Tebow gets another shot at Patriots

Vince Wilfork can't pinpoint one aspect of Tim Tebow's game that sticks out while scouring a scouting report on the Broncos' quarterback.

"What doesn't jump off the page?" the Patriots' nose tackle said with a laugh Tuesday before practice in Foxboro, Mass. "I mean, he's just a tough, tough guy to prepare for."

The Pats won, 41-23, Dec. 18 in Denver, so Wilfork didn't have to pop in tons of Tebow footage to prepare for Saturday night's AFC playoff game at Gillette Stadium. He recalls the difficulties in tackling the 6-3, 236-pounder.

"When you face him, you figure out 'Man, this dude is like a running back,' " Wilfork said. "He's a big dude. He's a strong guy. I know we talked about it, but man, I didn't realize it."

Wilfork, who at 6-2, 325-plus pounds is no small man himself, chuckled again.

"I've seen some big guys over the years," he said of Tebow, who's 8-6 as a starter in his two-year career. "But he's probably one of the biggest, toughest and strongest that I've faced."

In his postseason debut, Tebow completed 10 of 21 for 316 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 50 yards and a score in a 29-23 upset of the Steelers, capped by an 80-yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime.

"That was definitely a special one Sunday night," Tebow said Tuesday. "Not just for the win, but the guys that I won it with, for the fans that supported us, for the coaches and all the hard work we put in this season. It was definitely very meaningful."

In more ways than one for Tebow. ESPN reported a clause in his contract worth $250,000 for each postseason win as long as he plays in at least 70 percent of the Broncos' season.

With six of his eight wins on fourth-quarter comebacks, Tebow magic has gripped the nation, creating catchphrases such as "Tebow Time" and "Tebowing" and earning high TV ratings. He's a polarizing figure, partly because some don't think he has the consistency and accuracy to be an effective long-term answer. They also doubt Denver's option-read offense can thrive in a league where passing records are being shattered. But Tebow has led 18 scoring drives in the fourth quarter or OT in his last 12 games.

"They're a tough team to prepare for because they do a lot of different things," Bill Belichick said. "What they do offensively is a little bit unique."

Tebow seems eager for another crack at the Patriots. "It's about us going into a hostile environment," he said, "and trying to play a good game against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick."