After carrying the team all season, the Broncos defense led the way, holding off a late rally to secure a 20-18 victory over the Patriots.

The loss brings Brady’s career record to just 2-7 in Denver, and marks the third consecutive playoff loss for the Patriots in the Mile High City.

The Denver front-seven got to Brady early and often, sacking the veteran quarterback four times, and pressuring him on a regular basis. Constantly under pressure, Brady found himself being pounded into the turf, and having to rush throws. Led by Wade Phillips, the Broncos defense was able to completely throw off the veteran quarterback’s rhythm, and the results were seen on the scoreboard.

Multiple members of the Broncos defense stepped up and made plays when the team needed it most. Von Miller recorded 2.5 sacks and had 5 total tackles on the day. Derek Wolfe, along with three other Broncos, led the way with six tackles. Since signing a contract extension, Wolfe has an incredibly productive postseason. Along with his 6 tackles, Wolfe recorded a sack, and batted down a first quarter Brady pass attempt.

The play of Wolfe and Malik Jackson in the middle, allowed the Broncos to collapse the pocket from the inside-out, and was a big reason the Broncos outside pass rushers were able to consistently reach Brady.

With a consistent pass rush, the Broncos secondary was able to hold Brady to just 27-of-56 pass attempts on the day. Multiple defenders made plays on the ball in big situations. Talib was able to break up a pair of pass attempts in the endzone, and Roby ripped the ball away from Danny Amendola, on what would have been a first down conversion for New England late in the fourth quarter.

On offense, the Broncos were far from special, but did just enough to help win the game. Highlighted by a pair of first half touchdown passes to Owen Daniels, the Broncos were efficient in the redzone. In three redzone attempts, the Broncos scored on all three trips.

The Patriots (336), out-gained the Broncos (244), by nearly 100 yards. New England also finished with eight more first downs than Denver with a total of 20. However, Denver was able to run the ball just effectively enough to make the time of possession essentially dead even.

The commitment to the rushing attack can be frustrating at times for the Denver faithful, but the ground and pound style really wears down opponents, especially with the altitude factor.

Seconds into the fourth quarter, C.J. Anderson was able to rip off a monstrous 30 yard gain, which was followed by an 8-yard rush by Anderson. Manning ended up missing a wide open Jordon Norwood in the endzone on third and goal, ending in a 30-yard field goal by Brandon McMannus, and giving Denver a 20-12 lead.

The Broncos have not been playing exciting football, but they are playing championship level football. When the game is on the line, they have found a way to win time and time again. The Broncos are 11-3 in games decided by a touchdown or less, and have won in just about every way possible.

Against Pittsburgh, the Broncos had to battle back and overcome a fourth quarter defecit. This week the circumstances were the exact opposite. Denver led the entire way, and when New England battled back late, the Broncos were able to hold on for the victory.

Teams that finish games, are teams that take the Lombardi trophy home. Denver has found a way to finish all season, and are now just a victory away from being World Champions.