Tom Brady shows Tim Tebow how it’s done, throws 6 TD passes in rout

The game was a mismatch from the first snap. A nation transfixed by Tebow’s play, if not his religious principles, tuned in to see whether he had more heroics in store for the Patriots. But he had nothing left, completing only 9 of 26 passes for 136 yards.

‘‘A lot of ups and downs,’’ Tebow said of his second NFL season. ‘‘Overall, it’s been a very special opportunity for me, something I’m really thankful for. There’s a lot of things we’re proud of. Obviously, it’s hard to see them all right now.’’

With the Patriots leading 42-7, the fans at Gillette Stadium began a derisive chant of ‘‘Teeee-bow!’’ On the next play, Tebow was sacked for an 11-yard loss — one of five sacks for the Patriots’ defense.

Meanwhile, the Broncos were powerless to stop Brady (26-for-34 for 363 yards) and couldn’t cover or tackle tight end Rob Gronkowski (10 catches for 145 yards). Brady’s six touchdown passes tied Daryle Lamonica and Steve Young for the most in a playoff game, and Gronkowski tied a postseason mark with three scoring catches.

‘‘We were playing complementary football, and it was awesome,’’ Gronkowski said.

Brady — who passed for 5,235 yards during the regular season, second in NFL history to the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees (5,476 this season) — moved into third place in career touchdown passes in the playoffs with 36. He trails Joe Montana (45) and Brett Favre (44).

Brady’s touchdown passes covered seven yards to Wes Welker and 10 yards to Gronkowski in the first quarter; 12 and 19 yards to Gronkowski and 61 yards to Deion Branch in the second; and 17 yards to Aaron Hernandez in the third.