DENVER — Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday was the site of the latest segment of Tebow mania, with all things Tim Tebow in the spotlight. But the quarterback on the other side proved yet again he’s a force and a guy who can change the complexion of games.
This was Tom Brady’s afternoon in the New England Patriots’ 41-23 dismantling of the Denver Broncos that clinched the AFC East. He was 23-for-34 for 320 yards and two touchdowns in the air, added another on the ground and took advantage of three Denver turnovers.
Just like the Broncos knew he would.
“He’s still the best out there in my opinion. When you make mistakes against a guy like that, he’s going to make you pay. That’s pretty much what happened all day,” cornerback Champ Bailey said. “That’s what you expect from him, and that’s what he’s been doing for years.”
Brady, who had words of encouragement for Tebow after the game, schooled the 24-year-old on what to do when given the ball and a short field.
Whenformer Maryland running back Lance Ball put it on the ground, Brady led a field goal drive. When Tebow fumbled, Brady and the Patriots scored a touchdown.
“Once we got some turnovers from our defense, that really sparked us,” Brady said.
But Brady was the one who poured it on, finding Aaron Hernandez nine times for 129 yards and big tight end Rob Gronkowski over the middle in between coverage.
No matter what the Broncos’ defense threw at Brady, he was able to adjust and thrive.
“They have two very good pass-rushers on the outside. They’re good with schemes,” Brady said. “I just tried to find good matchups and throw the ball there.”
He did that time and again — handing Tebow and the Broncos their first loss since Oct. 30 and penning another masterpiece in a Hall of Fame career.
• Stephen Whyno can be reached at swhyno@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.