Von Miller Fined $7,500 For Unnecessary Roughness Penalty In Broncos' Playoff Loss To New England Patriots

A late unnecessary roughness penalty in Denver's 45-10 playoff loss to New England is going to cost linebacker Von Miller $7,500.

Miller said he never heard the whistle but he clearly threw a block on New England special teamer Ryan Wendell well after quarterback Tom Brady’s third-down quick kick was blown dead with 2:56 remaining. A scuffle ensued but only Miller was penalized.

Miller, who has earned a spot in the 2012 Pro Bowl, did not have a tackle in the loss to the Patriots.

Related: Broncos Vs. Patriots Final Score, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Tom Brady, New England Enjoy 45-10 Romp Over Tim Tebow, Denver

It's the second time this season that Miller has been fined by the NFL.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: Champ Bailey Knows Window Is Closing On A Championship After Loss

For many Denver Broncos fans, this past season was an absolute success. Few people could have predicted that the Broncos would advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs after a 1-4 start. However, for a veteran like Champ Bailey, coming up short of a Super Bowl means the season didn't live up to expectations. Having just completed the 13th season of his illustrious career, Bailey explained to the Denver Post that he knows the window is closing on winning a Super Bowl:

"People think we should walk around with a smile on our face because we made the playoffs and won a playoff game," said Bailey, who completed his 13th season and was named again as a starter for the Pro Bowl. "But we came up short again.

"I don't time have a whole lot of time left (as a player). We didn't win. So now we have to start all over again."

Despite showing no signs of slowing down, the Pro Bowl CB knows that at some point, his age will begin to show. While the Broncos showed a nice young foundation this season, it will be important that they continue to improve in what will be a very significant offseason for this franchise.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: SI.com Grades Denver Poorly Vs. New England -- Obviously

Saturday's 2012 NFL playoff game against the New England Patriots was not one of the Denver Broncos' finest moments. It was a 45-10 drubbing by Tom Brady and his six touchdown passes. It was Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez forming a juggernaut catching (and running) the ball. SI.com's Chris Burke took note of all of this and graded the Denver Broncos poorly for its playoff performance.

The running game received the highest grade, a B, because Willis McGahee was able to pick up 76 yards despite have no rush blocking. The special teams received a C, mostly, it seems, due to Britton Colquitt's offday. Might that have been a result of working with a new long snapper?

All other positions received a D-plus or worse. Here's what Burke wrote about Tim Tebow's D-minus grade:

Was this loss all on Tim Tebow's shoulder? Absolutely not. The Broncos melted down in just about all aspects of the game Saturday. And yet ... at halftime, Denver's QB had as many completions (three) as Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had touchdowns. There was none of the deep passing magic Denver used to burn Pittsburgh, and Tebow even looked hesitant making decisions on option plays.

And this is why Tim Tebow will benefit from working throughout the offseason with John Elway. We would hope that Elway can nurture the young quarterback and have big improvements in his game for the fall.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Tim Tebow Quotes: Broncos QB Takes Positive Look At 2011 Season

Despite having his season ended courtesy a 45-10 thrashing by the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow took a characteristically positive look at a year where he lead his team to an AFC West title and a stirring playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (via DenverBroncos.com):

The run was a lot of fun. A lot of ups and downs but we really try to block everything in the outside off and just enjoy the relationships with teammates and coaches and work and try to get better and I feel like we did that all year. We just didn’t put forth a good enough performance tonight . You’ve got to give them a lot of credit, that’s a really good team."

He expanded further:

It had a lot of ups and downs. Overall it’s been a very special opportunity for me – something I’m very thankful for and very thankful I have the opportunity to build so many great relationships with teammates and coaches and to be able to overcome a lot of different forms of adversity with my teammates and to win some special games. There’s a lot of things that we’re proud of, it’s hard to see them all right now though.

As for next season, Tebow pledged to continue to improve and refine his play:

Just work and improve — fundamentals, understanding defenses, my reads, footwork, everything. This will be a big offseason for me and I’m looking forward to it. Every single game including this one was an opportunity. Even coach McCoy and coach Gase on the sidelines at the end of the game, they were like, "Just take it all in, learn from it and understand all these things that are going on so when we have an opportunity to get back here we can handle it differently." I try to learn from every experience good or bad.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Game Really Did End At Halftime

Broncos Vs. Patriots Final Score, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Tom Brady, New England Enjoy 45-10 Romp Over Tim Tebow, Denver

The Denver Broncos' 2011 season has ended with a crushing 45-10 loss to the New England Patriots. The team was outclassed on offense and defense, leaving little for the team to do throughout the game.

Tom Brady tied or set all kinds of franchise and league records. His six touchdowns passes tied the single game postseason record while he set a new single half record in the postseason with five touchdowns.Overall, Brady was 26-of-34 passing for 363 yards. He did throw an interception that eventually turned into the Broncos' lone touchdown of the game, but it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

Tight end Rob Gronwkowski caught three touchdown passes as part of a 10-catch, 145 yard night. Tight end Aaron Hernandez was the leading rusher with five carries for 61 yards.

Tim Tebow was 9-of-26 passing for 136 yards while Willis McGahee had 76 rushing yards. Demaryius Thomas caught six passes for 93 yards.

Time for the Broncos to regroup and plan for the 2012 season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

VIDEO: Broncos, Patriots Skirmish At End Of 2012 NFL Playoff Game

The Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots broke out into a skirmish toward the end of Saturday;s 2012 NFL Playoff game. Von Miller shouldered a Patriots player once the punt had reached far into Broncos territory and then Robert Ayers got into it when everyone got to the sideline. That led to a crowded skirmish on the sidelines.

Bill Belichick got into the middle of it in an attempt to end it. A yell of "Get your asses of of there!" could be heard. There was a pile on and some rolling around, and by the end of it Ryan McBean appeared to be the last person to get up from all of it.

And then right before that we saw Tom Brady punt the ball. We pretty much saw everything in this game:

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Score Update: Denver Finally Adds Points, But New England Quickly Adds To Own Total

The Denver Broncos finally scored again, but it was a 41-yard field goal by Matt Prater. But the drive to score that was entertaining just for all of the runs that Tim Tebow had in the backfield, as seen in the example below. It narrowed the score to 42-10. However, the Patriots quickly answered back with a field goal to make the lead 45-10.

