Jan 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter of the Sugar Bowl between the Florida Gators and the Louisville Cardinals at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Louisville defeated Florida 33-23. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s a nugget for those of you that couldn’t sleep because Tim Tebow wasn’t a Jacksonville Jaguar, or on any NFL Team for that matter. The New England Patriots have just signed the former first round pick. He couldn’t have landed in a better spot in my opinion. Josh McDaniels, his former coach and the reason he was drafted by the Broncos is the Offensive Coordinator. And even the most hard pressed Tebow supporter would laugh at the idea of him unseating one of the greatest to ever play the game in Tom Brady. So, you can cross QB controversy off the headlines list. And if anyone would find a way to get him on the field (obviiously not at QB) it would be the genius that is Bill Belichick. New England revolutionized the Tight End position, so if Tebow opens his mind, he may have an NFL future yet. That is, if he makes it till September.

But they still couldn’t beat the New England Patriots.

This game was New England’s the entire time.  Houston could not keep pace with the dynamic Pats defense or with the high powered Pats offense.  This game went well beyond having the more talented players.  The Texans were simply out-coached.  Foster was unable to get anything going on the ground until it was too late, and by the defense had been unable to make this game necessitate the pass.  Tom Brady and company were just too much for the AFC South’s top seeded team.  While there as some question early in the season as to whether the Patriots were the same Patriots we have seen in years past, I think now the definitive answer is yes.

And they are in a class of their own.

It will be curious to see if the Pats will be able to stop the Baltimore Ravens again.  Last year’s AFC Championship should have gone to the bumbling Ravens, but a drop in the endzone and a missed field goal made sure that the Patriots made yet another trip to the Super Bowl.

Eventually an AFC South team will make it there as well.  Just not this year.

Final Score: 41-28 Patriots

- Luke N. Sims

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There wasn’t much celebrating for the Jaguars today.  Source: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars continue their better performances against better teams…while still falling short.  I thought the point of frustration with this team was past and I was wallowing in a numb dissatisfaction with the franchise’s product this year, but then they make a game against the New England Patriots competitive and I get all caught up and raise my expectations yet again.

Only to be let down.

Again.

The Jaguars defense performed admirably in a close loss on Sunday.  The defense held the league’s best offense (36 points per game) to just 23 points and forced two interceptions from Tom Brady.  But, in regular Jaguar fashion, the offense let the defense down and stalled at only 16 points.  Josh Scobee was three of four, adding to one Chad Henne touchdown pass in the first quarter.  Jacksonville was tied with New England heading into the half but couldn’t keep pace in the third and fourth quarters.  A pace of only 10 more points in 30 minutes of football.  The Jags added just a field goal.

Henne was the most disappointing aspect of the game for the Jaguars.  We already knew he probably wasn’t the man to put this team on his shoulders and carry them, but, even when given a shot to succeed by a usually poor defense, he let the team down this week.  Two interceptions in scoring position is a rough way to go down.

The Patriots offense was nowhere near as efficient as it has been in the past.  Brady’s four interceptions over the past two games are just one shy from his total (5) from the first 13 games of the season.  He got it done, though, and managed two interceptions to finish 24 of 41 for 267 yards with the two picks and touchdowns.  Wes Welker was the big receiver of the day with 10 receptions for 88 yards and one score.  Despite decent production from Stevan Ridley (84 yards on 18 carries), the Patriots didn’t have the same offensive power that was expected coming into the game.  The Jags were able to get pressure on Brady (three sacks) and disrupt plays well.

In the end the Patriots add another “W” heading toward the playoffs and the Jags lose another close one.  It’s been said before that the measure of a great team is winning the close games.  The difference between the Jags and the great teams was highlighted in Jacksonville this week.

- Luke N. Sims

Feel free to leave comments on here or visit us at Facebook or Twitter!

You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims