Patriots Vs. Ravens: Vince Wilfork On AFC Championship Game, 'You Saw A Classic'

Critical to the New England Patriots win over the Baltimore Ravens during Sunday's AFC Championship Game was the play of a much-maligned defense. The Pats let up just 78 yards to Ray Rice, who led the NFL in yards from scrimmage during the regular season. Vince Wilfork was laudatory of the effort both teams gave in the trenches.

"It was just a good football game," he said. "You saw a great football game tonight. You saw a classic. Two football teams didn't want to budge. A physical football team. Plays being made -- but not many. Every yard was tough. That's what you saw tonight. You saw just a great, great effort. And it came down to the last couple of seconds. Too bad someone had to lose. But I'm happy to be on the winning side."

You probably won't find too many Ravens talking about how much fun they had during Sunday's game. Not any time soon at least. Still, if the Pats can hold the line of scrimmage as well as they did Sunday, both offensively and defensively, they will have to feel better about their chances in Indianapolis.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens: Bill Belichick Praises Tom Brady After AFC Championship Win

The New England Patriots are heading to their fifth Super Bowl under Bill Belichick with Tom Brady under center, after defeating the Baltimore Ravens, 23-20, during Sunday's AFC Championship Game. Brady wasn't his normal MVP-caliber self, throwing for two interceptions and zero touchdowns on his way to a 57.5 quarterback rating. No matter. Belichick said following the game that the Pats are luck to have Brady running the offense.

"Anything that's associated with winning, I'm proud of," Belichick said. "There's no quarterback I'd rather have than Tom Brady. He's the best. He does so much for us in so many ways on so many different levels. I'm very fortunate that he's our quarterback and what he's able to do for this team. It's good to win with him and all the rest of our players. If that's more than somebody else did, I don't really care about that."

Brady was less enthusiastic about his performance, saying bluntly that he "sucked." How he played is irrelevant at this point, however. The Pats are heading to Indianapolis to play the winner of tonight's game between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Super Bowl Bound: Patriots Overcome Ravens, 23-20, To Win AFC Title

The Patriots are headed back to the Super Bowl after a 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the 2012 AFC Championship Game.

Winning the coin toss and choosing to defer, the Patriots did not get off to the same fast start that they had seen against Denver-at least not on offense. Defensively, however, it was the same story as last week. Practically living in the backfield early on, the Patriots stuffed Ray Rice and put heavy pressure on Flacco early, forcing a pair of three and outs to start the game.

While the Ravens defense was able to do the same to the Patriots on their first drive, they could not hold them for a second drive. BenJarvus Green-Ellis started strong, picking up a first down before Tom Brady took over, throwing to Deion Branch, Aaron Hernandez, and Julian Edelman for 23 yards. While things nearly went awry on the next play when Wes Welker tipped a pass into the air allowing Bernard Pollard to pick it off, an illegal contact call erased the interception, allowing the Patriots to salvage three points when the drive eventually fizzled out at the 11-yard line.

The Patriots would force a third straight punt from the Ravens, but Tom Brady ended up giving the ball back just three plays later when he tried to lob a pass to Wes Welker over the top of Lardarius Webb. Webb read the pass, leapt in the air, and came down with the interception. Starting at his own 30, Joe Flacco came out firing, launching a deep ball to a wide open Torrey Smith to get to the New England 28. Facing a 3rd-and-5 to start the second quarter, however, the Ravens could not convert, and were forced to settle for a equalizing field goal.

Perhaps slightly rattled by Tom Brady's interception, New England went back to BenJarvus Green-Ellis to respond. The Ravens could not come up with an answer. Rushing for 24 yards to start the drive, BenJarvus would also get the call at the end, effectively grabbing nine yards on a face mask call and then adding the last seven as he rushed up the middle for the touchdown.

By that point, though, the game had effectively opened up, and the Ravens were quick to answer with a touchdown of their own. Once again taking advantage of a pass defense that had suddenly lost its fire, Joe Flacco picked up 57 yards with just a pair of deep balls, and after Ray Rice brought him 12 yards closer, Flacco found Dennis Pitta in the end zone to tie the game at 10-10. The final strike of the half would go to New England, however, as Brady recovered his rhythm and once again drove down field only to settle for a field goal.

Taking a 13-10 lead into the second half, the Patriots came within six yards of making it a 10-point lead, mixing runs from BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Aaron Hernandez with passes to the aforementioned tight end to eat up the field bit by bit before stalling out when Green-Ellis was held stuffed on a 3rd-and-2. For the third time, New England would settle for the field goal-drilled home easily by Stephen Gostkowski.

