FOXBOROUGH, MA. – The New England Patriots returned to the postseason for the first time since losing to the New
York Giants in the Super Bowl two years ago, and suffered another defeat this time at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back, blowing out the Pats 33-14.
After winning the opening coin toss the Patriots and Bill Belichick deferred and elected to put the ball in the hands of the Ravens offense. On the first play from scrimmage, running back Ray Rice was handed the ball, saw an opening and left the Patriots’ defense in the dust, sprinting for an 83-yard touchdown and 7-0 lead.
On the Patriots’ first series, Tom Brady dropped back to pass but the ball was stripped and recovered by Terrrell Suggs. A few plays later Leron McClain plunged in from the one for another TD and a 14-0 lead, stunning the Patriots and silencing the Foxborough crowd.
The tone was set and from that point on, the Ravens defense owned the Patriots.
An interception led to another score and before the Patriots could catch their breath they were down 24-0 drawing boos from the Patriots fans. The Ravens defense led by All-Pro Ray Lewis forced three turnovers that produced 17 points in the first half. New England had only given up 44 points off turnovers during the entire regular season.
Playing without wide receiver Wes Welker, the only New England bright spot in the first half came on a 1 yard touchdown reception by Julian Edelman which cut the lead to 24-7 and at least assured the once-mighty Patriots that they would not be shutout.
The Ravens relied on their running game as Joe Flacco was unimpressive completing just 4-of-10 passes for 34 yards with one interception.
Ray Rice led the run attack gaining 159 yards taking two to the house. Willis McGahee added another 62 yards on the ground and one touchdown while fullback Leron McClain added another score giving the Ravens 4 rushing TDs on the day. This was a huge swing. In the previous three meetings between these same two teams, the Ravens failed to put the ball in the end zone via the run.
Tom Brady who was pressured much of the day by the aggressive stingy Raven defense was able to hook up with Julian Edelman for another touchdown in the second half giving Edelman his second score of the game. Edelman finished with 6 receptions for 44 yards and showed some promise for the future.
The loss was the first playoff loss for Brady on home field in his career. He finished 23-of-42 for 154 yards and 3 INTs.
After taking slack from the national media for going for it on 4th down while deep in his own end of the field against the Colts; a decision that led to a loss, you have to wonder if Bill Belichick is regretting not taking the ball when his team won the opening coin toss.
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