Recap: Peyton Manning had the better offense, defense, and
special teams. There were no excuses to be made this time. He even had the
stolen equalizer from New England in Wes Welker. Yet the Broncos fell to the
Patriots 34-31 after 72 minutes of play. Tom Brady outdueled Peyton Manning,
and it was even close. Manning was 19/36 for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns with an
interception. Brady was 34/50 for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns with a donut on
the interception line. In Manning’s defense, they had huge success on the
ground, running for 280 yards so Manning didn’t have to. But Manning failed to
engineer anything apart from 1 touchdown drive for the final 42 minutes of the
game. Even when Belichick challenged Manning and gave him the ball first,
Manning couldn’t capitalize. Then after the Patriots failed to score, Manning
couldn’t even get in field goal range in sudden death situation. So again, when
all the Manning supporters want to bring up the “Star Wars” numbers from the
past, just remember, this is Manning in the cold temperatures. Manning played
in a dome for his first 13 years. If he played in Brady’s conditions, there is
little doubt his numbers would be significantly lower. But Manning supporters
who lack objectivity fail to realize that. Manning showed up small on the big
stage Sunday night. I thought this would be the game where Manning started to
get closer to Tom Brady. Instead, he took a free-fall. Brady’s offensive line
gave up two strip sacks, one resulting in a touchdown. The Patriots running backs
were definitely in the holiday spirit when it came to giving the ball. Brady is
playing with a new cast and statistically having his worst season ever. The
Patriots are without anchors Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo. On Sunday they were
also without starting safety Steve Gregory. Brady could have had every excuse
in the world to tank it. Yet he carried his team. Manning had no excuse. His
receiving corps is arguably the NFL’s best. His running back ran for 224 yards.
Led by Von Miller, his defense forced three turnovers. And he failed.
What it means: Though all those negatives happened to
Manning and the Broncos, it would be foolish to overreact. It was a regular
season game. A big one, but just one. And going into the game, Denver had grasp
of the number one seed. Coming out, they still control their own destiny.
Patriots fans are definitely happy about the win but you do not want to see
this Denver team in January. And if it is in Mile High, there is little doubt
Manning can pull it out. Peyton Manning is an all-time great and the best
quarterback in the league right now. To think he wouldn’t be up to the task in
the playoffs would be foolish. Before the game I said Brady’s legacy was
stronger than Manning’s. Taking all fan emptions out, I stand by that. But the
careers are from over. Manning can do plenty to change that and Brady can do
plenty to distance himself. It all matters in January.
Costly win once again: Once again the Patriots won a big
game. Once again the price was hefty. With two starting defensive tackles gone
for the season, they lost their third best in Isaac Sopoaga in the first half.
With linebacker Jerod Mayo out for the season, his top replacement Donta
Hightower left with an injury. Top left tackle Sebastian Vollmer is out for the
season. His replacement Marcus Cannon left the game with an ankle injury and
did not return. With Steve Gregory already out, the Patriots starting
cornerback Alfozo Dennard left the game and did not return. Aqib Talib left
momentarily but returned. Clearly he is banged up. Running back Legarette
Blount also left the game with a concussion. This is a true test of depth.
Stat of Note: In Wes Welkers return, he had 4 catches for 31
yards including a crucial overtime drop (Patriots fans can empathize with
Broncos fans on that).
One thing is for sure. This game did not disappoint. It was
an epic battle between two of the best quarterbacks ever.
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