HERO
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was nearly flawless, completing 32 of 43 passes for 400 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He simply did not make a mistake. He sought out every weakness in the New England defense and exposed it. Now he has a chance to win the second Super Bowl of his career, tying his brother Eli.
UNSUNG HERO
Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas caught seven passes for 134 yards and a TD. Thomas could not be covered by New England cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, who was torched repeatedly on big plays, including on a 3-yard scoring pass that gave Denver a 20-3 lead. Thomas beat Dennard on three other catches for 26, 27 and 30 yards.
ZERO
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady looked off all game, completing 24 of 38 for 277 yards with a TD and no INTs. In fairness to Brady, he does not have the weapons to throw to that Manning does. But he was overthrowing receivers and simply could not find a rhythm.
KEY STAT
1 Punt by the Broncos in two playoff games. The one punt came on their first offensive series Sunday.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“We have one more game to get the Super Bowl and I want to win it for No. 18 [Manning] and Champ [Bailey, the Broncos veteran cornerback].’’
— Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas