12/21/24
January 14, 2006
Broncos Drop Patriots: In a game turned by five New England interceptions and fumbles (including one caused by the hard hit delivered by a kicker nicknamed "Boom," the Denver Broncos defeated the Patriots 27-13 in the second round of the AFC playoffs, handing Tom Brady his first-ever playoff loss and giving Bill Belicheck his first taste of a season-ending defeat in 4,025 days (a Cleveland Brown Ravens loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-9 in 1995).
Best play of the game was the Champ Bailey interception almost TD, possible touchback, not overturned, momentum crushing, guard changing, 99 yard return to the Patriots one. That #84 guy what hustle, that is football. I am not even a Patriots fan in fact I bet on the Broncos, but There were some crazy calls and plays in this game. I think the puppet master was pulling some strings.
posted by gronir_ hitrops at 11:04 PM on January 14, 2006
Just felt like the Law of Averages caught up with the Pats tonight. It'll make next year's 16-0 campaign all the sweeter.
posted by yerfatma at 11:07 PM on January 14, 2006
I don't question the Bailey fumble review, but my hunch is that an overhead camera would have shown the fumbled ball went through the end zone. I hate the touchback rule on those fumbles. It should put the ball back at the 20 for the last team that had possession, not give it to the team defending that end zone.
posted by rcade at 11:08 PM on January 14, 2006
I love obsessing over my team's chances next season after a devastating playoff loss. The Pats are $250K over next year's expected salary cap, by one estimate. So their 16-0 season next year will be with the same personnel they brought to Denver.
posted by rcade at 11:12 PM on January 14, 2006
Kudos to the Broncos for being able to take advantage of the turnovers. Sometimes that is all you need to win the game.
posted by skydivemom at 11:12 PM on January 14, 2006
Congrats to the Broncos for dethoning the Champs. I really didn't think I'd ever see this Pats team commit 5 TO's but give the Broncos credit for the physical tackling. Nice coaching job by Shanahan although I think his D was undressed a little in the secondary and lack of Pass Rush without a blitz.
posted by skydivedad at 11:17 PM on January 14, 2006
This seals it. The Colts are going to win it all.
posted by chicobangs at 11:27 PM on January 14, 2006
This seals it. The Colts are going to win it all. I'm so glad they play the games. Just about every talking head going into this game had the Pats rolling over the Broncos. At the least it should be a good game at the next round. Wouldn't it be something to see old AFC West foes face off in Superbowl XL?
posted by geekyguy at 11:36 PM on January 14, 2006
This seals it. The Colts are going to win it all. You are so incredibley wrong. So says the guy that predicted the Patsies to win by 21 tonight.
posted by NoMich at 11:43 PM on January 14, 2006
Someone pass me a tissue. My alergies are acting up like crazy. WWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Damn alergies!
posted by grabofsky74 at 11:54 PM on January 14, 2006
hee hee hee hee. Now watch the Colts get their butts handed to them tomorrow. Still, I'm guessing the road to Detroit just got easier. Not betting the farm on it, but that's my guess.
posted by chicobangs at 12:10 AM on January 15, 2006
In the words of "Dandy" Don Meredith ..........!!!!
posted by Grrrlacher at 12:21 AM on January 15, 2006
It's a shame, I was hoping for a Colts/Patriots championship game, where both teams had something to prove (the Patriots returing to dynasty mode after a mediocre opening, the invulnerable Colts beating Brady/Belicheck in the postseason for the first time). Still, the Broncos more than earned this one, that third quarter interception was like that bases loaded/no one out Red Sox postseason game against the White Sox where the Sox failed to get a single run. Once it happened, the run was over...
posted by uglatto at 12:28 AM on January 15, 2006
AHH shit they redirected my link... X-( "Turn off the lights the party's over" !!!!! GGGGGOOOOO BBBEEEAAAARRRSSSS!!!!!
posted by Grrrlacher at 12:34 AM on January 15, 2006
Funnest game not watching one of "my" teams in a long time. Finally I don't have to hear about how Tom Brady is undefeated in the postseason.
posted by chmurray at 01:20 AM on January 15, 2006
I think the better team, Denver, won tonight(and I'm also glad the Patriot's dynasty is finally over!), but let's not forget, the Pats had five giveaways, and twice gave Denver the ball at the 1-yard line. Who's not gonna score when they've four cracks at it from the 1; even the Texans could score from there. As far as the PIT-INDY game, it should be a great game and the Colts better not look past PIT. Cowher's got enough playoff experience that they may be able to go into the dome and steal one, though if I were the Vegas odd makers, I'd make Indy about a 7-point favorite. As far the Colts winning it all, if they even get to the AFC title game, they better bring their A game because tonight Denver showed what could do against some great teams. But I do think Indy's the favorite to win the whole thing.
posted by headgames at 01:36 AM on January 15, 2006
Glad the Pats got beat! Plus...How many times did they call Tedy's B's number during that game? Overrated and all hype doesnt even describe him..Comeback Player of the Year? YEAH RIGHT! We dont have to see Brady whine anymore either! Denver played the game they needed to play, the Pats didnt. Dont count the Steelers out tomorrow and after the Panthers rid us all of Da' Bears, they will send the Hawks a packing!
posted by LiveWithIt at 02:09 AM on January 15, 2006
Here you go LiveWithIt just incase you forgot...oh and if you're illiterate (sigh!!) you can just click the video highlights!!!
posted by Grrrlacher at 03:28 AM on January 15, 2006
must eat crow....Pats lost....oh, well....humility is an ugly thing... GO HAWKS!!!
posted by h2omanz at 03:36 AM on January 15, 2006
Ahh sweet justice, a year too late (I'm an Eagles fan, ugh) still it was a great game, and Bailey probably fumbled into-out of the endzone. But hindsight is 20-20 right?Seahawks-Colts for the big kahuna(as long as Alexander comes back)....Lets see that bad boy back in the NFC. Ole Gibbs shoulda put some motoroil in the Gator-ade.
posted by GoBirds at 05:35 AM on January 15, 2006
Hey LiveWithIt; I'd like to see you have a stroke and get back into the NFL. Of course Bruschi is the comeback player of the year. What he accomplished was phenominal. Granted he was not a big factor in the game last night, but he is still a great linebacker. I am glad to see so many people so quick to shit on the Patriots. I have followed them for years and dealt with a lot of down times. These last few years have been great. Don't hate them because they have revolutionized the way teams are being run in the Salary Cap Era. With coach Belichick and Scott Pioli at the helm, I look for the team to compete for many years to come. I wouldn't be surprised to see them playing in the Super Bowl next year. If that happens, I guess I don't mind listening to all you cry babies whinning about how much you hate them. Suck it up they have the greatest franchise and the greatest owner. Brady whine. Ha! As if.
posted by grabofsky74 at 07:05 AM on January 15, 2006
Man, two "dynasties" over within 10days of eachother. (trojans and patriots)It all went downhill for the patriots after that PHANTOM pass interferance call on samuel.
posted by chuy at 08:00 AM on January 15, 2006
The interference call was a bad one, but you still have to hand it to the Broncs--they handled the Pats and controlled every aspect of the game. Now, if the Packers can just come back next year..........!
posted by jm_mosier at 08:09 AM on January 15, 2006
You cant win a game with that many turn-overs, too bad, i am a pats fan, oh, well, no one can win them all, id kind of like to see, Indy and the Panthers for the big show now
posted by jlimm1959 at 08:12 AM on January 15, 2006
Seattle is looking good, but then who wouldnt playing against the offence Washington has, to bad there defence cant play on both sides of the ball, washinton would probably be awesome then.......Good luck Seattle, My ex-wife still loves seattle..................ill be getting a call soon, sorry about your pats..............ohhhhhh, shit!!
posted by jlimm1959 at 08:15 AM on January 15, 2006
Don't get me wrong the broncos won, thats it, its over they wanted it more and they've had a good season. The patriots can come out now next year swinging. I would like to see the Broncos make it to the big dance, i don't like the colts. Man i freakin hate this DISH network crap i don't have the fox channel, i have to go to my grandfathers house and see the (NFC) games.
posted by chuy at 08:25 AM on January 15, 2006
The game was good and the Broncos won rather handily with the 5 turnovers given them. I think the Bronc's have been overlooked a bit all year, and man are they tough at home. As for Bruschi and comeback player of the year, I'll give him that easy. I am, however, glad the Pats are out, so the homers at ESPN can stop saying "Bruschi", "inspiration", and "phenomenal" 150,000 times per ANY football show they have on the air. disclaimer...I am neither a Broncos nor Patriots fan. I just love football.
posted by stockman at 08:53 AM on January 15, 2006
The interference call was a bad one, but you still have to hand it to the Broncs--they handled the Pats and controlled every aspect of the game. Denver may have controlled the game but ONLY AFTER this horrific call. Instead of down by 4 they went down by 11 on a call that was more offensive interference than defensive.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 10:54 AM on January 15, 2006
Part of being a great team is overcoming bad calls. The pass interference call occured with around 2 minutes left in the first half, giving the Patriots more than two quarters to climb back from it. Considering that the Patriots' storied 10-win playoff run began with a ref's call that could easily have gone the other way -- the Brady tuck -- I hope that New England fans won't blame the zebras for a playoff game they deserved to lose for all of the turnovers. If there has ever been a playoff team that gave it up five times and won, I'd love to hear about it.
