Tom Brady tied an NFL record with six touchdown passes as the No. 1 seed New England Patriots shredded the No. 4 seed Denver Broncos, 45-10, in the AFC divisional round of the NFL Playoffs on Jan. 14 in Foxboro, Mass.
It was the first time the Patriots (14-3) has won a playoff game since falling in Super Bowl XLII in Jan. 2008. The Broncos ended their postseason run at 9-8 after reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
Most Outstanding Player of the Game:
Brady’s performance against the Broncos was phenomenal as he completed 26-of-34 passes for 363 yards and six touchdowns, tying the NFL single-game playoff record. He scored five of his touchdowns before halftime, giving his team a 35-7 lead at the break. The three-time Super Bowl champ tossed a rare interception early in the game, but wouldn’t make another mistake as he threw only two more incomplete passes than touchdowns. His sixth touchdown pass came with 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter, setting up a chance to claim the NFL record, but the Patriots took it easy in the final quarter, claiming the lopsided victory.
Unsung Heroes of the Game:
Fans hoped for a showdown between Brady and Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who pulled off an amazing game-winning drive in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers Jan. 8 Instead, fans watched as New England slaughtered Denver thanks in large part to New England’s defensive unit. The Pats defense kept Tebow and the Broncos’ running game in check, limiting the mobile quarterback to only 13 rushing yards and 136 yards passing. Tebow never found a rhythm with his receivers, completing just 9-of-26 passes, and was sacked four times. He also turned the ball over on a costly fumble early in the game. Outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich led New England with five tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
More Game Notes:
Brady wasn’t the only Patriot to tie a record in the game. Second-year Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski caught 10 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns, tying a team record. The entire Patriots offensive unit recorded 510 total yards, setting a new team record for a postseason game. Veteran receiver Deion Branch hauled in three catches for 85 yards and a 61-yard touchdown, while tight end Aaron Hernandez caught four passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Wes Welker also recorded 55 yards on six catches, including the first touchdown of the game.
Next-Up:
The Patriots advanced to the AFC Championship where they’ll face either the Baltimore Ravens (12-4) or the Houston Texans (11-6). Either matchup will take place in Foxboro, Mass. Jan. 22.
