the Denver-phobia goes back for many of us to the 2005 Divisional Playoff game, famous for Champ Bailey's pick of Brady in the end zone as the Pats were driving at the Denver 5 yard line to try to take the lead in the third quarter (Denver led 10--6 at the time). Bailey returned the INT 100 yards to the one yard line where Ben Watson either swatted the ball from behind and out of Bailey's hands into the end zone for a Touchback and Pats possession at the Pats 20 (Pats fans version) or OB for Denver possession at the Pats 1 (how the Officials saw it). In any event, the play resulted in a 14 point swing in 20 seconds, enabling the Broncos to take a 17--6 lead and control of a game that they eventually won 27--13. The game ended the Pats hopes of a "threepeat" and was arguably the end of "Phase One" of the Brady-Belichick era.
Bad post season memories.
Rational? Of course not! But 90% of what we ***** about out here isn't "rational."
Yep, this sums it up, except that you forgot to add the phantom endzone PI penalty just before halftime, which put the Broncos up 10-6. Even the broadcasters called out the refs and said it's a shame if the game's decided on such an atrocious call.
Now for "away against Manning" aspect, which is probably a cause for much more anxiety than the Denver aspect.
-2006 AFCCG, the Patriots @ Colts, and this was before Manning had "won" a SB (with a 70 passer rating, throwing 3 TDs, 7 INTs in the playoff run.)
Manning is his typical choking self, tripping over his feet for the first half, highlighted by a pick-6 by Asante Samuel to put the Pats up 20-3. Pats are completely demolishing the Colts and have the ball just before halftime, driving down the field, until a completely inexplicable Troy Brown offensive pass interference is called. Pats forced to punt, Goober gets the Colts three points.
Second half is a different story. Now, I understand that I sounds like an excuse-making homer here, but consider these circumstances: it is widely known that many players have the flu, and the Pats literally are hit with an insane injury bug in the middle of the game. I believe Harrison is injured, then during the game they lose Bruschi, at least two more starters in the secondary, and Manning is just lofting passes all over the field. Colts come back to tie the game, but Brady puts a horrendous offense on his back (Reche Caldwell year.) Pats are tied with about 3 minutes left, driving to the ten yard line, and Caldwell drops literally the one of the easiest passes in the NFL, stares bug eyed, and the Pats settle for a field goal. Colts come down and win the game.
I forgot to mention, the NFL actually sent the Patriots a letter of apology after that one because they admitted the officials made several critical errors. One of their calls was "face guarding" because, although the defensive back didn't interfere with the receiver, his hand caused the receiver's vision to be blocked. On the other side, of course, Manning got about four questionable PI calls. Those were the days where Polian was on the competition committee, calling for rule changes, while openly hating Belichick.
That and the game in '09 where the Pats defense completely fell apart, leading to the 4th and 2 play. Safe to say, there are bad memories of the Pats playing Manning on the road.
