Tim Tebow could not pull off another miracle as the New England Patriots squashed the Denver Broncos 45-10 at Gillette Stadium. It was the first time the Pats won a playoff game since 2008.

Patriots QB Tom Brady completed 26 out of 34 passes for 363 yards including six touchdown passes tying an NFL post-season record held by Steve Young and Daryle Lamonica. Three of Brady’s touchdown passes were caught by Pats tight end Rob Gronkowski who had ten catches in all for 145 yards.

Conversely, Tebow completed only 9 out of 26 passes for 136 yards and was frustrated by the Pats defense who sacked him five times. While those who dislike Tebow’s overt religious pride will delight in his disappointing performance who would have expected the Broncos to be in the playoffs four months ago much less the Broncos’ starting QB? Tebow has nothing for which to be ashamed. He’s still learning the league. There have been times when he’s been nothing short of miraculous but there have also been times when he’s been overmatched and overwhelmed. But you learn from defeat and get better. Tebow is only going to get better and he will be heard from for many years to come.

As for the Pats, they will face the winner of tomorrow’s afternoon’s game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans in the AFC Final on January 22nd.

UPDATE: It’ll be Pats-Ravens next Sunday.