It would've been nice to see the Patriots offense seal the deal on their own in the 4th quarter. A 7+ minute drive went all the way to the Baltimore 9, but the Patriots couldn't convert on 2nd & 4 then 3rd & 4. An illegal motion penalty called back a 1st down on a fake field goal (I loved that call, by the way). It was a 15 play, 59 yard drive, but the Pats only added 3 to their lead.
Then the defense made a stand, forced a 4 and out, that SHOULD HAVE ENDED THE GAME. The Pats offense had the ball in Baltimore territory, just needed to move the ball a bit and hit a field goal. Or at least get a 1st down and run the clock a bit. Instead, it was 3 and out, with only 1:37 drained from the clock.
The defense was leaned on heavily, and it eventually came through. But on a team with Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker; there's no excuse for not putting the game away on your own.
That being said, the Pats were only favored by 2 at home. The Ravens had been undefeated. ESPN had Baltimore ranked #1 in their power rankings. This, combined with a win over Atlanta, is a promising sign.
Next week the Pats face another test. The Broncos are 4-0, and Denver has always been a tough place for the Patriots to play. But it's certainly a winnable game.
Also, Mark Sanchez and the frauds from New Jersey were exposed by the Saints today. The top of the AFC East is now a 3-1 stalemate.
Sources:
ESPN.com
Photo Credits:
AP Photo/Winslow Townson
