New England is favored in this game by almost two touchdowns (-13.5) and beat the Broncos in Denver 41-23 just a few short weeks ago. There is really no doubt in my mind that this game is going to have a similar result and were I a betting man I'd almost been inclined to take the Patriots to cover the huge spread. Tim Tebow's first season as a starter has been amazing it has literally been a script for an inspirational Hollywood sports movie: Tebow was pegged as the team's third-string QB by new coach John Fox during the preseason, took over the starting role after and abysmal 1-4 start, turned things around despite his inconsistent play by flourishing in the 4th Quarters and OT of games in en route going 7-1 in his first 8 starts, had things almost completely fall apart and ended on the season on a 3-game losing streak (starting with that loss to NE), had speculation that he might be benched for backup Brady Quinn in the team's first playoff game, and then finally brought everybody back together and pulled off an amazing overtime win against perennial powerhouse Pittsburgh in the Broncos Wild Card matchup. There it is, "4th and God: The Tim Tebow Story" coming 2014 (I can't take credit for the title, that came from ESPN writer Bill Simmons).
However the Broncos aren't going to be able to continue the ride as they travel to New England this weekend. Patriots head coach Bill Bellichick is the best in the business and with two weeks to prepare his team is going to be ready for Tebow. Bellichick's patriots were the team that ended Tebow's 6-game win streak because he figured out how to play the unique QB. New England does have weaknesses in the secondary and Denver did prove they can run the ball against this team as they rushed for 252 yards in the first game between the 2 including 167 in the first quarter alone and lead 16-7. However they were done in by 3 second quarter turnovers that New England converted into 3 scores and Denver never recovered.
Now the biggest reason I think New England is going to win this game is the fact not enough people are going to doubt Tebow this upcoming week. The Broncos showed that could play with the Patriots in their first matchup and Tebow-mania is in full swing after last Sunday. Because of Tebow that Steelers game was the highest rated Wild Card game in 18 years and after the game winning TD Tebow broke the twitter sports record for "tweets per second" with 9,420 which to me is one of the most ridiculous stats I've ever heard but it is very telling. The one thing I've learned from watching Tebow since he was in High School has been that he thrives on doubt which is why I really thought the Broncos had a good chance to beat Pittsburgh last week after their 3-game losing streak that was a serious reality check. Simply put there are too many people thinking Tebow and the Broncos have a serious chance to win this game and I think that will ultimate be what does them in.
Really the only way I see Denver having a chance in this game is if FS Brian Dawkins is able to finally return from a neck injury that has sidelined him. Dawkins (who if you didn't know is my favorite player ever in NFL history) has been the key that sparked Denver's resurgent defense that was just as responsible for Tebow-mania as Tebow himself. Dawkins has been doing the spiritual thing since Timmy was in middle school and amazing was able to inspire the Denver D to victory against the Steelers without even playing. However even the great Weapon-X won't be enough I'm afraid.
Final Score: Patriots 38 - Broncos 27
P.S. You have no idea how painful is sit have to watch Dawk play at so high a level and still be able to be one of the best leaders in sports at the age of 37. I guarantee you is he was playing for the Eagles this year he would have ben directly responsible for a at least 2 more wins and it would be the Eagles and not the Giants that everyone would be afraid of.
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