you guys wouldn't be saying shit if it happened like this:
http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=36541
Jan 15, 2005
DENVER - The Patriots made big play after big play but the Broncos couldn't.
It started when Denver began moving the ball against New England late in the second quarter, Tatum Bell carried the ball up the middle and right into the hands of Patriot linebacker Teddy Bruschi. Richard Seymour forced the fumble.
Two plays later, Corey Dillon ran it in for the 7-3 lead.
But Denvers collapse, and Plummers inevitable implosion didn't end there.
Among the five turnovers the Patriots forced, all at critical times was one on the very kick return following the Patriots first touchdown. Darrent Williams sprinting down the middile of the field was tackled by none other than future hall of fame kicker Adam Vinateri who stuck his helmet into the ball, jarring it loose.
"i knew he could win games with his leg but not with his tackling," chuckled Tom Brady. Well Brady can chuckle some more, being Mr. Clutch when his offense was slowed in the showdown with Denver. Brady had an interception early in the game, hardly his fault, when Denver's star cornerback Champ Bailey made an improbable pick. Other than that, he did what he always does, take what the defense gives him, throwing for a critical first down to keep the Patriots offense on the field while Denvers offense could only watch.
The Broncos were all show and no result, outgaining the Patriots more than two to one in yards but unable to make the big plays that the three time champs are known for.
"We found a way to win," said veteran wide receiver Troy Brown who caught a touchdown to ice the game at 24-6 late in the game.
Perhaps the defining moment of the night was the inevitable. Jake Plummer reverted to his old self. With the score 10-6, Denver was knocking on the door of New England when Plummer forced a ball to Rod Smith that patriot corner Asante Samuel stepped infront of. Samuel sprinted down the sideline over 100 yards untill being knocked out by a last ditch effort from Denver Tightend Jeb Putzier.
"i was gassed," said Samuel. "The mile high air got to me."
It looked like it got to the Broncos too.
Billecheck in yet another brilliant showing of blitz packages, confused Denvers O-line which has allowed one of the least sack totals in the league. Patriot defenders were swarming at Plummer in every direction, forcing him into eradic throws unseen through out the regular season.
The Broncos offense couldn't consistently do anything, failing yet again when it counted the most. Except in this contest they were able to hold off the collapse a little longer than their embarrasing showings at Indianapolis the last two seasons. Still, it was clear Saturday night what seperates a good team from a great one.
"We just couldn't get it done," said Shanahan who is still winless since Elway rode off into the sunset.
The Patriots however, showed what it takes to be 11-0 in the post season; finding a way to win by fighting like champions should.