[quote name='FriskyTanuki']They took advantage of the good field position and scored each time that they got the turnover, that's what good teams do. I wasn't surprised at all at seeing Brady being pressured the whole game, as that's what happened last time when Brady said it was the worst beating he had ever taken in his career, it just got to him at the worst moments. So when Sauerbrun tackled the returner and knocked the ball loose, that wasn't forced? If he didn't get a game ball for his excellent play kicking and defending, then Shanahan didn't pay attention. Lynch, Bailey, Wilson, Rod Smith, Jake Plummer, and Mike Anderson all should've gotten game balls as well for their great play.
The key to the game was the run game, Denver's came through when it needed to (in the red zone) and New England's didn't. No matter how many passes Brady made, he had no run to shake things up. Denver had the better RZ defense, and that's what won them the game. They wouldn't let NE walk all over them within that last 20 yards, but the NE defense couldn't say the same thing. It's all about opportunities and Denver took their chances and the Pats missed damn near everyone one of them. This is not nearly 100% NE's loss like you're playing it out to be, as I'd say 50% their loss and 50% Denver's win.
This is a hurdle Denver had to get over, but it's definitely not the last. Now people can take Shanahan seriously in the playoffs again and he should take the opportunity to make sure to not spoil it this year. Next week's game will be a great game regardless of who Denver has to face. I'd like to see them face Indy and show them how much they've improved from their last two visits and bring home the AFC title.
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We weren't watching the same game.
When a punter hits you and knocks the ball loose, its YOUR fault for not holding on to the ball. A punter should not be knocking the ball away from anyone.
Lets go through this, step by step. The first Denver touchdown was off the unforced Faulk fumble at the NE 40. Then Denver got that phantom pass interference call, and got the ball at the 1. Every team should be able to run it in from the 1 in 4 tries.
The kickoff after the score, Hobbs fumbles at the NE 39. 3 and out by Denver, they get a FG.
3rd quarter, Brady gets intercepted in the end zone due to Denver getting pressure on him, returned 99 yards to the NE 1. I thought he fumbled through the end zone, but the video was inconclusive and letting the ruling stand was the right call. But, again, 1st and goal from the 1, TD Denver.
4th quarter, Troy Brown muffs the punt at the NE 15 with nobody within 10 feet of him. 3 plays later, TD Denver.
So, 2 Denver TD's were freebies from the 1 yard line after the offense did nothing to get there. 1 TD was when they got the ball at the 15. 1 FG was after a Denver 3 and out when they got the ball in field goal range. Thats 24 points that Denver's offense did nothing to get. The only drive that Denver actually went down the field and scored on, was a FG with 3:24 left in the game. The only time that Denver's offense actually drove and got into the red zone, the Pats stopped them on 4th and 1 at the NE 3. I don't see how you can give credit to the Denver offense for scoring twice from the 1, and once from the 15, any team should if that field position is giftwrapped for them.
The key to the game was the unforced fumbles by NE. If one of the fumbles doesn't happen, or that horrible pass interference call doesn't happen, its a completely different game.
But like I'm trying to tell you, the only thing that actually matters is the score at the end. Nobody can take credit away from Denver for winning, but don't even try and tell me that their offense had anything to do with this.
ing annoying to hear these fair-weather bitches all the time. I lived in Seattle in 99' when Kitna was their QB. Did the games sell out? No, 
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