posted by rcade at 11:10 AM on January 15, 2006
Wow, apparently fans of the Patriots in the media are blaming Kimo von Oelhoffen for their playing in Denver rather than in Indy:
"Kimo von Oelhoffen. Remember the name. There's a good chance he altered NFL history Sunday. Had the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end not landed with suspicious accuracy on the leg of Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer early in Pittsburgh's win, then the Patriots probably would be playing in Indianapolis on Sunday." — Tom Curran of The Providence Journal
posted by scully at 11:11 AM on January 15, 2006
Part of being a great team is overcoming bad calls. I agree especially over the course of a season. However in a 60 minute playoff game where you're road underdogs, one terrible call that results in a TD can be devastating and change the entire course of the game. Taking the field after the half down four instead of down eleven can change your entire approach including taking risks you might not otherwise take. Hey, Denver won and I take nothing away. And I really didn't even have a dog in the fight other than a fantasy pool with friends. (My dog, the Rams, died long ago) It just seems a shame that officiating can be so obviously poor in these kinds of games.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 11:29 AM on January 15, 2006
There were some crazy calls and plays in this game. I think the puppet master was pulling some strings. I'm not so sure about a conspiracy. But...the ref's definately had an impact on this game. The interference call in the end zone after the first fumble was a blown call. The fumble through the end zone may have been blown as well. rcade's point: Considering that the Patriots' storied 10-win playoff run began with a ref's call that could easily have gone the other way -- the Brady tuck -- I hope that New England fans won't blame the zebras for a playoff game they deserved to lose for all of the turnovers is well taken...with all the hype and analysis that goes into these playoff games it is amazing how many of these big games come down to TO's and a few key plays (blown calls or not). In the end TO's were the key once again. Can't give it up 5 times and expect to win in the playoff's.
posted by stofer71 at 11:31 AM on January 15, 2006
The Broncos deserved to win the game, but I do think the game changed completely based on that terrible call. The game was a tough defensive struggle up to that point, but that play putting the Broncos on the one yard line, for God's sake, is a huge, huge blunder in a playoff game. Samuel was getting thrown at non-stop, and he was making great plays. He had that one covered perfectly, too, but the officials felt the need to thrown the flag. I'll never accept bad calls being "part of the game." Officiating is becoming sloppier and sloppier these days, and even though I could actually care less about either team that was playing, it bothers me a great deal when a well-defended long pass into the end zone becomes first and goal from the one.
posted by dyams at 11:37 AM on January 15, 2006
The Pats went down fighting, the D held up but the offesnse let them dow, Automatic Adam even missed a field goal, it just wasn't there night. Here's to next year.
posted by ProSam at 11:49 AM on January 15, 2006
Who's not gonna score when they've four cracks at it from the 1; even the Texans could score from there. I think someone is overestimating the Texans' offensive line. I agree about both the overhead camera and the touchback rule. I think the ball flew out of Bailey's hand and crossed the goalline, but giving it back to the defending team on the 20-yard line is just moronic.
posted by wfrazerjr at 12:06 PM on January 15, 2006
Part of being a great team is overcoming bad calls. Absolutely. And a great point about the streak starting on a ref's call (albeit a correct one in that case). It was just a tough loss to a good team. There's a period during every Red Sox season where I stop watching for 3-10 games, not because they're losing, but because they're losing due to sloppy fielding. Every chance the Pats had to get back in the game, they gave it away. Denver's three TD drives totaled what, 4 yards and 3 plays? I still think they'll be very good next year. $250k over the salary cap isn't a whole lot and they definitely have people they can dump. The senior citizens in the secondary (other than Harrison), maybe a lineman, Corey Dillon (I think his contact is up), etc.
posted by yerfatma at 12:19 PM on January 15, 2006
The Pats will not be the same team, they brought to denver, next year. The reason being, I'm pretty sure that six members of the secondary are/were on injured reserve..And we can't wait to get Ty Poole and Rodney back..As for the salary cap room, they are going to have plenty of it..would really like to see a fresh face in the backfield.
posted by rage311 at 01:39 PM on January 15, 2006
the pats r not the same b/c i heard their defensive coach is goin 2 the jets im glad they out sick of seein their commercials tired of brady whinning im not a big fan of the broncos but they look like superbowl contenders.