Tom Brady is still stuck on six touchdown passes, but with most of the final quarter still left to play he will have a chance at it. Of course, Bill Belichick could decide to take out his starters and play his backups. Whether that would slow down the scoring, though, remains to be seen.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Brodrick Bunkley Injury: Broncos DT With Apparent Head Injury

The Denver Broncos are incurring all kinds of injury in this game against the New England Patriots. Quinton Carter had a neck injury that prevented him from returning to the game and then David Bruton left with an injury. Then Brodrick Bunkley left the game after hurting his head or neck on the play below:

Bunkley leads with his head when he goes for the hit on Stevan Ridley. Bunkley was down on the ground for several minutes before he left the field of play.

Then shortly after that right tackle Orlando Franklin, a rookie, left the game with an injury, too. The Broncos have just been overmatched this entire game, injuries or not.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: Tom Brady Ties Postseason Single Game Record With 6th TD Pass

Tom Brady finished the first half of Saturday's New England Patriots game against the Denver Broncos with five touchdown passes. That set the record for most touchdown passes in a single half, Barely three minutes into the second half, Brady has already tied the single-game postseason record with six touchdown passes. He found Aaron Hernandez for a 17-yard score and a 42-7 lead.

Hernandez and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski have been shredding the Denver secondary all game long. On this play, Hernandez catches the ball and jukes to his right to break free and find his way into the end zone. The 42 points are also the most in Patriots franchise history and they aren't going to stop at this point.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Halftime Score: New England Cruising With 35-7 Lead

The Denver Broncos are certainly going to need divine intervention in the second half of Saturday's 2012 NFL Playoff game against the New England Patriots. They are losing, 35-7, at halftime.

Tom Brady has thrown an NFL record five touchdown passes in the first half, including the one you'll see below. It was his final one of the half and it was his third to Rob Gronkowski.

SI.com: Live Broncos-Patriots box score

There really wasn't much defense by the Broncos on that play. Gronkowski caught that ball with ease and floated into the end zone for the four-touchdown lead. Gronkowski's three touchdowns tied the NFL record for most touchdown receptions in a single playoff game.

While Brady is 18-of-25 for 246 yards, Tim Tebow is 3-of-10 for 28 yards. Willis McGahee has 68 yards rushing, but there isn't much going on for this team right now. They will receive the ball to start the second half.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

VIDEO: Tom Brady Drops 4th TD Pass Intp Deion Branch's Hands

Tom Brady is amazing. That's all we can say anymore. Just look at his fourth touchdown pass of Satuday's New England Patriots game against the Denver Broncos. Throws don't get much better than this:

Brady drops back and almost immediately looks to his left, spotting a sprinting Deion Branch down the left sideline. Andre Goodman gets beaten badly on the play, which allowed Branch to catch the ball and walk into the end zone. The Patriots now lead, 28-7, with less than 90 seconds left in the game.

If the Broncos can score in the remaining time, they will have strong momentum when they return from halftime. They will receive the ball to start the second half.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Score: Rob Gronkowski Grabs 2nd TD Pass

The New England Patriots are dangerously close to blowing wide open this 2012 NFL Playoffs game against the Denver Broncos. Tom Brady just threw his third touchdown in the game and it's only halfway through the second quarter. He found Rob Gronkowski, who had his second touchdown of the game.

SI.com: Live Broncos-Patriots box score

Gronkowski shows great body control and movement to get through what is arguably a weak secondary now that it is missing its two starting safeties. Gronkowski now has 19 touchdown receptions overall this season while Tom Brady's 33 touchdowns are third most in playoff history.

On the next drive, Tim Tebow threw a dangerous pass to the sidelines that almost wound up as an interception. Instead, it fell incomplete and the Broncos punted a few plays later. The Patriots lead, 21-7.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Quinton Carter Injury: Broncos Safety Questionable To Return Vs. Patriots

Denver Broncos safety Quinton Carter is questionable to return against the New England Patriots on Saturday night, the team announced. He is dealing with a neck injury.

Carter has been hobbled by injuries since the beginning of the game. He did leave the game early in the first quarter, but he did return. He was able to pick off Tom Brady toward the end of the quarter, eventually leading to a Broncos touchdown to cut the deficit in half.

With Carter out, the Broncos are missing both starting safeties. Brian Dawkins is also out with a neck injury. David Bruton and rookie Rahim Moore are now in at safety. Rafael Bush is also available for the secondary.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Score: Willis McGahee Scores TD After Tom Brady INT

The Denver Broncos are on the score board in the second quarter. After a 12-yard catch and run by Demaryius Thomas on third down gave the Broncos a first down at the end of the first quarter, the teams needed to change sides with the end of the quarter. Willis McGahee then made it into the end zone on the first play of the second quarter. There were some extracurricular activities at the end of the play.

This is the play that made the score possible. Tom Brady must've been temporarily blind when he threw this interception. That will probably be the easiest pick of Quinton Carter's career. He was sitting back in center field and Brady just threw it right at him. Carter received a big hit to end that run, but he was already banged up earlier in the game. Obviously, he returned and was able to make that play. Carter intercepted

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

VIDEOS: Tim Tebow's Fumble Leads To Amazing Rob Gronkowski TD Catch

Tim Tebow's issues holding onto the ball reared its head early on in Saturday's Denver Broncos game against the New England Patriots. After the Tom Brady touchdown pass, Tebow had a 14-yard run to pick up a first down, but then a couple of plays later he came under pressure, was sacked and fumbled the ball:

Right tackle Orlando Franklin is supposed to pass block against Rob Ninkovich here, but Franklin becomes unbalanced and allows Ninkovich to bypass him. Once there, Ninkovich hits Tebow from behind and forces the ball to the ground.

The Patriots then took advantage of that turnover to score another touchdown. Rob Gronkowski made an amazing floating touchdown grab for the 14-0 lead. The play was reviewed since it appeared he may not have had complete control of the ball as he came down, but the referee upheld the call.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Score: New England Races For 7-0 Lead

The Denver Broncos find themselves down just two minutes into the game against the New England Patriots, 7-0. Wes Welker, he of a questionable knee, caught a seven-yard touchdown pass for the early lead.

Tom Brady started the drive with a 17-yard pass to Rob Gronkowski and then followed that up with a handoff to tight end Aaron Hernandez, who picked up 43 yards. Brady then threw a touchdown pass in his 18th straight playoff game, second only to Brett Favre's 20. It's also his 31 postseason touchdown, tied for fourth all-time with Kurt Warner.

The Broncos don't want to get down too early as that is a recipe for disaster, disrupting the team's game plan to stick with the ball on the ground.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

NFL Overtime Rules, Playoff-Style: 'Modified' Sudden Death For Broncos Vs. Patriots

If the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots wind up heading to overtime (always a possibility), it will be the second week in a row that the NFL's playoff overtime rules go into effect. However, they were not a factor in the Broncos' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week since the first play of overtime went for a touchdown.