Where New England had failed, however, Baltimore would succeed, making the Patriots pay for coming up short so often by taking their first lead of the game with another touchdown drive. Converting on 3rd-and-11 and 3rd-and-6, Flacco once again brought the Ravens into New England territory before coming to a 3rd-and-4 at the Patriots' 29-yard line. There, he hit Torrey Smith again. Making the catch a yard shy of the first, Smith spun up field, evading a tackler and managing to outrun Devin McCourty to the end zone, stretching the ball past the pylon as he fell out of bounds to make it 17-16, Baltimore.

The lead would quickly grow to 20-16 after a Danny Woodhead fumble on the kickoff cost New England a field goal. Now facing a deficit for the first time, Tom Brady once again stepped up under pressure. Finding Rob Gronkowski for 20 yards with the first play of the drive (Gronkowski would leave with an ankle injury, returning only at the goal line), Brady had another interception erased by an offside penalty, then twice moved the chains with passes to Wes Welker. With Brady finding Aaron Hernandez for five more, the team turned to Woodhead for a pair of runs that brought them within a yard on second down. The yard would not be easy to get, however, with Brady being held inches short on a sneak after a review, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis jumping into a wall of Ravens as he tried to leap over the pile. Facing a crucial fourth down, Bill Belichick elected to go for the touchdown, and sent Brady leaping, arms outstretched, over the pile to retake the lead at 23-20.

While the Patriots have been a team that lives on takeaways all year long, they had yet to force one in the Championship Game. Finally, on a first down from their own 46, it happened. Throwing over the middle, Flacco managed to squeeze the ball just past the outstretched hand of Jerod Mayo, but not quite far enough for Brandon Spikes, who snagged the ball out of the air and brought it down to midfield. Unfortunately, Tom Brady was not willing to take the gift. Just one play later, looking to all-but-end the game, Brady looked to the end zone-and a triple covered Matthew Slater. With the pass being knocked into the air, Bernard Pollard once again got his hands on the ball, picking it off his shoetops for the interception and bringing the ball back out to the 38-yard line.

The Ravens would once again make their way into New England territory before the Patriots defensive line once again made their presence known, bursting into the backfield to wrap up Ray Rice for a 3-yard loss on third down that would end up pushing Baltimore to the New England 33. Facing a long field goal-one that kicker Billy Cundiff does not typically make-the Ravens elected to throw the ball. Once again, however, in came the defensive line. With Vince Wilfork grabbing ahold of Flacco, the quarterback was forced to make a last-ditch throw to the right sideline that sailed high.

Taking over on downs, the Patriots were in a position to seal the game, but could come up with nothing, giving Baltimore the ball back with just under two minutes to go. Needing only a field goal to force overtime, Flacco and the Ravens made quick work of much of the field, getting to midfield with a minute left before Anquan Boldin seemed to guarantee at least a tie by racing to the 23-yard line after a short catch.

Facing a 2nd-and-1 from the 14-yard line, Flacco almost had the game won, hitting Lee Evans in the end zone. But, as he tried to secure the ball, Sterling Moore played the role of the hero, slapping the ball out of his arms and keeping the season alive. When the next pass also fell incomplete, all of Foxboro was expecting overtime. But in the one area where the Patriots had been perfect all night, with Stephen Gostkowski forcing touchbacks and hitting all his opportunities, Billy Cundiff came up short. Needing a make of just over 30 yards, the Ravens lined up on the right hashmark. The snap was good, the hold was good, the kick was bad. Pulling it too far to the left, Cundiff left the Ravens stunned and the Patriots celebrating both a 23-20 win, and a return to the Super Bowl.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

VIDEO: Ravens Kicker Field Goal Miss Sends Patriots To Super Bowl

The New England Patriots advanced to their 7th Super Bowl when Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff missed a field goal which would have tied the contest near the end of regulation in the AFC Championship Game. The seven Super Bowls is the third-most behind the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers.

The miss wrapped up a 23-20 win for the Patriots. Ravens players couldn't believe it.

The game-winning score came on a Tom Brady 1-yard touchdown leap. The Ravens had their chances to win or tie the game after the Brady touchdown but missed on the Cundiff field goal, which was their best shot.

