Broncos Punch the Undefeated Patriots in the Mouth
The New England Patriots are favored over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship. But that’s nothing new. New England came in as a favorite over Denver in Week 12 before Denver handed them a 30-24 overtime loss.
The win knocked the hated Pats from the ranks of the unbeaten (they were 10-0 entering the game) and sent them into a spiral that saw them lose three of their next five games to close out the regular season.
New England was without their two two wide receivers, but Denver did all of this after losing nose tackle Sylvester Williams and Pro Bowl alternate T.J. Ward in the first quarter and playing the entire game with out two former All-Pros, linebacker DeMarcus Ware and quarterback Peyton Manning.
Here’s a look at the top moments that sent Tom Brady and the Patriots on the road to the No. 2 seed…
Wolfe Takes a Bite Out of Brady
With the Patriots leading 7-0, Derek Wolfe opened New England’s third possession with a sack of Tom Brady. It was the first of three on the day for the Denver defense.
Time to Howl
Following the sack of Tom Brady, Derek Wolfe broke out his signature “howl” celebration. Wolfe wasn’t done howling, either; he led the team in tackles on the night.
Run Ronnie Run
Ronnie Hillman wasn’t going to let New England run away with this game. He went 19 yards for a touchdown that brought the Broncos back within one score, 14-7, in the second quarter.
Von Miller Gets in Brady’s Grill
Even tough he was flagged for a roughing the passer penalty, Von Miller wanted Tom Brady to know that the pressure would just keep coming. Miller would get to Brady later, at a very critical juncture.
The Hits Just Keep Coming
Rookie linebacker Shane Ray didn’t get credit for a sack on this play, but he did register one of his three quarterback hits on Tom Brady. All told, the Broncos registered 13 hits on the Pats QB.
The Defense Flips the Momentum
The Broncos defense held the Pats scoreless in the third quarter, keeping it a seven-point game. New England would score early in the fourth quarter, but Denver’s confidence was building after several key stops like this one in the third.
The Offense Heats Up
After a third quarter that saw neither team post points, both came out gunning in the fourth. New England scored on their second play of the quarter and Denver answered with a touchdown shortly after a muffed punt. Denver put up 17 points to New England’s 10, in part due to big catches like this one from Emmanuel Sanders.
C.J. Anderson won’t be Outdone
Having already watched his backfield partner break a run for a touchdown, C.J. Anderson did the same in the fourth quarter. Anderson’s 15-yard run pulled Denver back within seven with just over 12 and a half minutes to play.
Kicking and Screaming
After missing a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter, Brandon McManus was true on a 21-yarder midway through the fourth quarter that brought Denver within four. McManus was also three-for-three on PATs in the game.
Gronk Goes Down
Midway through the fourth quarter, New England lost its most dangerous weapon, Rob Gronkowski. A low (but legal) hit by Darian Stewart injured the tight end and sent him off the field in pain.
A Pound After a Pounding
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib showed class after Rob Gronkowski’s injury, giving the Patriots tight end a handshake as he was loaded on to the cart. Gronkowski was not seriously injured, but did not return to the game.
The Pain Doesn’t End
New England’s pain didn’t subside with Gronk out of the game. Head coach Bill Belichick felt some emotional pain and suffering after several calls and penalties went Denver’s way in the fourth quarter.
Confidence Runs High
As the Patriots were hurting both on the field and on the sidelines, the Denver offense was catching fire and confidence was running high. Here, Demaryius Thomas celebrates after a 36-yard gain on Denver’s go-ahead fourth quarter drive.
Bubba Puts Denver On Top
In five plays, 83 yards and 1:22, the Denver Broncos took the lead over the Patriots 27-24 with this Andre Caldwell touchdown catch with just 1:09 remaining. “Bubba” had only two catches in the game, but made the big one when it mattered.
Brady Sacked in OT
New England tied it at the buzzer, but on the second play of overtime linebacker Von Miller finally got his. After a game full of chirping with Tom Brady, Miller sacked the New England quarterback for a loss of seven. One incompletion later and the Pats were punting and on their way to a loss.
C.J. Anderson Ends It
Denver needed only three plays in overtime to send the undefeated Patriots back to Boston with a loss. C.J. Anderson took a pitch around the left end and went 48-yards into the end zone for the walk off touchdown, celebrating as he crossed the goal line.