See, a touchdown on the opening drive of overtime ends the game without allowing a possession for the other team. Had the Broncos kicked a field goal, the Steelers would have possessed the ball for a shot to tie or win the game. A touchdown would have ended the game. A field goal to tie the game would have reverted the game back to its sudden death nature.

If the first overtime is not enough to settle a game, a second would begin under the same modified rules.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

PHOTO: Tim Tebow Goes ... Sleeveless

Broncos Vs. Patriots Inactives: Brian Dawkins Out Against New England

The Denver Broncos will be without safety Brian Dawkins for another week. He was listed as doubtful on the Friday injury report and missed the entire week of practice. He is out with a neck injury.

#Broncos inactives: Decker, Paxton, Dawkins, J. Thomas, R. Harris, Harvey & Mohamed.

— Denver Broncos (@Denver_Broncos) January 15, 2012

Wide receiver Eric Decker was already declared out for the game due to his sprained MCL. Lonie Paxton is out for the game to be with his wife, who is having complications during her pregnancy with twins.

Also out are rookie tight end Julius Thomas, offensive tackle Ryan Harris (signed to take the place of Chris Kuper), defensive end Derrick Harvey and linebacker Mike Mohamed. None of these moves is a surprise.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Inactives: New England Will Be Without Sebastian Vollmer

Over the course of the season, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots have learned to deal with injuries along the offensive line. Despite practicing this week, the Patriots will continue to miss the presence of Sebastian Vollmer, who will miss his sixth consecutive game according to the official Twitter account of the New England Patriots:

@Patriots: Tonight's inactives are Ryan Mallett, Nate Jones, Shane Vereen, Gary Guyton, Donald Thomas, Sebastian Vollmer & Ron Brace.

The Patriots will go with Nate Solder in the place of Vollmer. Solder was the first round pick for the Patriots after an outstanding career at Colorado. In his rookie season, Solder started 13 games and played at a high level. When these teams met in Denver on December 18, the Broncos were able to get some pressure on Brady, sacking the Patriots QB twice.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Running Game Should Be A Huge Factor For Denver

The Denver Broncos owned the No. 1 rushing game entering the 2012 NFL Playoffs with 164.5 yards per game. That should be no surprise given the team's turn to an offensive scheme that played to the strengths of Tim Tebow. Add in a resurgent Willis McGahee (seven 100-plus yard game and over 1,000 rushing yards) and the Broncos had a strong formula for success.

Related: NFL Playoffs Schedule

The Broncos were able to pile up 252 yards and three touchdowns in its December game against the New England Patriots. Tebow led the team with 93 yards and two scores while Willis McGahee picked up 70 yards in limited playing time. Lance Ball finished the game with 64 yards. It didn't help the Broncos win the game, as they lost, 41-23. But it does show vulnerable the Patriots defense is for this upcoming game.

Pats Pulpit is well aware of this and wants to see adjustments:

The key to slowing the Broncos is to slow their run attack, while not opening up the deep portion of the field. Maintain gaps and don't bite on the play action. In Week 15, the Broncos were able to run wild without any trickery; they just dominated the Patriots. The Patriots will have to step up their game to win this match-up.

But, as we saw last week, Tebow was able to exploit the Pittsburgh Steelers' No. 1 pass defense with an average of 31.6 yards per completion. Tebow needs to work on his short to intermediate throws, but his deep ball is the strongest part of his passing game.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Tim Tebow Could Be Angling For Stone Cold Steve Austin's "3:16"

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: NFP Has Keys To The Game

When the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots both try to make their mark on the 2012 NFL Playoffs on Saturday night, Tom Brady and Tim Tebow will both be center stage. For the Broncos, they needs to focus on protecting the football and controlling the clock to keep the Pats offense out of rhythm and on the sidelines as much as possible. Meanwhile, the Patriots should think about establishing the running game to set up play-action passes and force the defense to play something other than deep zone coverage. These are the keys to the game, at least according to Joe Fotenbuagh of the National Football Post. Here is a bit of his analysis for both teams:

On what the New England Patriots need to do:

Establish the running game, aim for 27 rushing attempts. In their 13 wins this season, the Patriots averaged 28.9 rushing attempts per game. In fact, New England went 7-0 in games in which they ran the ball 27 or more times. But in the Patriots' three losses, the team averaged only 20.7 carries per game and failed to top 27 attempts in each of those three defeats.

...New England ran the ball an average of only 3.25 times more in the second half this season then they did in the first. That's not a big discrepancy for a team that finished the year ranked second in the NFL in total offensive plays per game (67.6).

On what the Denver Broncos need to do:

Protect the football. Tim Tebow and company went 0-5 this season when committing three or more turnovers, but went an impressive 5-1 when giving up the ball one or fewer times. In their wildcard round upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Broncos turned the ball over only once.

For as shaky as the Patriots defense has looked in 2011, this unit finished the season ranked third in the NFL in takeaways (34).

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos Need To Win Turnover Battle Vs. New England Patriots

The Denver Broncos had a tough go at things against the New England Patriots back in December when they hosted the game. This time around, the Broncos won't have their home crowd surrounding them. As a result, the turnovers that plagued the Broncos in that game could follow them to Gillette Stadium, which has its own history of turnover calls.

Related: Tim Tebow and the "Swap Boot" | SI's Peter King Doesn't Like Broncos' Chances

Ten years ago, we all learned about the "Tuck Rule" when Tom Brady made a forward motion and lost control of the ball. As the snow fell and the Patriots and the Oakland Raiders waited for a review of the play, we were left wondering what was going to happen. The referee overturned the fumble on the field and called it an incomplete pass because of the forward motion, even though he was bringing the ball back into him.

Will we have a moment like that in this game? Tebow has been prone to fumbles and interceptions lately. He threw six interceptions all season, but he had four over the last two games and went 1-3 this season when throwing an interception. Tebow also fumbled the ball at least one in each of the last six games of the regular season and lost a fumble in the last five games.

Tebow didn't throw an interception or fumble the ball against the Patriots, but that was home. Will he be able to avoid those issues again or will he have divine intervention, like Tom Brady did, to reverse a costly turnover? We'll find out starting at 6:00 p.m. MT.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Injury Report: Elvis Dumervil Nursing Knee And Ankle Injuries, According To Report

Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil has been listed on the team's injury report with an ankle injury that has limited his ability to practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, but now Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting Dumervil could also be dealing with a knee injury. The Broncos need to generate pass rush to disrupt Tom Brady and New England Patriots offense, but if Dumervil is less than 100 percent the Pats may be able to send double-teams and chip blocks at Von Miller more often. Here is the tweet from Shefter casting doubt on Dumervil's health heading into the playoff matchup:

Situation to monitor tonight: some around league believe Denver DE Elvis Dumervil also nursing knee injury in addition to ankle issue.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2012

For a complete look at the injury report for the Broncos and all the latest news on the Patriots-Broncos AFC Divisional Round matchup, be sure to check out this thread on SB Nation Denver.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: No Live Streaming Option Once Again With Broncos

Anyone hoping to catch this game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots live through online streaming is out of luck. The only games that will be streamed live online are those that NBA broadcasts during the 2012 NFL Playoffs. That means the two Wild Card games from last Saturday, the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl will be the only game one can watch streaming online.

So, we'll need to wait for a couple of weeks to see Champ Bailey, Elvis Dumervil and Von MIller play in the Pro Bowl and watch them online if we so choose to do so. But that's only if the Broncos failed to advance to the Super Bowl. In that case, it's just a bit longer to watch them online if one is unable to be in front of a TV on Super Bowl Sunday.

Catch Saturday's game at 6:00 p.m. MT on CBS.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms Draw Broncos Once Again

CBS announcers Jim Nantz and Phil Simms are on their way to becoming the voices of the Denver Broncos. The pair, who have called four straight Broncos games, will make it five in a row on Saturday when they step into the booth for the Broncos' 2012 NFL playoff match up vs. the New England Patriots.

Related: Tim Tebow and the "Swap Boot" | SI's Peter King Doesn't Like Broncos' Chances

Denver's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round last weekend was the first time this season that Nantz and Simms were in attendance for a Broncos win, after Denver ended the regular season with three straight losses. With Nantz and Simms being CBS' No. 1 crew, a Broncos win over the Patriots would mean that Denver would end the season with the duo having called six games in a row.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Teams Will Play In Weather Below Freezing

It is expected to be in the 50s in Denver this weekend, but it won't be too awful in Foxborough, Mass., for the 2012 NFL Divisional Playoff game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. By the time the two teams kick off at 6:00 p.m. MT, the temperature in Foxborough is expected to have dropped into the 20s, but it should be clear and wind should be minimal, according to Weather Underground.

Related: Tim Tebow and the "Swap Boot" | SI's Peter King Doesn't Like Broncos' Chances

The forecast calls for a slight nine mph wind out of the northwest around gametime, with a high of 22 and a low of two. The good news for both teams it that though it will be cold, the chance of precipitation reaches zero percent at 8:00 am and stays that way through the rest of the night.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

It was the New England Patriots who first pumped the brakes on Tebowmania with a 41-23 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 15, but on Saturday, the Broncos will have the opportunity to get the ultimate revenge. If the Broncos intend to advance to the AFC Championship, they'll need to fix some major problems from their first match up.

Related: Tim Tebow and the "Swap Boot" | SI's Peter King Doesn't Like Broncos' Chances

For one, Denver will have to slow down the Patriots' vaunted passing game, which ended up overwhelming the Broncos in mid-December. As a team like the New York Giants has shown, arguably the most effective way of doing so is putting pressure on Tom Brady with the defensive line, and the onus will be on Broncos stars Elvis Dumerville and Von Miller to make Brady uncomfortable on Saturday.

Denver will also have to consistently run the ball in order to keep that Patriots offense off the field. After running for over 150 yards in the first quarter of their first match up, the Patriots bottled up Tim Tebow and Willis McGahee, and the Broncos had trouble moving the ball through the air, throwing for only 151 yards.

Game time/date: 6:00 p.m. MT, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2012

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.

TV: CBS

Radio: ESPN Radio, Sirius XM 86 (Patriots), 92 (Broncos)

Odds: Patriots favored by 13.5

Over/Under: 50 points

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Denver Broncos Sign Long Snapper David Binn

The Denver Broncos' regular long snapper, Lonie Paxton, will miss the team's playoff game against New England while attending to a personal matter. He also missed several days of practice during the week. Perhaps to fill those shoes, the Broncos announced on Friday that the team has signed veteran long snapper David Binn, who spent 17 seasons with the San Diego Chargers.

Prior to this signing, Associated Press sportswriter Arnie Stapleton suggested that Russ Hochstein would probably serve as Denver's long snapper against the Patriots, but SB Nation Broncos blog Mile High Report expects Binn to get the nod.

Denver waived fullback Austin Sylvester to make room for Binn.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Injury Report: New England Lists 13 Players As Questionable Vs. Denver

The New England Patriots declared 13 players questionable for Saturday's 2012 NFL Playoffs game against the Denver Broncos. Free safety Patrick Chung reappeared on Friday's injury report as a limited participant due to his knee. However, there seems little reason to believe that he won't play in the game.

Logan Mankins and Sebastian Vollmer are in a position to play after missing several games due to various injuries. Vollmer's return would spell the end of Nate Solder starting for the Patriots.

Wes Welker, wide receiver extraordinaire, is on the report with a knee injury, but he could just as easily burn through the Broncos secondary. Still, tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are also going to be able to pick up any slack if Welker isn't involved much in the game.

Here is the complete injury report:

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Denver Rules Out Long Snapper Lonie Paxton, WR Eric Decker

The Denver Broncos suffered a significant blow on Friday afternoon when long snapper Lonie Paxton was declared out for Saturday's 2012 NFL Playoffs game against the New England Patriots. Paxton was excused from the previous two days of practice for personal reasons and the matter is serious enough that he will be unable to play in the game. It is not fair game to speculate on why he will be missing the game. Paxton was snapping the ball on all those field goals Matt Prater made to tie or win games.

Related: Tim Tebow and the "Swap Boot" | SI's Peter King Doesn't Like Broncos' Chances

#Broncos injury report: Out - Paxton, Decker; Doubtful - Dawkins; Probable: Bruton, Fells, Miller & Dumervil.

— Denver Broncos (@Denver_Broncos) January 13, 2012

As expected, wide receiver Eric Decker is out for the game after a James Harrison hit to his leg sprained an MCL. Brian Dawkins is listed as doubtful, but his neck injury is a serious concern and will likely be deactivated for the game.

As for Paxton's replacement, Chris Kuper is on injured reserve after his leg injury. The Broncos did work out a couple of long snappers on Thursday, according to Adam Caplan.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Injury Report: Brian Dawkins, Eric Decker Not Expected To Play

After missing practice on Thursday, Denver Broncos starting safety Brian Dawkins (neck) and wide receiver Eric Decker (knee) are both expected to miss Saturday's playoff game against the New England Patriots. According to the The Denver Post, Dumervil (ankle), tight end Daniel Fells(ankle) and safety David Bruton (achilles) are all expected to be available to the team on gameday despite also being listed on the injury report this week.

