Patriots vs. Broncos: Denver Defense Must Prove Itself Against New England

I am not one to say that the 7-1 record compiled by the Denver Broncos under Tim Tebow is due simply to a series of fluke comebacks. No one can support that by any logical reasoning, especially when that 7-1 record is in a league as tough as the NFL.

Denver could have beaten the Indianapolis Colts seven times and we would still have reason to be impressed. It’s the NFL, and every game is difficult.

With that being said, the New England Patriots are probably the first truly elite, “playoff-caliber” team that Denver has faced to this point in the season.

The New York Jets come close but they are simply not on the same level as New England. The Patriots carry certain “seniority,” if you will. Their rich history and domination of the past decade make them an unquestionably formidable opponent. Taking into consideration that New England is relatively injury-free when it comes to their star players (unlike the Chicago Bears), this game is a cut above any other contest the Denver Broncos have faced.

All things considered, this game truly should not be Tebow’s biggest challenge. In fact, I would argue that he faced that challenge last week against the Chicago Bears defense and passed with flying colors (at least in the final two minutes). The Patriots defense is not even a fraction as threatening as Chicago’s, sitting dead last in the league against the pass. This game should be an offensive explosion for the likes of Tebow, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Willis McGahee.

Simply put: Tim Tebow does not have to defend against Tom Brady’s offense; the Denver defense does.

The Broncos defense is as much (or more) responsible for the rapid turnaround this year as Tim Tebow. Led by rookie Von Miller, a healthy Elvis Dumervill and an experienced veteran secondary, this unit will undoubtedly face its most challenging opponent since Aaron Rodgers lit them up for 49 points in Week 4. This week they’ll be seeking to prove themselves and what better way to do it than to leave Tom Brady yelling at his offensive coordinator along the sidelines for a second straight week?

If the defense can frustrate Brady on his opening drives and keep Tebow on the field with a chance to put up some early points, then the Broncos will be well on their way to digging a hole for New England that is simply too deep to climb out of. Whether or not Denver’s defensive unit can accomplish this is what the game will hinge on. If Brady is cut loose, then odds are Tebow won’t be able to keep up, even throwing against the weak secondary of the Patriots.

Tebow will produce. For as much criticism as he gets, he’s extremely versatile and extremely consistent. He runs when he needs to run and throws when he needs to throw. Against such a lowly defense, this game should be no different.

However, the Broncos defense, for as good as it has been lately, has not boasted that same consistency. Whether or not they find their stride on Sunday will be the real question and the ultimate determining factor in the outcome of this fascinating matchup.