The appearance in the Super Bowl will be the 5th for Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, which ties him with former Denver Bronco John Elway for the most appearances by a starting quarterback.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Final Score: New England Wins Battle, 23-20

At long last, the New England Patriots are back where they belong: the Super Bowl. Tom Brady and the Pats overcame several mistakes, but the defense came up big in the end as they held on for a 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the 2012 AFC Championship Game on Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.

Brady threw for 239 yards but turned the ball over twice, throwing two interceptions. BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for 68 yards and one score while Rob Gronkowski, who let the game with an apparent leg injury but returned, had 87 receiving yards. Vince Wilfork, meanwhile, was the defensive player of the game, totaling one sack and three tackles for a loss.

Joe Flacco had a commendable game, amassing 306 yards and two touchdowns through the air to lead Baltimore. Ray Rice rushed for 67 yards and Torrey Smith had 82 receiving yards and one touchdown in the loss for the Ravens.

New England will face the winner of the Giants and 49ers in the Super Bowl on Feb. 1.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

VIDEO: Joe Flacco, Tom Brady Throw Back-To-Back Interceptions

The Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots traded interceptions in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship Game after a Tom Brady touchdown run gave the Patriots at 23-20 lead.

The Ravens reached the Patriots' 46-yard line when quarterback Joe Flacco was picked off at the New England 31-yard line by Brandon Spikes. Spikes returned the pick 19 yards to the 50 yard line.

Right after the pick, the Patriots gave the momentum right back to the Ravens on a interception of their own. Tom Brady tried to make the Ravens' mistake pay right away with a touchdown pass. Instead his deep heave was tipped for an interception in the endzone. The pick was returned to the 39-yard line.

While it was a great play to force the interception, the Patriots probably should have used a little more caution with good field position and a chance to eat some clock and go for a potentially game-icing touchdown.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

ANIMATED: Tom Brady TD Leap Gives Patriots 23-20 Lead

The New England Patriots regained the lead, 23-20, on a Tom Brady touchdown leap over the center of the line in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who had words with Brady after Brady slid for a first down in the third quarter, hit the Patriots quarterback in the lower back after the score.

Brady thought he scored two plays earlier on a quarterback sneak attempt. His touchdown run was overturned when replay showed that his knee was down. The Brady leap came on a 4th and 1 play. The touchdown capped off the 11-play, 63-yard drive for the Patriots. The touchdown came with 11:33 to play in the fourth quarter with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Score Update: Tom Brady's Leaping Touchdown Puts Patriots Up 23-20

The New England Patriots have gone back up on the Ravens, taking a 23-20 lead as Tom Brady leapt his way into the end zone for a touchdown.

Danny Woodhead once again sought to give the Patriots strong field position to start their drive, taking the ball out to the 37-yard line, holding on all the way to the ground this time. Coming out firing, Brady hit Rob Gronkowski for 23 yards, but then lost his favorite target for much of the drive as Gronkowski went down with an ankle injury.

On the next play Brady had an interception erased thanks to a penalty for a second time in the game--this time around an offside which forced a rushed throw--and made good on it by hitting Wes Welker over the middle for nine yards on the next snap. Welker would get the ball again on a crucial 3rd-and-7, and Danny Woodhead set up a 1st-and-goal from just five yards out.

From there, things got tense. Woodhead went head first into a pile up the middle on first down, nearly picking up the touchdown. It seemed like Brady had made his way in on the next play, but a review showed he came up just short, leaving the Patriots with two more attempts to move the ball one foot.

Attempting to go up-and-over the right side of the Ravens' line, BenJarvus Green-Ellis was met at the line by a wall, forcing the Patriots into a 4th down. Deciding to go for it, Bill Belichick once again called on Tom Brady to do the work, and this time he got the job done. Taking a big leap, Brady simply stuck his arms out over the top of the pile, clearing the goal line and putting the first touchdown on the board for New England in a long time.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Score Update: Danny Woodhead's Fumble Costs Patriots 3 Points, Ravens Up 20-16

The Baltimore Ravens have extended their lead to 20-16 after Danny Woodhead coughed up the ball on the kick return following Baltimore's touchdown drive.

While it seemed like Woodhead was ready to give New England a boost with a big return, as he was tackled around the 35-yard line, the ball popped loose and bounced past two Patriots before settling in the arms of Baltimore's Tom Zbikowski.

With just 28 yards to protect, the defense had their work cut out for them--even more so after Joe Flacco scrambled for 14 yards on a second play. There, however, they managed to come through. Flacco missed Kris Wilson in the end zone on first, Ray Rice was held to just a couple on second, and a well-timed blitz let James Ihedigbo get to Flacco for a sack.