For Dawkins, a 16-year NFL veteran, this might be the last chance he gets to compete in the NFL Playoffs, so missing the game would be a sad way to close out the season and perhaps a career. The significance is not lost on Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil:

"We want him on the field, but (Dawkins) can help this team for games like these. This is why he came back (this year), he wanted to be here to get this team back in the playoffs."

via The Denver Post.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Lance Ball Ready For Round 2 With New England

In the Denver Broncos' 41-23 loss to the New England Patriots back in November, running back Lance Ball received his fair number of shares in the game due to Willis McGahee's absence. At first it was due to a leg issue, but he then sat out most of the second half of the game because the team was down by a large margin. Head coach John Fox wanted to save McGahee from further injury. Ball finished the game with 64 carries and is looking for more this time around.

Related: NFL Playoffs Schedule

Headed back East! RD.2 up next

— Lance Ball (@LanceBall35) January 13, 2012

Ball might not see the field all that much in Round 2, as he had just four carries for 11 yards last week. If McGahee can't play then Ball would certainly be the first to see more time in the backfield. But there is no Round 3, which means Fox might need to use all of his weapons in unexpected ways.

The Broncos will be in Boston soon enough before heading to Foxborough and Gillette Stadium.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

2012 NFL Playoffs, Divisional Round Picks And Predictions: Tim Tebow Aims For Upset

Will this be upset weekend in the 2012 NFL Playoffs? Does Tim Tebow prove once again that he can win in the playoffs? Can the No. 2 seed San Francisco 49ers keep away Drew Brees and his aerial attack with the New Orleans Saints? Picks and predictions for the weekend's games:

New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers - Saturday, Jan. 14, 2:30 p.m. MT, FOX - Both teams are 13-3, but the Drew Brees-led Saints are playing on the road against the 49ers. Sure, the Saints are favored by three points, but the 49ers are 7-1 at home this season, which bodes well for them. The Saints defense won't be able to hold up well in this game, giving the Niners just enough space to win this game. PICK: 49ers

Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots - Saturday, Jan. 14, 6:00 p.m. MT, CBS - Tim Tebow arrives in New England nearly one week after Denver found a miracle on the opening play of overtime. The last time these teams played, just a few weeks ago, the Patriots jumped out to an early lead and Tebow wasn't able to overcome that. This time the Broncos defense is ready and Tebow is carrying over his improvements in the passing game. Time for an upset. PICK: BRONCOS

Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens - Sunday, Jan. 15, 11:00 a.m. MT, CBS - Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates has his first road playoff game for the Texans, which is also playing in its first road playoff game. But the Ravens have one of the top defenses in the league and have home field advantage. PICK: RAVENS

New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers - Sunday, Jan. 15, 2:30 p.m. MT, FOX - The Giants took the Packers to the brink during the regular season, only to see Mason Crosby kick the game-winning field goal as time expired for the 38-35 victory. This is another matchup that could result in the Packers' juggernaut turn out to be naught. But probably not. PICK: PACKERS

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: ESPN Panel Picks New England Over Denver, 9-1

The Denver Broncos are two touchdown underdogs against the New England Patriots, which means the fall will be hard for the Patriots should they lose. And it is not just the odds makers believing that the Patriots are easy winners in this game. Over at ESPN, the panel of 10 selectors favors the Patriots across the board, except for Eric Allen. Allen is the brave soul to take the Broncos against the Patriots.

Of course, that's slightly better than the panel's unanimous selection of the Baltimore Ravens over the Houston Texans. Apparently no one is buying into rookie quarterback T.J. Yates be able to penetrate the Ravens' defense for enough points to win the game.

As for the other two games on tap for the weekend, the Green Bay Packers are favored over the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints are taken over the San Francisco 49ers, both a 6-4 margin. The 49ers game seems to be the closest game to having an upset, as the Saints are three-point road favorites. However, the 49ers offense might be able to do just enough to come out ahead of the Saints, who lack a solid defense.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Game Schedule And More

The Denver Broncos have a short week to prepare for the New England Patriots in the 2012 NFL Playoffs and that preparation comes to an end on Friday afternoon. The Broncos are already expecting safety Brian Dawkins and wide receiver Eric Decker to be out, as both missed the previous two days of practice. The Broncos have shouldered on in Dawkins' absence while Decker has not had a great impact catching the ball the previous several weeks.

Related: Tim Tebow and the "Swap Boot" | SI's Peter King Doesn't Like Broncos' Chances

Demaryius Thomas, he of the 80-yard touchdown reception to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, has emerged as Tim Tebow's go-to wide receiver since the start of December. As NFL.com's Jeff Darlington points out:

Since Dec. 1, Thomas is averaging 22.5 yards per catch. His 108.7 yards per game are second in the NFL behind only Lions star Calvin Johnson. Thomas' teammates say they couldn't be happier for him after all he has endured.

Calvin Johnson is the premiere wide receiver in the NFL, which makes Thomas' exploits a sign of good things in the future. The touchdown pass to defeat the Steelers was just the start of things to come. Will he continue that against the Patriots.

Game time/date: 6:00 p.m. MT, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

TV: CBS

Radio: Sirius 92

Betting Line: .The Patriots are favored 13.5-14 points over the Broncos while the over/under for this game is placed anywhere from 49.5 points to 50.5.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Injury Report: Tom Brady Removed From Injury Report, Wes Welker Still Limited

The New England Patriots are still gearing up for their matchup with the Denver Broncos, but the team did have the luxury of being able to remove several players from the injury report altogether on Thursday. QB Tom Brady, OT Matt Light, WR Julian Edelman, CB Devin McCourty and S Patrick Chung all moved off the team's injury report released Thursday. The only player added to the report was offensive lineman Marcus Cannon who had limited participation in practice while nursing an ankle injury. Wide receiver Wes Welker remains limited in practice with a knee injury.

Here is a complete look injury report:

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Injury Report: Brian Dawkins, Eric Decker Miss Thursday's Practice

The Denver Broncos had no change on Thursday's injury report for Saturday's contest against the New England Patriots in the 2012 NFL Playoffs. Unless a miracle happens, safety Brian Dawkins and wide receiver Eric Decker will miss the game. Both missed their second day of practice. Dawkins has missed the last two games after injuring his neck while inadvertently tackling teammate Robert Ayers. Decker incurred a sprained MCL when James Harrison delivered a hit to his leg in Sunday's game.