posted by defrag3x at 01:48 PM on January 15, 2006
I'm pretty sure that six members of the secondary are/were on injured reserve.. I'm pretty sure I heard that New England's starters were the same ones that started game #1.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 01:49 PM on January 15, 2006
sick of seein their commercials I want to burn the Diet Pepsi Machine.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 03:03 PM on January 15, 2006
You misheard. If nothing else, Rodney Harrison wasn't in there. Also, Ellis Hobbs was not the starting corner in game #1 (I think Randall Gay was). Additionally, Tedy Bruschi was not in week 1, Mike Vrabel was still playing on the outside, etc. And that's just the defense.
posted by yerfatma at 03:03 PM on January 15, 2006
You misheard. Glad I said pretty sure instead of certain.
posted by STLCardinalfan at 03:50 PM on January 15, 2006
I can understand people being tired of seeing Brady winning. But I'll tell you one thing...I'll never get tired of seeing Peyton Manning lose!! He couldn't win in Tennessee, although Tee Martin was able to, and he can't win in Indianapolis, whatta choke artist. As for the players who were not available for the game Saturday: S Harrison, S Gus Scott, CB Chad Scott, CB Starks, CB Poole, CB Gay (all but Gay , who played in week 2, were in the lineup in week one). And lets not overlook the losses on the O-line w/ C Koppen and T Light who were replaced by two first year linemen. I understand that all teams have their share of injuries, but in NO way will their lineup next year be the same as what we saw in Denver, as some of you seem to be insinuating.
posted by rage311 at 08:30 AM on January 16, 2006
rage, you're certainly right about who wasn't there; however, after what happened the last time Denver and NE played, I don't see how anyone could view not having Starks on Saturday as a bad thing. In fact, I think you'd probably agree with me that NE's pass coverage could have been better, but did not suck and pretty much did the job when it mattered. But for sure, it would have helped having Harrison, Gay, Poole and certainly Light (dunno that much about Scott). I understand that all teams have their share of injuries, but in NO way will their lineup next year be the same as what we saw in Denver, as some of you seem to be insinuating. I think people are insinuating that for different reasons. Early in the thread someone was suggesting that players whose contracts were up would bail left and right, now that the bloom is off the rose. I'd disagree with that strongly, and argue that anyone who thinks so doesn't understand the nature of the New England "bloom", which I think is here to stay as long as Kraft and Belichick keep running the team the way they are. Also, this isn't exactly the first reality check that New England's been served up; non-Pats fans will make much of it, but really, is it that much different than not making the playoffs in '03, or ending their winning streak last year? Seems like the same story to me. Neither of those was a crippling blow; both, I think, were occasions for the team to take a deep breath, re-evaluate, and re-commit to a winning formula. Will there be some faces gone next year? For sure; there have been every year, rings or no rings (remember that guy, whatsisname, Ty Law, and who was it, Lawyer somebody or other?). But you're not gonna see a pack of rats leaving the sinking ship, because the ship isn't sinking...and even if there are pastures elsewhere that are greener with money for some of them, others will choose to take the longer view and bet on the Pats as the team that's likely to take them further in their career.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 04:00 PM on January 16, 2006
and who was it, Lawyer somebody or other?). Lawyer Milloy. What people have to realize is that the Patriots were very capable of winning that game with their injuries, but the turnovers killed them. And, if all those people on your team get injured, maybe you need to reevaluate your offseason conditioning program.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 04:10 PM on January 16, 2006
Wow. Pretty sure she knew Lawyer Milloy's last name. And hell, Ty Law might be back next year. Also, please stop repeating that chestnut about injuries = offseason conditioning program problems. Until someone can prove a causal connection, it just sounds silly.
