2nd Quarter: Broncos lead Patriots, 7

Let’s face it – love him or hate him, Tom Brady is the best quarterback in this game.

The Broncos have taken a few public and social media swipes at Brady and Gronkowski in recent days, most notably saying that the Patriots quarterback complains often to the referees, and that Gronkowski is notorious for using his frame to push off.

Over their illustrious careers, Brady is 11-5 SU and 9-6-1 ATS in QB matchups against Peyton Manning, including 5-1 SU and 2-3-1 ATS as a favorite.

There was defensive lineman Antonio Smith critiquing Brady’s habit of working the game officials, even labeling the future Hall of Famer a crybaby.

They’ll have the winter to debate it in New England.

“It’s just noise”, receiver Julian Edelman said.

“Beat them a couple times, but they’ve beat us most of the time”, he said. “With every player, you’re watching them, but he’s had a really good week”. Wouldn’t it just be fitting for him to go out on top of the world? “That’s what we’re going to do”.

Yes, Tom Brady is as sharp as ever at 38 years old.

That left it to one play, and after the Broncos took a timeout to give DeMarcus Ware time to rest and get back in the game, Aqib Talib stepped in front of Brady’s pass and deflected it skyward. It makes for a great read, and some of the best rivalries in National Football League history are born out of quarterback “battles”. The Patriots defense is why you will always say, “but…” when talking about Manning’s legendary career. Denver, Brady and his teammates have said, is a formidable opponent and team they won’t take light. It won’t be any easier now than it was two months ago.

Miller’s interception came with him in coverage on Gronkowski and led to Owen Daniels’ second TD catch. The Patriots defense allowed 19.7 points and 339.4 yards per game with 12 interceptions, 49 sacks, and 22 fumble recoveries.

When the offensive line was healthy, the backfield hurt. Edelman returned from his broken foot and had 10 catches against the Chiefs last week.

Manning’s 17-year legacy has been idolized by football fans of all ages.

“This is a great unit”, McDaniels said of Denver’s defense.

“It’s been important to us”, Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said.

The Patriots were also without linebacker Jamie Collins in the Week 12 loss. At 39, Manning – who missed six games this season due to injury – isn’t the player he once was. I know they’ve been through a lot of tough situations this year, a lot of close games, three overtime wins, been down, came back like they did against us a couple of the times, so we know they’re physically and mentally tough. “Hope we’re not one of them”. “No doubt, (they are) looking to get some revenge”.

Chris Harris was limited because of a shoulder injury the past two games. He’s a four-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro. The victor will once again make a trip to the Super Bowl.