David Bruton will start in place of Dawkins, but he was limited in practice, as he has been the last few weeks. Elvis Dumervil and Daniel Fells were also limited while Von Miller was at full capacity. Long snapper Lonie Paxton was excused for personal reasons.

Here is Thursday's injury report:

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: SI's Peter King Doesn't Think Broncos D Can Stop Patriots

The Denver Broncos are in the thick of the 2012 NFL Playoffs despite facing doubters every step of the way, and this week Sports Illustrated's Peter King believes the Broncos will fall short against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round. For the first time in a long time, an expert picking against the Broncos somehow managed to avoid mentioning the name of Tim Tebow in the analysis. As King sees it, the Patriots offense will prove to be too much for the Broncos defense to handle:

The Broncos don't need to worry about getting Gronked here. They have to worry about getting killed by both tight ends. Aaron Hernandez had nine catches the first time these teams played this year, a month ago in Denver, proving Rob Gronkowski isn't the only one who can obliterate a defense among New England's tight ends. Gronkowski and Hernandez combined for 169 catches this season, and that's going to be the most difficult single factor for Denver to address here. I don't see enough quality cover men to cover those two plus Wes Welker, and Brady will feast.

Patriots 30, Broncos 16

In the other 2012 NFL Playoff action, King is going with the New Orleans Saints to defeat the San Francisco 49ers, the Baltimore Ravens to handle the Houston Texans and the Green Bay Packers to edge the New York Giants.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: NFP's Matt Bowen Breaks Down Tim Tebow On The 'Swap Boot'

In the Denver Broncos' win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wildcard round of the 2012 NFL Playoffs, the team used misdirection and play-action to get quarterback Tim Tebow outside the pocket and to create wide passing lanes for the young play-maker to operate. Expecting the Broncos to head back to the well against the New England Patriots, former NFL safety and current National Football Post columnist Matt Bowen breaks down the "swap boot" play in wonderful detail.

To get an understanding of the formation and route combination be sure to consult his visual breakdown, but the basic idea is that Tebow fakes a handoff flowing to the strong side of the formation and releases on a play-action bootleg back to the weak side, where his tight ends have worked across the field in a post/drag route combination. Tebow typically ends up releasing to the left (towards his throwing hand) and gets an easy half-field read with larger throwing windows than typically available in the pocket.

Can the Patriots do anything to limit the effectiveness of this play? Bowen offers several points of emphasis that the New England will need to follow to prevent Tebow from gashing them with the "swap boot." Here are his technical insights:

FS help: As a FS, you must be able to get over the top of the X receiver on the 9 route and break at a downhill angle on the post. Don't take a risk here like we saw from Troy Polamalu on Sunday in Denver. Play with depth, read the QB and break only on the throw.

Contain: The edge player to the open side (DE or OLB) is unblocked. He has to avoid crashing down on the run fake, get vertical up the field and force the QB to dump the ball. If you lose contain, this allows Tebow to extend the play and target routes down the field.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog, Mile High Report, and Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Denver Biggest Underdog In Divisional Round

The Denver Broncos were nine-point underdogs to the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend at home. This weekend, the Broncos will be on the road against the New England Patriots and in an even larger hole. The line for this game hasn't shifted since the Patriots opened as 13.5 point favorites and saw it move to 14 points shortly thereafter, as Odds Shark informs us.

Related: NFL Playoffs Schedule

This is a game about Tom Brady versus Tim Tebow. Can the Broncos stop Brady from building a big lead early on, forcing the Broncos to throw early and often? If that does happen early, we'll need to see how Tebow responds. While last week's 316 passing yards and two touchdown passes are improvements, Tebow completed just 10-of-21 passes. He still needs to work on consistency in that area.

If the Broncos pull off the upset, it would be the biggest one of the weekend. The New York Giants are only underdogs between 7.5 points and 9 points to the Green Bay Packers. The Houston Texans enter Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens underdogs at 7.5 or 9 points. The San Francisco 49ers are home underdogs to the New Orleans Saints by 3.5 points.

Which game will have the upset victory?

Visit Odds Shark for more NFL Playoff odds and lines. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: Denver Injury Report Includes Brian Dawkins, Von Miller

The Denver Broncos are the surprise team that's still in the NFL playoffs thanks to the heroics in last week's stunning victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. They're now preparing for their newest challenge, the New England Patriots team that easily beat them in December.

The good news for Broncos fans is that star linebacker Von Miller wasn't limited in practice on Wednesday and should be good to go against New England, but the Denver defense will also be without Brian Dawkins once again, unfortunately. Denver's full injury report can be found here, but it's shown below:

Full Participation

- LB Von Miller

Limited Participation

- DE Elvis Dumervil

- TE Daniel Fells

- S David Bruton

Did Not Participate

- S Brian Dawkins

- WR Eric Decker

It was already reported earlier on Wednesday that Dawkins and Decker didn't practice, but now that's official. Dumervil, Fells and Bruton were all limited, but they played and are expected to be active against the Patriots this weekend.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog, Mile High Report, and Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: New England Injury Report Is Quite Long

The New England Patriots probably didn't expect a re-match of December's hyped game against the Denver Broncos when they prepared for the playoffs, but Denver's stunning victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week has put them (and us) in an unexpected position. And while the Patriots only had one player missing in practice on Wednesday, over a dozen players were limited as they prepare for a Broncos team that's not ailing nearly as much.

New England's official injury report can be found here, but it's shown below:

Did Not Participate

- DT Kyle Love

Limited Participation

- CB Kyle Arrington

- S Patrick Chung

- C Dan Connolly

- WR Julian Edelman

- LB Dane Fletcher

- S James Ihedibgo

- OT Matt Light

- C Logan Mankins

- CB Devin McCourty

- LB Rob Ninkovich

- WR Matthew Slater

- LB Brandon Spikes

- OT Sebastian Vollmer

- WR Wes Welker

- LB Tracy White

Full Participation

- QB Tom Brady

The Patriots' offense could be limited if the likes of Welker, Mankins and Light are hobbled, but the Broncos' defense should still be facing quite a passing attack when both sides line up this weekend.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog, Mile High Report, and Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Denver Broncos Injury Update: Brian Dawkins, Eric Decker Miss Wednesday Practice

The Denver Broncos had a few key players return to practice on Wednesday as they prepare for this week's big match-up against the New England Patriots, but they still had a couple of notable absences. According to Andrew Mason of MaxDenver.com, safety Brian Dawkins and wide receiver Eric Decker were on the sideline during the team's practices on Wednesday.

