The team with the better quarterback won in Denver on Sunday.
After a week of hype the likes of which the NFL has rarely seen, Tim Tebow turned in a solid showing for the Broncos. But Tom Brady was the better quarterback on the field, and the Patriots won to clinch the AFC East.
Brady completed 23 of 34 passes for 320 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions, in a fantastic showing against a very good defense as the Patriots won 41-23. Brady also ran for a one-yard touchdown, and he was fantastic, all around.
Tebow was good too: He completed 11 of 22 passes for 194 yards, and he had another interception-free game. He also was outstanding running the ball, carrying 12 times for 93 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He did have a costly lost fumble, though, and as the game went on the Patriots’ defense seemed to be getting a read on how to shut Tebow down.
The Broncos also got 70 rushing yards from Willis McGahee, 64 from Lance Ball and 25 from Jeremiah Johnson. The Patriots’ run defense clearly has some deficiencies.
But as long as the Patriots have Brady, they’re going to be a tough team to beat in big games down the stretch. Brady led the way in a big win today.