13 players listed as questionable for Saturday's game, including starting safety Patrick Chung.

Tebow and Denver were busy last weekend, as the Broncos knocked off the Pittsburgh Steelers, 29-23, in overtime of the AFC wild card round at Mile High Stadium. Tebow threw for 316 yards (figures...) and two scores, including the game-winning 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime to capture the victory.

The win reignited Tebow Time, which had taken a two-week hiatus after the Patriots' big win over the Broncos. Denver lost its last three games of the regular season against the Pats, Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs by a combined score of 88-40, but still backed into the playoffs courtesy of an Oakland Raiders loss in the regular season finale.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. Also, for additional 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow along with our stream. Visit SB Nation Denver and Mile High Report for Broncos news.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, NFL Playoffs 2012: New England Patriots Injury Report

The New England Patriots injury report listed 13 players as questionable after limited participation in Friday's practice in anticipation of Saturday's 2012 NFL Playoffs game against the Denver Broncos.

The most surprising change to the injury report was the practice status of safety Patrick Chung, who returned during Week 17 after a foot injury caused him to miss seven consecutive games. Chung participated fully in Thursday's practice, but tweaked a knee during the session and is now listed as questionable against the Broncos.

Denver has ruled out wide receiver Eric Decker (knee) and long snapper Lonie Paxton (personal issues) for Saturday's game.

Quarterback Tom Brady was not listed on the injury report. The entire list follows, courtesy of WEEI:

Limited Participation
CB Kyle Arrington (foot) Questionable
OL Marcus Cannon (ankle) Questionable
C Dan Connolly (groin) Questionable
LB Dane Fletcher (thumb) Questionable
S James Ihedigbo (shoulder) Questionable
S Patrick Chung (knee) Questionable
G Logan Mankins (knee) Questionable
LB Rob Ninkovich (hip) Questionable
WR Matthew Slater (shoulder) Questionable
LB Brandon Spikes (knee) Questionable
T Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot) Questionable
WR Wes Welker (knee) Questionable
LB Tracy White (abdomen) Questionable

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream. For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Game Schedule And More

The four seed Denver Broncos (and Tim Tebow) will travel to Foxboro this weekend to play the number one seed New England Patriots in a week 15 re-match. The last time these two teams met the Patriots won by a final score of 41-23 in Denver thanks to a 20 point second quarter. Tom Brady threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns, while Tim Tebow threw for 194 and rushed for another 93.

The Patriots have won seven consecutive games and the Broncos lost three consecutive before their shocking overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.

When: Saturday, January 14 at 8:00 p.m. EST

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA

Watch: CBS

For the first time ever, you can stream the game live online.

Listen: Sirius, 86

Betting Line: Patriots -13.5, Over/Under: 50 points

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream. For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit.

Media Roundup: Get Ready For History With Patriots, Broncos

This year's New England Patriots team may not be as talented as the Pats teams of yesteryear, but from a television rating standpoint, they are unrivaled. Get ready for a possible history-making broadcast on Saturday against Denver.

Patriots Injury Report, Bill Belichick: 'We'll Probably Have Some Game-Time Decisions'

The New England Patriots released their latest injury report today as they prepare for their AFC Divisional Playoff matchup with the Denver Broncos. Quarterback Tom Brady, who was not limited in practice yesterday with a left shoulder issue, was removed from the report today.

The following Patriots were still limited in practice on Thursday:

CB Kyle Arrington (foot)
OL Marcus Cannon (ankle)
C Dan Connolly (groin)
LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
S James Ihedigbo (shoulder)
G Logan Mankins (knee)
LB Rob Ninkovich (hip)
WR Matthew Slater (shoulder)
LB Brandon Spikes (knee)
T Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot)
WR Wes Welker (knee)
LB Tracy White (abdomen)

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said about his still lengthy injury report

"I think we've seen progress out of everybody [on the injury report]," Belichick said Thursday. "All the guys are out there working and I think each one of them is making progress, and we'll see how things go here after stringing these days together. We'll probably have some game-time decisions. But definitely, a lot of these guys are close and getting better." (via WEEI.com)

The Broncos also released their injury report today. The following players did not practice: S Brian Dawkins (Neck); WR Eric Decker (Knee); LS Lonie Paxton (Personal). The following players were again limited in practice today: S David Bruton (Achilles); DE Elvis Dumervil (Ankle); TE Daniel Fells (Ankle). Linebacker Von Miller (Thumb) was still not limited at practice.

