New England Patriots: Key Players for Denver Matchup

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

It's Tebow Time in New England!

Undoubtedly, fans everywhere are excited to see if Tebow will actually pass the ball effectively against the 32nd-ranked Patriots defense. To be fair however, the Pats are only 28th in terms of passing yards allowed per attempt. 

The run-heavy Broncos have the strongest rush attack in the NFL. The combined legs of Tebow and McGahee hammer through even the best defenses, creating the infamous "McGabow" monster.

Okay, I made "McGabow" up. It's better than "Tehee", right?

The Broncos also have a dominant rush defense, allowing only 4.1 yards per attempt. Unfortunately, that shouldn't help them ward off the Brady Bunch, especially when the Denver secondary has come up with just nine interceptions this season. To put that into perspective, Kyle Arrington alone has seven.

So, the basics having been presented, here are the Patriots most necessary to secure a W. 

Andre Carter

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

In recent weeks,  a lot of buzz has come up around Andre Carter. He and Mark Anderson has set up a passable pass rush, which balances out some of weakness in the secondary. 

Versus Tebow, there are some big reasons why Carter must really step up. 

The biggest reason is the Option Offense the Broncos succeed in. Tebow quickly reads the defense, then runs, passes, or hands off the ball, hoping to catch the defense unaware. 

Yet, the Option will fail if the D-Line can break the blocks, and fly towards the ball, so that a run will be thwarted, and Tebow will not have time to pass. Done right, he won't have time to think. 

The Pats don't have the best run stop capabilities, so Carter has to make solid tackles before the yards are piled on. 

If the horses can't run, they have to pass.

Passing is not an asset to the Broncos; it's a straight-up liability. 

Vince Wilfork

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Any time Wilfork steps onto the field, there is a good chance that he'll make a play. As cliche as it sounds, it's true. Even when he is not catching interceptions, forcing fumbles, or making choice sacks, the 30 year old has a presence that the offense must alter their scheme around. 

Weighing in at 325 pounds the nose tackle is the Patriots key run stopper. His size alone plugs up the gaps. 

Out of all the Patriots, I'd say that Wilfork will be the most important defender on Sunday. He's the only one who I'm sure can stop the rush. 

Rob Gronkowski

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

This guy is such a force that he can spike a ball and let it soar over 30 yards. 

Imagine doing that 15 times. 

After breaking the TE record for most season touchdowns, if the Gronk wants to slow it down, fans will forgive him. 

But he ain't gonna, 'cuz his team needs him. He'll be playing Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins, two experienced veterans, and experience is the one thing that the 6 foot 7 is short on.

Tom Brady

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Duh. Is further explanation needed? Yes? Here are some varied statistics for Brady this season.

4273 Yards.

33 Touchdowns.

106.0 Quarterback Rating.

8.6 Yards Per Pass Attempt.

Satisfied?

Kyle Arrington

Elsa/Getty Images

This is a hypothetical situation, but say that Tebow finds his footing as a passer. He makes a few clutch passes, and suddenly the Patriots find themselves behind, with just a few seconds left in the game. 

The greatest active Patriot at keeping wide receivers from racking up yardage is none other than Kyle Arrington. Out of a diminished secondary, he is the glimmering beacon of hope.

Seven interceptions ain't too shabby.

Score Prediction

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Given two hot teams, this game could go anywhere. 

I make this prediction based on the fact that the Broncos will have depend more on some great performances to win, while the Patriots will have to depend on some especially terrible performances to lose. 

Tom Brady can score until hell freezes over,while the Broncos are a low-scoring team who have yet to defeat a QB better than, well, Phil Rivers.

Final Score: 34-16 Patriots.