Broncos trail Patriots 27-16 at Halftime

Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos breaks a tackle against outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich #50 of the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

After scoring on three straight drives on the way to a 16-17 lead over the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos literally fumbled the ball away three consecutive times and are now down by a score of 27-16 at halftime in Denver.

The offense came out hot, with quarterback Tim Tebow, running backs Willis McGahee, Lance Ball and Jeremiah Johnson each rushing for at least 25 yards, but turnovers and the absence of safety Brian Dawkins on defense has hurt the team.

Denver was outscored 20-3 in the second quarter and is yet to sack New England’s Tom Brady.  If the Broncos are going to have yet another comeback, they’ll need to protect the ball on offense and pressure Brady in the second half.

The only way Denver is going to be able to come back in this game is by creating turnovers in the second half — and by protecting the football better on offense.  If there was ever a time the Broncos needed Tebow to come up big in the second half, that time is now.

Tebow went 5-of-8 for 68 yards passing in the first half and added 38 yards and a score on the ground.  The Patriots will receive the second half kickoff.