Dawkins missed last week's game against Pittsburgh in order to heal up his neck, which still appears to be bothering him. He missed practice on Tuesday as well, so the Broncos may end up being forced to go with David Bruton in his place once again this week. Decker injured his knee against the Steelers last week, and after sitting on once again on Wednesday, it's unlikely that he'll play against the Patriots.

In some good news, defensive end Elvis Dumervil, tight end Daniel Fells and back-up safety Bruton all returned to practice on Wednesday after sitting out on Tuesday.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog, Mile High Report, and Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Denver Is 2-0 Against New England In Postseason Play

Sure, the Denver Broncos lost to the New England Patriots, 41-23, during the 2011 NFL regular season and have dropped two of the last three regular season games against them (the exception being Josh McDaniels fist-pumping post-victory celebration in 2009), but the team from the Mile High City has defeated the Patriots both times in the NFL Playoffs.

Related: NFL Playoffs Schedule

However, past performance doesn't indicate future results, of course. But for historical purposes, the Broncos faced the Patriots in a divisional game on Jan. 4, 1987 and defeated them, 22-17, at Mile High Stadium. John Elway was just 13-of-32 passing for 257 yards and two interceptions, but he also threw for and rushed for a touchdown. Two more field goals and a safety helped the Broncos prevail. Rulon Jones led the Broncos defense with two of the team's five sacks.

The other game came on, look at that, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, the same date this week's game will take place on. The Broncos, though, were hosting that divisional game and won, 27-13.

Will history be as kind to the Broncos this time around?

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Power Rankings Favor Patriots Over Broncos

The Denver Broncos pulled off one of the great upsets in NFL Playoff history with Tim Tebow's 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas, but not even that was enough to move the Broncos out of the bottom of SB Nation's NFL Playoff Power Rankings. The Broncos come in at No. 8.

Related: NFL Playoffs Schedule

As Joel Thorman writes about the Broncos, there's no tangible explanation to explain how the team wins ugly:

The Tim Tebow show is ranked last of all the teams in the 2012 NFL playoffs field. The Broncos are one of those teams with ugly stats -- 25th on offense and 24th on defense -- and they play even uglier. [...] So, yes, we'll rank the Broncos last while recognizing that there's no real explanation for how they win.

However, the victory over the Steelers was anything but ugly. Tebow didn't have the greatest pass completion rate, but he was able to throw the long ball effectively all game long for the big plays that kept the Broncos in the game and gave the team the victory.

The New England Patriots, the Broncos' opponent in Sunday comes in at No. 4, the midway point of the rankings. They have a great offense led by Tom Brady, but the defense leaves much to be desired. Will the Patriots win its first playoff game since winning the AFC against the San Diego Chargers during the 2007 season?

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Denver Broncos Injury Report: Brian Dawkins Among Players Held Out Of Tuesday's Practice

With a game coming up on Saturday, the Denver Broncos hit the practice field a day early, though they are not required to file an official practice report until Wednesday.

But the Post's Jeff Legwold was there to watch on Tuesday and has some notes from the workout:

Safeties David Bruton (Achilles) and Brian Dawkins (neck) were among the players who were not participating in Tuesday's practice as the Broncos began their on-field preparations for Saturday night's Divisional round game in Foxborough, Mass.

Legwold also says that defensive end Elvis Dumervil, tight end Daniel Fells and wide receiver Eric Decker also were not participating in the portion of workouts he saw. Decker is not expected to be able to play against New England after suffering a knee injury on Sunday.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Brian Dawkins Injury Update: Broncos Safety Says Neck Issue Is Not Career Threatening

Denver sports reporter Vic Lombardi spoke to injured Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins for a story on Tuesday, and according to Lombardi, Dawkins says the neck injury that's kept him sidelined recently is not career threatening:

Dawkins has not played in a game since Dec. 24, and Lombardi says that it does not appear Dawkins will be able to play in the team's second round playoff game against New England, but that there may be chance he'd be able to return to the field should the Broncos advance to the AFC championship game.

Dawkins was unable to participate in Broncos practice on Tuesday.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: Logan Mankins, Sebastian Vollmer Practice For New England

The New England Patriots might have a big boost on the offensive line if they are able to have Logan Mankins and Sebastian Vollmer play in Saturday's game against the Denver Broncos. Both players returned to practice for the first time in weeks, reports the Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport.

Mankins has been missing since the next-to-last game of the regular season with an MCL sprain while Vollmer's ankle injury has kept him out since the end of November. First-round pick and former Colorado Buffaloes tackle Nate Solder has filled in over the weeks but will likely be out of the lineup should Vollmer be ready to go.

But even if both linemen return, don't expect Tom Brady to stop attacking the Broncos through the air. That's what he's done all season and he won't stop now.

For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Tim Tebow Gets Praise From Bill Belichick

The Denver Broncos picked up their first playoff win since the 2005 NFL season and Tim Tebow's first playoff win of his career. Tebow's methods and the Broncos offense are unconventional in every sense of the word, but what works works. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told WEEI he knows the kind of issues Tebow's style can present when trying to defend him.

"Whatever it takes to win, he's done a good job of doing that," Belichick told WEEI. "I think whenever Tebow is in the shotgun, then you have the possibility of him running their regular shotgun passing game and you also have the possibility of them running the ball, whether he's the runner or it's a dive and he keeps it. You really need another defender in the running game but it's hard to get that defender when five guys, at least four guys and sometimes five guys spread out the passing game."

These problems came to head for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as Tebow was able to hit some long passes while on the run and his receivers were able to get open against the man coverage with the extra time. The Patriots have played the Broncos already this season however, so they especially know what to expect from Tim Tebow. In the 41-23 loss earlier in the season, Tebow passed the ball for 194 yards and ran the ball for another 93 yards, including two touchdowns.

For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: Denver Signs WR D'Andre Goodwin, Places FB Spencer On IR

In a sign that wide receiver Eric Decker will not be playing in Sunday's game, the Denver Broncos announced on Tuesday that the team has signed wide receiver D'Andre Goodwin from the practice squad and placed fullback Spencer Larsen on injured reserve.

The #Broncos have signed WR D'Andre Goodwin to the active roster and placed FB Spencer Larsen on injured reserve.

— Denver Broncos (@Denver_Broncos) January 10, 2012

More: Tim Tebow Time Strikes | NFL Playoffs Schedule

The Broncos need another wide receiver with the Decker injury since the team only had three receivers active for the remainder of the Steelers' game last Sunday. While Demaryius Thomas, Eddie Royal and Matthew Willis are a solid group, one more injury and the team would be in peril heading into the Patriots game.

Larsen sprained his MCL in the season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. To fill in the practice squad spot that Goodwin's signing created, the Broncos added receiver Tim Toone.

