I think #Tebowmania! actually helps the Pats win this game.
The increased media scrutiny, flex talk, a new unorthodox style to dissect, a fresh defensive gameplan, Tebow 'this' Broncos 'that' ad nauseum that week, all line up to help focus the Patriots deep attention on what would otherwise be just another game against an inferior opponent and a damn good candidate for a mail-it-in, low-level emotional downer and performance of a game.
Add the always difficult travel, noise, altitude, TB's unexplained difficulties, the Pats historical well documented difficulties, and well, you see the potential. Without Tebowmania, we could of walked into an ambush so to speak. Now it's impossible.
So before we even get to matchups, I think we're better off from an emotional and preparedness level.
Once we actually look to matchups, I think we a Denver nightmare. Our D-Line is disciplined, as are our Linebackers. We will generate pressure and stay in control. All bad news for Tebow. Our CBs will not need to cover all day long like vs SD. We might even hold onto the many tips and deflections I'm sure they will see.
Yes, Denver will get some running yards, maybe a long strike or two, and eat up the clock a bit as they go. But we'll get more than our fair share of stops. I think our D is actually better than theirs straight up to begin with. Also this jut in, Tebow wears down and is much less effective running the ball in the 4th quarter. Another characteristic he possesses (but is often overlooked) with that endgame leadership and those calm eyes. But he's a gamer, I'll give him that. But I just don't think he'll have a chance to shine in this one.
That brings us to our O. This is where the extra media attention really hurts their cause. With the talkin heads hounding them, the Pats definitely leave that "Lacks Effort" or "Wasn't Really Prepared" game we see every now and then at home. This would doubly hurt us if also control the clock on O and keep it tight. Which, again, is all the more likely if the D was a bit non-chalant going into this one.
So, now that Tebowmania has us equal emotionally and in preparation, purely talent-wise we overmatch them and should put up our usual quick points. It will force them to open it up (maybe?), the D will ramp up the pressure and pitch in.
We know how it ends from there.
Next week on ESPN "Can Tebow and Denver adjust to counter the new Patriot Blueprint?"
