New England Patriots 45 - Baltimore Ravens 31
The Patriots started out dominating this game, carving out a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, though two the Ravens' credit they hung around and never gave in. It was never within a score, but it definitely wasn't decided until the final few minutes.
Colt McCoy was 6 of 7 for 148 yards, 2 TDs and 0 INT.
Joe Flacco threw... a few more times... going 23 of 48 for for 383 yards, 4 TDs and 4 INTs.
Given those numbers, the following shouldn't be surprising:
Cobie Ross carried 11 times for 119 yards and 2 scores. Mikel Leshoure did most of the work in the 2nd half, racking up 19 carries for 136 yards and a score.
Marshawn Lynch had one carry for 2 yards. Leach tried to run on 4th-and-1 late, but got stuffed on the play which ended the game. Those were the only two carries the Ravens had.
Roddy White had 4 catches for 56 yards and a TD for the Pats. Cobie Ross had the other receiving TD, an 82 yard strike when he slipped out of the backfield against a Ravens blitz. (I throw to my backs less than just about anyone, so I reached deep into the bag of tricks for that one).
Reigning defensive rookie of the year Terrance Carswell had a big game, with 2 sacks and a pick six. The Pats also got INTs from McCourty in his new safety spot, Jimmy Wilson and Cornel Patrick. The Ravens weren't able to turn the Pats over at all, which was probably the difference in the game.
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gg MA! I don't think I ever would have expected this game out of us, since our matchups are usually tight low-scoring affairs. Especially after how you shut down my running game in the playoffs last season, I was shocked how well Leshoure and Ross were able to run. Madden's just a funny game sometimes.
Pats move to 2-1 ahead of their first division game of the year against the Jets.