Visit Odds Shark for more NFL Playoff odds and lines. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Odds, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Denver Playing As Underdog Against New England By As Many As 2 TDs

The Denver Broncos are out to shock the world again when they continue on the road to the Super Bowl this Saturday. After being underdogs against the Pittsburgh Steelers by nine points on most lines, the Broncos opened as 13 point underdogs against the New England Patriots, according to Odds Shark. At least one line has already moved the line to two full touchdowns.

More: Tim Tebow Time Strikes | NFL Playoffs Schedule

The Patriots did beat the Broncos earlier in the season, 41-23. That was at Mile High. This time the Broncos need to head into Gillette Stadium at Foxborough. That is Tom Brady's house, Bill Belichick's domain. Can Tim Tebow deliver another exciting victory for the Broncos?

The over/under for this game might be optimistic at 50.5 points, but much of this still depends on how well Tebow is able to perform. He passed the first playoff test at home, but now he needs to repeat that on the road.

Visit Odds Shark for more NFL Playoff odds and lines. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

NFL Playoffs Bracket 2012: Broncos Have 'Huge Challenge' Against Patriots, Says John Fox

John Fox and his coaching staff need to prepare the Denver Broncos for Saturday's divisional round contest against the New England Patriots, but they want to keep the team "even-keeled" leading up to the big game, as Tom Kensler writes in the Denver Post. The players will have Monday and Tuesday to savor the victory before they start prepping for the Patriots.

More: Tim Tebow Time Strikes | NFL Playoffs Schedule

Fox knows this is a big game, but he's not letting it get to him either:

"It will be a huge challenge. But at this point in the playoffs, it always is."

And should the Broncos continue on the path to the Super Bowl, they will need to accomplish it on the road. If victory comes in New England, the Broncos will head either to Baltimore or Houston. And from there it's a move to neutral Indianapolis. And that's just the way the Broncos want it to be.

For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Eric Decker Injury Update: MRI Reveals MCL Sprain, Listed As 'Day-To-Day'

Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker suffered what was believed to be a significant knee injury in Sunday afternoon's win agains the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime to advance in the 2012 NFL playoffs. Broncos head coach John Fox today confirmed a previous report that the injury Decker suffered was just an MCL sprain and he is currently "day-to-day" for the matchup with the New England Patriots this weekend.

John Fox said MRI on Decker's knee shows a sprain and he is "day to day."

— Lindsay Jones (@PostBroncos) January 9, 2012

Decker injured his knee in the second quarter when he attempted to make a catch over the middle and was hit by Steelers linebacker James Harrison. That pass was Decker's only target of the game. Decker led the Broncos in the regular season in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns so if he is unavailable against the Patriots, it could be a big hit to the Broncos passing game.

For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Tim Tebow, Demaryius Thomas Go Against Former Coach Josh McDaniels

The original plan for former Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels had been to make the playoffs with his two 2010 first-round draft picks, Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow. However, McDaniels never had a chance for that to happen since he was fired in Dec. 2010. But now Thomas and Tebow are the in playoffs, and they will go up against McDaniels, who just rejoined the New England Patriots on Sunday, minutes after the Broncos' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers ended.

More: Tim Tebow Time Strikes | NFL Playoffs Schedule

As SI's Peter King writes in his Monday Morning Quarterback column, he believes that CBS will have a camera on Josh McDaniels throughout the game. King offers this from Demaryius Thomas:

"Crazy,'' Demaryius Thomas said from the din of the Denver locker room Sunday night. "Just crazy. Good to see him back with a winning team. We're all just so surprised. Just crazy.''

It is crazy to think about not only what the Broncos did by winning in overtime on an 80-yard pass, but also what happened with McDaniels. He resurfaced as the St. Louis Rams' offensive coordinator several weeks after the Broncos fired him. But that job turned sour once the Rams looked awful and wound up with the No. 2 overall pick in April's draft. The team let go of head coach Steve Spagnuolo and allowed McDaniels to leave if he wanted to.

With Bill O'Brien leaving for the Penn State head coaching job, McDaniels had a place with the Patriots once again. However, he won't officially become the offensive coordinator until O'Brien leaves after the team's playoff run.

For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

Broncos Vs. Patriots, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Denver Out To Correct Mistakes Of 2011 Game

After climbing the hurdle of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round, the Denver Broncos won't have any easier task ahead of them next Saturday when they play the New England Patriots in prime time on CBS. The Broncos will need to defeat a Patriots team that beat them several weeks ago and started them on a three-game losing streak to end the season.

More: Tim Tebow Time Strikes | NFL Playoffs Schedule

It was not a pretty game, as the Patriots defeated the Broncos, 41-23. Tim Tebow was 11-of-22 passing for 194 yards, but he didn't have any touchdown passes. He was the team's leading rusher with 93 yards and two touchdowns, but that is no formula for success.

But what haunted the team wasn't his performance passing. It was the team's inability to keep hold of the ball. The team committed three turnovers on lost fumbles, one each from Tim Tebow, Lance Ball and the since released Quan Cosby. Tebow did have a second fumble, but the Broncos kept possession of the ball.

Certainly, Tim Tebow showed great strides as a passer against the top pass defense of the Steelers' on Sunday, but will he be able to carry all of that over to the divisional round with him?

For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: Bracket For Divisional Round Complete

After an opening round of the NFL playoffs that featured only one really competitive game, things are sure to be interesting next weekend with a great slate of games.

The Divisional round of the playoffs kicks off with a great contrast of styles, when the San Francisco 49ers host the streaking New Orleans Saints. The 49ers earned an opening round bye after finishing the regular-season 13-3 and winning the NFC West. New Orleans put together a dominant performance in a 45-28 win over Detroit in the opening round of the playoffs. The Saints have now won nine straight since a surprising loss to the St. Louis Rams.

The other matchup in the NFC will see the New York Giants visit the Green Bay Packers. The Giants defense was tremendous in a 24-2 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the opening round. Green Bay finished the regular-season 15-1, including a 38-35 win over the Giants in week 13.

The AFC Divisional round begins on Saturday night when the Denver Broncos visit the New England Patriots.The Broncos advanced to this game after a thrilling 29-23 (OT) victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game has no shortage of headlines, as it will feature Josh McDaniels against his former team. In the regular-season meeting between these teams, New England cruised to a comfortable 41-23 win.

Baltimore hosts the Houston Texans in the other AFC playoff game. The Texans advanced to this game after a 31-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC after winning the AFC North. These teams faced off in week 6, with the Ravens picking up a 29-14 home win.

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