Broncos vs. Patriots: Analysing How New England's Defense Shut Down Tim Tebow

Bill Belichick went on the attack to shut down Tim Tebow in the New England Patriots' emphatic 45-10 victory over the Denver Broncos.

It's a strange anomaly that in a two week period, Tebow would be able to shred the league's top-ranked defense and then go on to be manhandled by its 31st-ranked unit.

The key to the Patriots' sterling defensive effort was Belichick's uncharacteristic decision to attack. His defenses have usually been built on a read and react policy, founded on the principle of never surrendering the big play.

Against the Broncos, though, Belichick turned his much-maligned defense loose. The Patriots lined up in a variation of the 3-4.

Belichick and his staff tweaked the front to ensure that every member of the Denver offensive line was covered.

The three defensive linemen were aligned closer together, covering the center and guards, in a look reminiscent of the 46.

Rob Ninkovich and Mark Anderson were lined up across from the tackles as standup rushers. Behind this large five man wall were two big inside linebackers, Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes.

The Patriots also frequently walked a safety up to join Mayo and Spikes, giving the defense a 5-3-3 appearance.

The object was simply to overpower the Broncos at the point of attack and stuff their power running game.

But stopping any phase of the Denver offense, begins and ends with limiting the effectiveness of Tebow.

It was here that the Patriots were far more aggressive than normal. Ninkovich and Anderson blitzed from the outside on virtually every play.

The duo caused havoc, with Ninkovich in particular, proving to be a matchup nightmare for the Broncos.

This constant external pressure was designed to hold the edges and prevent Tebow from escaping the pocket.

Anderson and Ninkovich were executing disciplined rushes, coupled with snatch and peel techniques to take away the outside toss on the option play.

But the whole strategy was keyed by the Patriots' underrated defensive line. Belichick has always utilised his lineman in creative ways come playoff time and last night was no exception.

He moved Vince Wilfork away from the center and aligned him over a guard, having him switch sides depending on the strength of the Broncos formation.

The Patriots rotated Wilfork, Kyle Love, Brandon Deaderick, Shaun Ellis and Gerard Warren all game. These powerful combinations were able to push the pocket back and hold the middle, cutting off one more avenue of escape for Tebow.

Thanks to the pressure inside, Tebow was unable to step up and avoid the rush from Ninkovich and Anderson.

The Patriots would be well-served to take elements of last night's attacking approach into the AFC championship game.

If they face the Houston Texans, then the stacked defensive line could help them achieve the penetration that is crucial in shutting down the zone running game.

If the Patriots face off against the Baltimore Ravens, the combination of outside pressure and inside push could be ideal against a stationary, pocket passer like Joe Flacco, who would be a sitting target.

It may not be Belichick's preferred method of defense, but going on the attack might be the best way to mask the holes in this Patriots unit.

The defense has been exploited and victimised all season. But come crunch time, they might just prove to be the decisive factor in landing a fourth Lombardi trophy.