Defense takes Broncos to AFC Title game!
Strong Safety Steve Atwater made the play of the season so far for the Denver Broncos. His second quarter interception and 94-yard return for a touchdown lifted the Broncos to the AFC Championship game next weekend.
The Bronco defense was dominant. They forced the Patriots into a one-dimensional team. The Patriots were without All-Pro running back Curtis Martin and could not run the ball. The Patriots rushed for 30 yards on the day and that forced Bledsoe to make plays in the passing game; however, the Broncos were relentless. They sacked Bledsoe six times on the day (Alfred Williams had 3 of them) and forced him to throw two interceptions.
With the defense dominating, the Bronco offense focused on the running game. RB Terrell Davis had 137 yards on the ground on 25 carries. QB John Elway didn’t make any mistakes. He was 13 of 23 passing with 135 yards and no interceptions but could not get the Broncos in the end zone.
Because the Bronco offense was forced to kick two field goals, the Patriots still had an opportunity to win the game. Bledsoe led a drive for a field goal early in the 4th quarter and then hooked up with WR Shawn Jefferson on a 13-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 13-10 with 1:30 left in the game. The Broncos shut the door on the game when they recovered the ensuing onside kick.
The Broncos will now go to the AFC Championship game. They will have to wait to find out who and where that will take place. The Chiefs host the Seahawks in the other Division Round game. If KC wins, the game will take place at Arrowhead, but if the Seahawks spring the upset, the title game will be played in Mile High in Denver.
Another great game!