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream. For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit.

Robert Kraft, Patriots Invite Family Of Fallen Firefighter To Broncos Game

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: New England Favored By Two Touchdowns

The Denver Broncos won eight regular season games all season. The New England Patriots won their final eight regular season games. Tim Tebow is essentially a rookie quarterback making his second playoff start. Tom Brady has won three Super Bowls and 14 playoff games, trailing only Joe Montana.

It's no wonder, then, that the Patriots are two touchdown favorites when the teams meet on Saturday night (8 p.m.) in the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

The Patriots marched into Mile High Stadium on Dec. 18 and emerged with a 41-23 victory. The Patriots tallied 451 total yards, including 320 by Brady, and forced three Denver turnovers en route to erasing an early deficit and running away with an easy win.

New England has lost three straight playoff games, all at home, but Denver should be a good matchup for Bill Belichick's boys. Tim Tebow, despite his terrific performance against Pittsburgh last week, has not consistently shown the accuracy to take advantage of New England's often-porous secondary.

Visit our NFL playoff odds page or, for more Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit.

Patriots Vs. Broncos, NFL Playoffs 2012: Comparing The Offenses

There's more to the offensive game of the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos than just Tom Brady and Tim Tebow. Luke Hughes explains that Saturday’s game is loaded with offensive talent well beyond the quarterbacks.

Patriots Injury Report: Brandon Spikes Limited In Practice, Tom Brady Not Limited

The New England Patriots released their first injury report today as they prepare for their AFC Divisional Playoff matchup with the Denver Broncos. The only Patriot held out of practice was defensive tackle Kyle Love (Not Injury Related). Quarterback Tom Brady (Left Shoulder) was not limited in practice on Wednesday.

The following Patriots were limited in practice today:

CB Kyle Arrington (Foot)
S Pat Chung (Foot)
C Dan Connolly (Groin)
WR Julian Edelman (Back)
LB Dane Fletcher (Thumb)
S James Ihedigbo (Shoulder)
T Matt Light (Ankle)
G Logan Mankins (Knee)
CB Devin McCourty (Shoulder)
LB Rob Ninkovich (Hip)
WR Matthew Slater (Shoulder)
LB Brandon Spikes (Knee)
T Sebastian Vollmer (Back/Foot)
WR Wes Welker (Knee)
LB Tracy White (Abdomen)

The Broncos also released their injury report today. The following players did not practice: S Brian Dawkins (Neck); WR Eric Decker (Knee); LS Lonie Paxton (Personal). The following players were limited in practice today: S David Bruton (Achilles); DE Elvis Dumervil (Ankle); TE Daniel Fells (Ankle). LB Von Miller (Thumb) was back to full participation in practice.

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream. For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit.

Patriots Vs. Broncos, NFL Playoffs 2012: Comparing The Defenses

Tim Tebow and Tom Brady will be the most talked about players in this weekend's battle between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round, but both defenses could have a say in the affair as well.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: What Happened To New England's NFL Playoffs Aura?

The New England Patriots have been the NFL's standard of excellence for the past decade, riding Bill Belichick's hoodie and Tom Brady's right arm to three Super Bowl titles since 2002. During the past 11 seasons, the Patriots have reached double-digit regular season wins 10 times, and nine in the other season (2002). They have qualified for the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons.

But lately, writes Sports Illustrated's Don Banks, the Patriots' postseason well has run dry. The Patriots have lost three straight playoff games, all against lower-seeded opponents.