posted by yerfatma at 05:51 AM on January 17, 2006
And hell, Ty Law might be back next year. I heard that rumor too. Wouldn't be a bad thing at all, if he came back with the right attitude (not that his was bad, exactly, but he had a year's vacation as far as the Pats are concerned, ya know?). Also, please stop repeating that chestnut about injuries = offseason conditioning program problems. Until someone can prove a causal connection, it just sounds silly. It's a milspeak/corporate America standard answer: "more/better training" as a fix to everything. NFL football is a punishing sport, and there are certain injuries, like concussion, that no amount of conditioning can prevent. Furthermore, as regards the Pats, my impression is that they have a real work ethic, and that they're not exactly slack in the conditioning department.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 07:11 AM on January 17, 2006
i def. would not say that the broncos "beat" the patriots in any way! new englands offense dominated the entire game, especially the second half! when you look at the stats, the pats won in every way. brady threw for 340 yards, they ran for 60- the obvious deciding factor was the turnovers- and these 5 turnovers were more like giveaways-not takeaways. the pats defense held the broncos to a total of 266 yards and the broncos run (2nd in the league) was dominated and controlled to the bitter end, with anderson gaining a mere 69 yards. plummer faced great pressure in the second half of the game and didnt even break 200 yards. honestly...the broncos played like shit! lets look at how they scored. the most controversial interference call in the playoffs gave them about 50 yards and left them on the 1 with 4 attempts to score. t.brown fumbles and the broncs put out together their only scoring drive of the game--4 yards. brady donates to the champ baily fund and champ returns the generosity with a 100 yard return through the isolated and empty backfield... then fumbles at the 1 (mind you..another controversial game deciding call by the refs). once again, denver had 4 downs to convert for the td. there you have it...that is 21 points with all of the credit earned by....the pats offense/special teams! the two field goals are from 50 and 37--neither able to give great credit to the offense for good positioning. with all this, think about it and bring this bronco performance to the next game against pitt. unless the steelers come in with a game full of follys, the broncos are doomed with the way their offense played against the pats! and do not be so quick to write off the pats, if there is any team that can learn from their mistakes and come back ten times stronger--its the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS DYNASTY!!! ONE YEAR DOESNT MEAN ITS OVER!
posted by speakingnvowels at 01:49 PM on January 17, 2006
i def. would not say that the broncos "beat" the patriots in any way! Well, other than the one way that matters.
posted by yerfatma at 02:21 PM on January 17, 2006
Well, other than the one way that matters. There it is. All a self-respecting Pats fan can say now is, "See you next year," and move on.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 05:02 PM on January 17, 2006
But let's see what the Broncs can do against the Steelers. It will be a battle. Defensive guru, Dick LeBeau, will have a few surprises waiting for Jake.
posted by Claremore Rancher at 05:28 PM on January 17, 2006
Speakingnvowels, it doesn't matter who wins the game, a win is a win and a loss is a loss. And there is no way the Pats are going to win again because next year is the Lions year!
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 05:40 PM on January 17, 2006
For the first time in 3 years I get to say.."wait till next year"..and as I recall 3 years ago when I said it was the beginning of back2back superbowls..but hey, who knows. I'm thinking five superbowls this decade, but then again, that's just me. Having lived in Washington state for 20+ years, I've had to listen to just about everyone use the "wait till next year" line, unfortunately, they'll have to say it again. As for what Pittsburgh has in store for the Broncos, can't wait to see what the refs in Denver has in store for them.. I've watched MANY AFC west games, having lived in Seattle, and teams can't just go in there and win. I realize turnovers killed the Pats, but I think the pass interference penalty broke them. And after watching all the calls against the Steelers..the no call P.I., the no call on the offsides/false start, the interception, and in case no one else noticed, but after the ball was ready for play the time keepers were not starting the clock till the ball was hiked when the Steelers had the ball in the fourth quarter..Knowing what happens in Denver, the Steelers will have alot going against them
posted by rage311 at 06:30 PM on January 17, 2006
you know the thing with the clock situation, i noticed that and it was pissing me off, i was telling my wife about it during the 4th. I guess joey porter doesn't sound like a dumbass now. I wonder what the NFL would have said if the steelers had lost the game??? Sorry guys the officials blew the game for yall? they are just lucky they dodged a huge bullet. Regardless of who wins this weekend and the superbowl, i am enjoying the fact that it won't be the colts and their "great" quarterback manning. I still don't know why everyone is always on his jock? he has proven since college and now in the pros that he falls apart in big games.
posted by chuy at 02:23 AM on January 18, 2006
Any chance of this stopping the damn trend on ESPN.com for all sports? "Boston, Boston, New York, New York, New York, Boston, New York, Boston, Boston, New York..." Nope...
posted by ryleeys at 12:52 PM on January 18, 2006
rleeys, the best chance would be to get about ten million people to move elsewhere, preferably in one large concentration. That might not even do it -- a lot of people now living elsewhere grew up on Boston or New York sports, and still follow the teams -- but it would be a start.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:13 PM on January 18, 2006
Or to move ESPN so it wasn't right in the middle.
posted by yerfatma at 06:17 PM on January 18, 2006
Interesting that Champ Bailey was largely responsible for delivering the win while Clinton Portis didn't quite get it done for the 'Skins. I don't think you can lay the blame on Portis, but still it's interesting that both players were so central in playoff games on the same day.