Facing a 4th-and-20, the Ravens were forced to kick a field goal, leaving the Patriots within four points.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Score Update: Ravens Take 17-16 Lead On Torrey Smith Touchdown

The Patriots couldn't live with field goals forever, and the Ravens have shown them why, taking their first lead of the game on a 29-yard catch-and-run from who Torrey Smith.

The New England defense had plenty of opportunities to stop the Ravens along the way, but never once managed to pick up that last stop to hold the Ravens. Facing a 3rd-and-11 from their own 40, Flacco found Lee Evans on the right side for 13 and a first. On the very next series, needing six yards, it was Pitta once again making the grab to hurt the Patriots. And sure enough, facing a third straight third, Flacco found Smith.

This time, however, it wasn't going to stop with the first. Shedding one tackle just shy of the required yardage, Smith took off towards the end zone, and with a fistful of Devin McCourty's facemask, leapt past the pylon with ball in hand for the touchdown and the 17-16 lead.

With Danny Woodhead having just fumbled the kickoff, things don't seem to be getting any better for New England, either.

ANIMATED: Tom Brady And Ray Lewis Get Together, Have Words

The third quarter had barely gotten started before the playoff intensity started to get cranked up between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.

With 13:34 to play in the third quarter, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis got together after a play and had a little war of words.

Brady apparently took exception with the hit Lewis put on him after he slid on the 2nd and 1 play. Brady picked up a first down on the play with a slide. There wasn't much there. Ray Lewis kind of just fell down at Brady at the end of the play. Both players are tough competitors and neither was likely to back down. The play call on the second down had the Ravens fooled and Brady probably let Lewis know it.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Score Update: Stephen Gostkowksi's Third Field Goal Gives Patriots 16-10 Lead

For the third time Sunday, the Patriots have made their way into the end zone, and left with only a field goal, leaving them ahead 16-10 early in the third quarter.

Already up 3-0 entering the second half, the Patriots were looking to take a two-score lead, but came up just short. To get even that far, however, they needed some big plays along the way. Facing a 3rd-and-6 on their first set of downs, Tom Brady would bounce back from an errant long ball to Aaron Hernandez by hitting Rob Gronkowski for 20 and the first. Hernandez would get his on the next play, running to the left side for nine yards before being taken down, setting up a quick scramble by Brady for another first.

The Patriots would go back to BenJarvus Green-Ellis for the next couple of plays, with the running back picking up six yards each time. But with Hernandez' second run of the drive going for no gain and Danny Woodhead only picking up four, the Patriots soon faced another important 3rd-and-6. Sticking with the no huddle offense, Tom Brady dropped back, and calmly found Hernandez, who turned past a defender to get the yardage necessary for the first, and then picked up another eight to set up a 3rd-and-2 from the 6-yard line.

Unfortunately, that's where the drive would end for New England. Despite being productive all day, BenJarvus Green-Ellis finally failed to pick up what was necessary as the Ravens' strong push up front wrapped him up one yard shy of the first, forcing the Patriots once again to settle for three points.

Kyle Arrington Injury: Patriots CB Has Eye Injury, Return Is Questionable, According To Report

The New England Patriots might have to play the second half of the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens without cornerback Kyle Arrington who sustained an eye injury in the first half of the game. Arrington's return is reportedly, questionable (via Derek Haven's Twitter).

Arrington had been one of the many Patriots recovering from injuries (though Arrington's injury prior to today's game was to his foot, not his eye). Arrington sustained the eye injury late in the second quarter of the game. Arrington had two tackles (one solo) in the first half of the game. The third-year player out of Hofstra has been a key part of the Patriots' defense in 2011 and made 66 solo tackles and 7 interceptions this season.

The Patriots lead the Ravens 13-10 at halftime.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Halftime Update: Patriots Take 13-10 Lead To The Third

After a stiff, defensive start to the game, the Patriots and Ravens opened up for 10 points a piece in the second quarter, leaving New England on top 13-10 at the half.

While the Ravens would be the first team to score, it was the Patriots who won the first battle of the second quarter. With the Ravens starting on a 3rd-and-6 in the red zone, Kyle Arrington and Dane Fletcher combined to put a hit on Anquan Boldin just shy of the first down, holding Baltimore to just a field goal.

The teams would exchange touchdowns on their next two drives. BenJarvus Green-Ellis pulled most of the weight for New England, carrying the ball for the first 24 yards, and drawing a face mask to set up his own 7-yard touchdown run to cap off the possession. Joe Flacco and the Ravens wasted little time in striking back, however, with Flacco carving up the New England defense for 57 yards on his first two attempts. After handing things off to Ray Rice for the next series of downs, Flacco would be the first of the two quarterbacks to find the end zone, hitting Dennis Pitta for the final six yards and tying the game.

New England would come out on top in the final exchange, however. Tom Brady found his groove again with five straight completed passes for 60 yards, and even though the drive fell short after a pass was batted down at the line and Rob Gronkowski was incorrectly ruled out on a catch that would have been enough for a first down, they were close enough for Gostkowski to connect on a 35-yard field goal. With the New England defense stopping the Ravens at midfield and Brady taking a knee, the Patriots went into the locker room up 13-10 and set to take the ball to start the third quarter.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Score Update: Tom Brady Finds His Rhythm, Patriots Add Field Goal For 13-10 Lead

A 35-yard field goal has the Patriots back on top, 13-10 late in the second quarter.

While the Patriots focused on their ground game on their last offensive drive, they went back to Tom Brady and the passing game to get back on top. Starting with a pass to Wes Welker, Brady would complete his first five attempts of the drive, going twice to Aaron Hernandez, twice to Welker, and once to Rob Gronkowski.

When momentum stopped, however, so too did the drive. Having made it into the red zone for the third time Sunday, Brady had a first down pass swatted down at the line, and then came under heavy pressure and was forced to throw it away on the next play. Facing a 3rd-and-10, Brady threw a high lob to Rob Gronkowski down the left sideline. While the lob seems to be a part of the game plan against the Ravens, it's so far failed to be successful, and this time was no different. While Gronkowski seemed to come down with enough distance for the first, he could only get one foot down before going out of bounds, leaving the Patriots forced to settle once again for the field goal.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Score Update: Joe Flacco Finds Dennis Pitta For Touchdown, 10-10 Tie

The Ravens are keeping perfect step with the Patriots, responding to BenJarvus Green-Ellis' touchdown with a score of their own to knot the game at 10-10 in the second quarter.

After forcing three straight three and outs to start the game, New England's defense has gone soft ever since the Ravens intercepted Tom Brady late in the first. Looking like the defense of old, they allowed Joe Flacco to dissect them with two quick passes, hitting Lee Evans and Anquan Boldin for 57 yards to once again bring the Ravens into the red zone.

While the Patriots had managed to hold Baltimore to just three points the last time they threatened, this time Baltimore was ready to cash in. Ray Rice got the call three straight times, getting enough on a second effort to convert a 3rd-and-1, and then added two more to set up a 2nd-and-goal just six yards out. Going back to the air, the Ravens offensive line managed to hold for long enough for Flacco to find Dennis Pitta in the end zone for the touchdown.

VIDEO: BenJarvus Green-Ellis TD Run Gives Patriots 10-3 Lead

The New England Patriots took a 10-3 lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter of the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on a BenJarvus Green-Ellis 7-yard touchdown run. Green-Ellis' run on the inside hand off from Tom Brady finished off a 10-play, 75-yard drive for the Patriots that took 3:46 off the clock.

Green-Ellis has had a very good game so far with 47 yards on 7 carries (6.7 yards per carry). Thirty-six of Green-Ellis' yards came on the touchdown drive. He had two runs that went for double-digit yards on the drive. If Green-Ellis can keep running the ball for the yards per carry he is averaging, the Ravens' defense could start to wear down in the second half of the game.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Score Update: BenJarvus Green-Ellis Carries Patriots To 10-3 Lead

The Patriots have taken a 10-3 lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis carrying most of the load along the way.

Needing to find their footing again after Tom Brady's interception helped the Ravens to find the scoreboard, New England turned to their ground game and found surprising results. Picking up 23 yards on the first two plays of the drive, Green-Ellis brought the Patriots out to midfield where Brady found Wes Welker on a 3rd-and-8 play to keep the drive going.

Rob Gronkowski made his first major contribution to the game by bringing the Patriots into the red zone with a 20-yard grab, setting up BenJarvus Green-Ellis for a run that would end up being worth 9 yards after a face mask. Now just seven yards away, Green-Ellis once again got the call, bursting up the middle nearly untouched for the touchdown and a 10-3 lead.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Score Update: Ravens Even Things Up At 3-3

The Ravens have managed to even the score at 3-3 in the second quarter after Tom Brady's interception late in the first.

Given strong field position for the first time after Tom Brady's ill-advised pass to Julian Edelman ended up in the hands of a leaping Lardarius Webb, the Ravens came out firing. A play-action pass drew the attention of safety Patrick Chung, opening up a great deal of space for receiver Torrey Smith. While Flacco's pass was imperfect, Smith was able to make his way back to it, bringing the Ravens all the way to New England's 30-yard line. Not long after, and he added on another 14 yards to bring the Ravens into the red zone.

While the Patriots' defense hasn't looked like its usual self so far in the playoffs, getting big pressure and forcing quick punts, they brought out some of the old bend-don't-break for this drive. Forcing the Ravens into a 3rd-and-6 as the first quarter ended, they held the Ravens just shy of the first down marker on the first play of the second quarter. Though John Harbaugh took some time to think about going for it, ultimately they turned to Billy Cundiff to put the ball through the uprights instead.

Tom Brady will have to shake off the dust after his interception and get back to work, once again facing a tie game.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Update: Patriots Lead After One, But Late Interception Could Change Things

The New England Patriots have a 3-0 lead over the Baltimore Ravens after one quarter of football in Foxboro, but a late interception may have changed the tenor of the game in Baltimore's favor.

After a trio of three and outs started the game, Tom Brady and the New England offense put together the first successful drive of the game, but could not make their way into the end zone, settling instead for a short field goal.

The Patriots defense once again provided a quick stop on the ensuing drive, getting to Ray Rice and Joe Flacco in the backfield to force another punt. From there, however, it's been all Ravens. After Aaron Hernandez picked up 10 yards and a first down to bring the Patriots to midfield, Tom Brady tried to force the ball to Julian Edelman over the top of Lardarius Webb. This proved to be a bad idea. Webb saw the pass coming, and leaped high, pulling the ball in for an interception and giving the Ravens the ball with good field position for the first time in the game.

That field position would get even better in a hurry. While New England's coverage had been good on the first attempt at a deep ball from Joe Flacco, Patrick Chung would bite on a play action run this time, leaving Torrey Smith wide open at New England's 30. While the pass wasn't perfect, Smith had space enough to come back to the ball, and made the grab. Not long after, and he was reeling in another pass to bring the Ravens into the red zone.

Baltimore will face a 3rd-and-6 to start the second quarter.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Score Update: Patriots Take Early 3-0 Lead With Short Field Goal

Winning the toss and choosing, as they have all season, to defer, the Patriots gave their defense a chance to maintain their momentum from their win over Denver last week. They did just that. With Brandon Deadrick stuffing Ray Rice on the first play from scrimmage, the Pats forced Flacco into a passing situation. The first attempt would bounce harmlessly off of Anquan Boldin's hands, and the second would never leave Flacco's. Faced with good coverage, the Raven's quarterback was forced to scramble for just four yards, leaving him well short of the first.

With good field position, the Patriots seemed primed to replicate another aspect from the Denver game: a quick start. And after their first offensive play of the game went to Danny Woodhead for 8, it seemed even more likely. But Brady's next pass was batted down at the line, and some smothering defense by Ray Lewis on Deion Branch spelled the end of New England's first series.

The Ravens would fare no better on their second opportunity, however, with the New England defense providing another three and out and some more good field position for Tom Brady and co. And this time, they moved the chains. BenJarvus Green Ellis carried the burden early, picking up 11 yards on a pair of runs before Brady hit Deion Branch, Aaron Hernandez, and Julian Edelman for a total of 21 more.

The Patriots would flirt with disaster on their next set of downs when a pass to Wes Welker was tipped up in the air and intercepted, but a flag for illegal contact erased the pick and set up another first on a pass to Rob Gronkowski. The drive would fizzle out deep in the red zone, however, with Tom Brady taking a sack, and a last-ditch shot to Wes Welker in the end zone falling incomplete. Facing 4th-and-10, the Pats settled for just a short field goal.

Patriots Vs. Ravens Inactives, AFC Championship 2012: Chad Ochocinco Inactive; Tom Brady, Pat Chung, Wes Welker Will Play

The inactive list for the New England Patriots has been released, and the Patriots look to be pretty healthy heading into their 2012 AFC Championship match-up against the Baltimore Ravens (3 p.m. on CBS). According to the list, safety Pat Chung, wide receiver Deion Branch, wide reciever Wes Welker and tight end Aaron Hernandez WILL PLAY despite being on Friday's injury list.

And without no surprise, quarterback Tom Brady will also suit up despite reported shoulder issues earlier in the week.

The most notable inactive player is wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who has been in Florida dealing with the death of his father.

Here's the complete inactive list:

QB Ryan Mallett
RB Stevan Ridley
RB Shane Vereen
LB Gary Guyton
G Donald Thomas
OT Sebastian Vollmer
WR Chad Ochocinco

Meanwhile, the Ravens will be without: WR Tandon Doss, CB Chykie Brown, RB Anthony Allen, LBs Josh Bynes & Sergio Kindle, G/C Justin Boren, NT Brandon McKinney.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Belichick A Win Away From Tying Joe Gibbs On Post-Season Victories List

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has three Super Bowl rings and is hoping to make it to his fifth in 11 season Sunday, as the Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game at Gillette Field in Foxborough, MA. Belichick will also be looking to move up on the career postseason victories list for NFL head coaches, which currently has him ranked fourth all-time behind former Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs (17 victories).

According to Jon Zimmer, who's the lead editor of NFL media publications, Belichick and Gibbs trail former Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula (19) and former Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry (20), respectively.

A victory would also help Belichick move within one Super Bowl appearances of the most all-time, which is set at six by Shula.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens, AFC Championship Game 2012: Weather Conditions, National Anthem Singer, Referees

The 2012 AFC Championship game is less than three hours away, and soon the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens will battling for a spot in Super Bowl 46 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The Patriots (13-3) will be trying to earn their way to the Super Bowl for the fifth time in 11 years, while the Ravens (12-4) are trying to make their first Super Bowl since 2001.

Now, before the game kicks off (3 p.m. ET on CBS) here's a few tidbits about the 2012 NFL playoff game, including the weather forecast, referees and national anthem singer.

Weather: According to Weather.com, the temperature at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA should be around 29-degrees by kick off with some sun and clouds. Meanwhile, the wind is expected to blow no more than 10 miles per hour.

Referees: Alberto Riveron has earned the right to be the head referee for Sunday's contest. Riveron will not be working with his normal crew, however, as the referee staff is a contemplation of the NFL's highest-rated officials.

National Anthem: Aerosmith lead singer and American Idol judge, Steven Tyler, will sing the National Anthem.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

2012 NFL Playoffs, Patriots Vs. Ravens: Game Time, TV Schedule, Betting Odds And More

The New England Patriots (13-3) host the Baltimore Ravens (12-4) Sunday for at chance to go to Super Bowl 46 in Indianapolis, IN, Feb. 5. The Patriots will be trying to qualify for their five Super Bowl in 11 tries, while the Ravens have lost four of their last five games against New England.

Last season, Baltimore defeated New England, 33-14, in the divisional round of the playoffs, while this season the Patriots downed the Ravens earlier in the year, 23-20.

If you'd like to catch the contest, here's the game time, TV schedule, betting odds and more:

Location: Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA
Game Time: 3 p.m. ET
Television: CBS -- Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Phil Simms (color commentary)
Patriots radio stream: 98.5 The Sports Hub
Ravens radio stream: 1090 AM WBAL
Betting odds: Patriots are nine-point favorites.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens, NFL Playoffs 2012: It's Go Time For Brady, Pats

For the last week, the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens have been preparing for their biggest game of the season to date when the two teams meet in the AFC Championship Game at 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.

Prep time is over, and it's time for both teams to put their money where their mouths are.

Tom Brady is ready to go, despite reports of him having a sprained AC joint. Brady threw for 363 yards and six touchdowns, which tied a single-game playoff record, as his Patriots dismantled the Denver Broncos and Tim Tebow, 45-10, to advance to the AFC title game.

Meanwhile, the Ravens used a solid performance from Joe Flacco, who threw for 176 yards and a pair of touchdowns and Ray Rice rushed for 60 yards on 21 carries as Baltimore defeated the Houston Texans, 20-13, to set up a date with the Patriots on Sunday.

Who's it going to be? Brady and the high octane Patriots offense or the world class Ravens defense? Gear up for Sunday's game with our stream here at SB Nation Boston. Enjoy!

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

2012 AFC Championship, Patriots Vs. Ravens: Chad Ochocinco Leaves Team To Attend Father's Funeral

Chad Ochocinco left the New England Patriots Friday night to fly to Miami just two days before the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, but it is expected that he will rejoin the team prior to Sunday's game, reports the Boston Herald's Ian R. Rapoport.

