NFL Playoff Predictions: Predicting Tim Tebow's Stats vs. New England Patriots

Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers' No. 1 ranked pass defense, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow completed just 10 of his 21 passes, but still amassed 316 yards and two TDs with no picks.

This week, Tebow faces the New England Patriots who rank No. 31 in pass defense by allowing 294 pass yards per game. Thing is, Tebow was just 11-of-22 for 194 yards against New England at home in Week 15.

So what about now? The first AFC Divisional game, and this time it's in New England.

Well, let's break down Tebow's passing and rushing ability versus Bill Belichick's defense to get an estimate of each.

Pats Rush Defense vs. Tebow Rushing

On the year, New England finished No. 17 against the run and allowed 117 per game game. In addition, they allowed 4.6 yards per carry (rank No. 24), and this is where Tim is most dangerous.

In the first meeting Tebow carried the rock 12 times for 93 yards and scored two TDs. It's obvious that this is where he hurt the Pats the most, however, he was more effective in the air against Pittsburgh.

For this game, New England must not get lulled to sleep like the Steelers. What occurred there was Pittsburgh literally stacking the box with nine and sometimes 10 players to stop the run. Well, it doesn't matter who you are and how great you are because single coverage will get burnt quite a bit without a blitz.

The Steelers didn't run blitz, and they were caught up in the traffic. In order for New England to make sure that Tim doesn't break free in any way, they must blitz to stop the run.

Stacking the box doesn't work against a run-oriented team as the blocking schemes don't change too much, if at all. Blitzing, however, messes up the timing and development of the play.

And in a offense that uses the run more than anyone to assist their passing game, the Patriots must blitz the run to nullify any production. The question is whether that will happen, as Tebow's mobility will allow him to make something out of nothing.

14 carries, 60 rush yards, one TD.

Pats Pass Defense vs. Tebow Passing

This is where the game gets really interesting. Based on last week's numbers, Tebow should have no problem dicing up New England, right? 

Wrong.

The reason is because of the already mentioned blitzing.

The Steelers just sat back and waited to see if Tebow would make a mistake. Well, he played virtually mistake-free football until the final three weeks of the regular season, so being the underdog once again you know he was going to rebound.

And with all of Pittsburgh's injuries they became a little too cautious of the Broncos' ground game. Well, New England must provide pressure as they did the first time around.

In the regular season meeting Tebow was sacked four times, hit another four and had minimal production in passing. Don't expect New England's game plan to change because, with Tebow's mobility, rushing just three or four players doesn't cut it.

Mixing up stunts and blitzing from every angle is needed to get Tebow thinking just before the snap. Denver's passing game has definitely improved, but it's nowhere near good enough to keep pace with Tom Brady yet.

But the Broncos can if the Pats do not blitz. The worst-case scenario is that Tebow takes off running. He is more prone to fumbling than throwing picks, so one turnover could be the difference.

Still, Tebow will get some passing yards as he's definitely improved as a passer. The concern is how complex of a scheme Bill Belichick draws up to shut him down from every angle.

12-of-24, 200 pass yards, one TD, one pick.

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