Broncos vs. Patriots: 5 Patriots Who Will Keep Tim Tebow in Check

In Week 15, the New England Patriots racked up four sacks in a 41-23 victory over the Denver Broncos in Mile High Stadium.

Tim Tebow will look to redeem himself this weekend, but he'll be up against some familiar foes who gave him all he could handle last month.

With game time temps expected to be in the low 20s, let's take a look at five players who will keep Tebow in check on Saturday night.

1. Mark Anderson, Defensive End

Mark Anderson racked up 10 sacks in 14 games this season for the Patriots, including two against Tim Tebow and the Broncos in Week 15.

Anderson's 10 sacks were tied for the team lead during the regular season, and I anticipate he'll add a couple more to his total tonight in Foxboro.  

2. Jerod Mayo, Linebacker

Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo led the team with 95 tackles and will be playing the "spy" role tonight versus the Denver Broncos.

Mayo's eyes will never leave Tim Tebow, as his primary responsibility will be to make sure the Broncos' quarterback isn't able to scramble for first downs.

3. Rob Ninkovich, Linebacker

Who?

In case you were unaware, Rob Ninkovich is a linebacker for the New England Patriots who totaled 74 tackles and 6.5 sacks this season—including a 28-yard sack and a fumble recovery versus Tebow and the Broncos in Week 15.

Ninkovich will team up with Jerod Mayo to make sure Tebow stays in the pocket and is forced to beat the Patriots with his arm instead of his legs.

4. Kyle Arrington, Cornerback

Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington led the team with seven interceptions this season and his 88 tackles ranked second behind linebacker Jerod Mayo.

Arrington will be matched up with Tim Tebow's favorite target, Demaryius Thomas, who is suddenly a household name if you can figure out how to spell it properly.

Thomas, the 22nd overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, racked up 204 yards on just four receptions in last week's win over the Steelers—including the game-winning 80-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime.

Arrington will have his hands full, but you can bet that Thomas certainly grabbed his attention with last week's performance against Ike Taylor and company.

Arrington very well may be the biggest key to keeping Tim Tebow in check.  If he is able to slow down Thomas, who else is Tebow going to throw the ball to?  Eddie Royal? 

5. Devin McCourty, Cornerback

Devin McCourty ranked third on the Patriots with 87 tackles on the season to go along with two interceptions.

McCourty was the Patriots' first-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft, and the second-year player has certainly not disappointed with nine interceptions in his first two seasons.

While Kyle Arrington will take the lead in checking Broncos wideout Demaryius Thomas, McCourty will offer plenty of help in this key matchup.

If McCourty and Arrington are able to hold Thomas down, it will be a long night for Tim Tebow and the Broncos in Foxboro.