A lot of hard choices were made this week when choosing the three GIFs that defined this big win. What about Edelman’s punt return for TD? What about Gronk’s ridiculous catch? What about Ayer’s third down sack?
All of those were impressive plays, and while I think Edelman’s punt return should certainly be in there, I felt these three really were the ones that cemented the game in the Patriots’ favor.
First, we have Ninkovich’s interception which has been broken down all over the internet the last two days. When you look back at the classic Manning vs. Patriots defense games, this interception fits right in. This pick was one of those instant messages that the Patriots were fooling Manning, at least early on, with their coverage schemes. They’d take the lead for good four plays later on a touchdown pass to Edelman.
There’s nothing like extending a lead from 13 points to 20 points just before halftime. Of course, you always need touchdowns vs. Manning, but to pull out a touchdown on third down in the final seconds of the half, was a huge boost to a team that was already rolling. Of course it helps when three defenders follow Gronk, leaving Vereen wide open.
If the Broncos get a touchdown here on their second drive of the second half, things would’ve gotten interesting in a hurry. On their first possession they drive right through the Pats on a six-play, 57-yard touchdown drive. Instead McCourty delivers a knockout blow to Welker’s back and Browner was there to grab the ball as Welker coughed it up. The Pats would score a touchdown on the next play and the blowout was on.
Previous Three GIFs:
