We didn't expect to go down like this. We've had bad losses this year, but this was as decisive as they come. You can't expect to win an NFL game when you turn the ball over 4 times (3 INTs and a fumble), you allow the opponent to run for 234 yards, and you convert only 25% of your 3rd down opportunities. Not to mention, the Ravens came out with so much more intensity and fire than the Patriots did.
Down 24-0 after the first quarter that had Patriots fans' stomachs eating themselves. However, after a touchdown drive we held out hope. All for not though. Tom Brady and the offense struggled mightily to move the ball after an interception, good kickoff returns, and decent field position after punts. Spotted the large lead, the Ravens played bend but don't break defense allowing dump-offs. With no deep shots TB averaged a measly 3.7 yards on his 42 pass attempts.
Brady's interceptions were bad, but he hardly had any help outside of Julian Edelman (6 receptions, 44 yards, 2 TDs) and Kevin Faulk (89 total yards of offense on 20 touches). Whether it was a physical ailment (he missed some of Friday's practice icing his knees) or his mentality (he appeared checked out at times), Randy Moss couldn't stretch the D and was basically a non-factor on the afternoon. Bottom line is Brady was not on his game and was not able to spread the ball without his full arsenal of weapons and Welker's absence most certainly hurt.
The season is over. Just like that the postseason comes to a close. Our home winning streak didn't matter, Brady's cold weather game and personal winning streaks didn't matter. History means nothing. It's been six years since we last hoisted a Lombardi Trophy, and two long seasons since our collapse in the Super Bowl. It's about the future, and how we can get back there. Many questions will need to be answered going into the postseason.
Better luck next year.
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