Back in the day, New England in the playoffs meant you had better have your parade route at least sketched out for the Tuesday after the Super Bowl. But the dynasty has hit a drought of sorts, losing three consecutive postseason games since winning the 2007 AFC Championship at home against San Diego. That's more playoff losses than the Patriots incurred in the first 16 postseason games of the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era, when New England went 14-2 from 2001 through that 2007 AFC title-game victory over the Chargers.

To put it another way, by the time the Patriots and Broncos hit the field at Gillette Stadium Saturday night, there will have been 40 playoff games played in the NFL since New England last won in the postseason, and that three-year-plus gap ties for the longest barren stretch of the Kraft era in terms of postseason success.

READ BANKS' ENTIRE ARTICLE, WHICH DISCUSSES THE EIGHT BEST STORYLINES IN THE NFL PLAYOFFS.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit.

Tim Tebow Is America's Favorite Athlete

Patriots Injury Update: Sebastian Vollmer, Logan Mankins Return To Practice

The New England Patriots had offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer and guard Logan Mankins back at practice on Tuesday as the team prepares for their AFC Divisional Playoff matchup with Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos (via WEEI.com).

The practice was the first for Vollmer since he hurt his right foot five games ago. Mankins had not practiced since injuring his knee against the Dolphins on Christmas Eve.

This was the first practice in full pads for the Pats since Dec. 7. It was the first practice since Bill O'Brien left for new assistant coach Josh McDaniels, who will assume O'Brien's duties as offensive coordinator. O'Brien was hired as the head coach of Penn State late last week.

Mankins was one seven Patriots selected to be starters for the AFC at the 2012 Pro Bowl.

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream. For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit.

NFL Playoffs 2012, Patriots Vs. Broncos: Bill Belichick Praises Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow is pretty good. The numbers may not suggest it, but the success certainly has. Tebow took the NFL world by storm this season and led the Denver Broncos to an improbable 29-23 overtime win over the Steelers this past Sunday.

Some may still doubt Tebow's abilities, but Patriots head coach Bill Belichick knows better.

"Whatever it takes to win, he's done a good job of doing that," said Belichick. "I think whenever Tebow is in the shotgun, then you have the possibility of him running their regular shotgun passing game and you also have the possibility of them running the ball, whether he's the runner or it's a dive and he keeps it. You really need another defender in the running game but it's hard to get that defender when five guys, at least four guys and sometimes five guys spread out the passing game. (via WEEI)

Belichick offered more insight on Tebow and the Broncos' winning ways over at WEEI.com.

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream.

Tim Tebow Earns $250K Per Playoff Win

Steelers Vs. Broncos Final Score: Tim Tebow Wins Again In OT, 29-23

Somehow, someway, he got it done. Again. Tim Tebow threw the game-winning 80-yard touchdown pass -- the longest of his two year career -- to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime to lead the Denver Broncos past the Pittsburgh Steelers, 29-23, in the AFC Wild Card round at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on Sunday afternoon.

Tebow, who was facing the possibility of being benched if he did not do well in the game, had one of the best games of his career, throwing for 316 yards (10-of-21) and two scores passing and running for 50 yards and a touchdown on 10 rushes. Thomas had four catches for 204 yards while Willis McGahee had 61 rushing yards on 19 carries.

Denver fell behind 7-3 after the first quarter, but put up 20 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 13-point lead heading into halftime. The Steelers scored a touchdown in the third quarter and had one touchdown and a field goal in the fourth quarter while giving up three points in the quarter, ultimately forcing overtime.

Ben Roethlisberger had 289 passing yards, a touchdown and an interception for Pittsburgh, which had 400 total yards (244 passing, 156 rushing). Isaac Redman rushed for 121 yards on 17 carries and Emmanuel Sanders racked up 81 yards on six catches for the Steelers.

Denver faces the AFC's No. 1 seed, the New England Patriots, on Saturday in Foxboro, MA.

For more 2011-2012 NFL Playoff coverage, follow along with our playoff stream.

NFL Playoffs 2012, Patriots Vs. Broncos: Tebow Time Heads To Foxboro

He's back, and he may even be better than ever. Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card game, setting up a rematch against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on Saturday.