The classic “Brady vs. Manning” saga lived up to the hype in a game where most saw the Patriots pulling away with an easy win. The Denver Broncos defense proved it was the best in the league all season and lived up to expectations making Brady’s day a long one. In what literally came down to the last play it was the Denver defense that decided this game with one of the better performances you will see. With that said, lets get to the awards.
Patriots vs. Broncos Post Game Awards
Game MVP
Von Miller
Von Miller was the game-changer in this one from the jump. An early interception led to the Broncos first touchdown, and also added 2.5 sacks along with countless pressure was what made Tom Brady feel uncomfortable all day. Miller stated he would get Brady in one second if need be to prevent Brady from picking his team apart, and when they needed him to, he did. He had help with a loaded defense, but it was Miller who set himself apart whether in coverage or in the pass rush.
Surprising Performance
Chris Harris
It should typically be no surprise that Chris Harris played at a high level, but when expectations all week were that he would not play, or would be around 50%, he stepped up to the challenge. He played all over the field, guarded multiple players, including Rob Gronkowski at times, but his main duty was to watch Julian Edleman. Edelman was able to grab seven balls, but for only 53 yards. With Harris playing through a bum shoulder, the thought was that tackling would be very hard for him. He came up with four tackles, and two assists, including a huge fourth down tackle of Edleman late in the fourth quarter in a play changed the game.
Unsung Hero
Malik Jackson
Malik Jackson has not been praised in the way he deserved to be all year, and in the biggest game for the Broncos he just kept working. It isn’t the stats that make Jackson stand out, but the pressure. Jackson was able to open lanes for Demarcus Ware and Von Miller, and was able to contribute pressure on his own by pushing lineman back into Tom Brady. In a game where Denver’s defensive dominance truly was the difference, it wouldn’t feel right to praise someone who wasn’t on the front seven, and Jackson absolutely deserved the praise today.
Biggest Disappointment
Patriots Offensive Line
The Patriots offensive line as a whole could be considered the disappointment. Brady never had any time to set himself and make clean throws. In the last couple of drives as the Pats attempted to come back, it was the fact that Brady made up his mind where he was going before the play that caused him to throw the ball with a clean pocket. Every snap looked like a potential sack, and the Broncos hardly blitzed.
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