The wide receiver planned to attend his father's funeral on Saturday. His father passed away four days ago.

Ochocinco has not played a big role for the Patriots this season, catching a career-low 15 receptions for 276 yards and one touchdown. He did manage to behave himself all season, accepting his smaller role in stride and never causing a locker room nuisance like some felt he might.

Julian Edelman took most of Ochocinco's snaps last Saturday against the Denver Broncos, even when Ochocinco was healthy and present. The Patriots used a five-receiver set on numerous occasions, spreading the field using Edelman, Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Injury Report: Brandon Spikes, Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker Listed As Questionable

The New England Patriots released their final injury report of the workweek as they prepare for their matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. The good news for the Patriots is that quarterback Tom Brady (left shoulder) was not on the injury report on Friday. He missed Wednesday's practice.

The following Patriots were limited in practice and are listed as questionable for the game:

WR Deion Branch (knee)
OL Marcus Cannon (ankle)
S Pat Chung (knee)
LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
TE Aaron Hernandez (concussion)
S James Ihedigbo (shoulder)
DL Kyle Love (ankle)
G Logan Mankins (knee)
LB Rob Ninkovich (hip)
OL Nate Solder (concussion)
LB Brandon Spikes (knee)
T Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot)
WR Wes Welker (knee)
LB Tracy White (abdomen)

The following players were not limited in practice: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), C Dan Connolly (groin), WR Matthew Slater (shoulder).

As expected, the Ravens reported that safety Ed Reed (ankle) is probable for the game. Reed was the only Raven on the injury report all week. He was not limited in practice on Friday.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

2012 AFC Championship, Patriots Vs. Ravens: Full Attendance At New England Practice

Tom Brady practiced on Friday in preparation for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, marking the second straight day that everyone on New England's 53-man roster participated in the team's practice session.

Practice squad tight end/wide receiver Dorin Dickerson was the only player who was not spotted on the main Gillette Stadium field Friday, according to a WEEI report. The Patriots will hold a walkthrough Saturday before meeting the Ravens Sunday at 3 p.m.

Except for Brady missing practice on Wednesday, the Patriots 53-man roster had no absences from practice all week. Brady is suffering from a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, according to an NFL Network report, and has taken each Wednesday off since the injury occurred on Christmas Eve against Miami. He has not missed any games due to the injury and has played at a very high level since, including Saturday's demolition of the Denver Broncos.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

Tom Brady Injury Update: QB Practices Despite Sprained Shoulder

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is suffering from a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder that will need six weeks of rehab to return to full strength, the NFL Network reported on Friday. (via WEEI)

Despite the injury, Brady practiced Friday for the second straight day and will almost certainly play against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. He did miss Wednesday's practice to receive rest and rehab for the shoulder.

Brady was injured on Christmas Eve when he was hit by the Miami Dolphins, but has not missed any games since. The team has developed a schedule whereby Brady misses practice every Wednesday with the hopes of improving the shoulder and limiting swelling.

Brady did not look very affected by the pain on Saturday, when he threw for an NFL postseason record-tying six touchdowns against the Denver Broncos, adding a franchise postseason record 363 yards.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

Tom Brady Injury Update: Brady Returns After Missing Practice

The New England Patriots will face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday in the AFC Championship game, with the winner moving on to the Super Bowl. The leader and quarterback of the Patriots – Tom Brady – missed all of Wednesday's practice with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, but was a full participant in Thursday's session and told reporters he's good to go for Friday's practice:

"I'll be out there today, you don't have to worry about that," said Brady before practice.

According to a source, Tom Brady suffered the injury – a sprained the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint) in his left shoulder – on December 24 against the Miami Dolphins. Brady's missed Wedneday practice should not be cause for concern for Patriots fan, as it was scheduled to make sure his left shoulder heals properly. He was also held out of practice during the Patriots first round bye.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

Patriots, Rams Will Travel To London For 2012 NFL Regular Season Contest

The St. Louis Rams will host the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium on October 28, 2012 in an NFL Regular Season game.

Patriots Injury Report: Tom Brady Returns To Full Participation In Practice, 14 Remain Limited

The New England Patriots released their latest injury report on Thursday as they continue preparations for their matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game. Quarterback Tom Brady (left shoulder) returned to practice after missing yesterday's practice. He was not limited today.

The following Patriots were limited in practice:

WR Deion Branch (knee)
OL Marcus Cannon (ankle)
S Pat Chung (knee)
LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
TE Aaron Hernandez (concussion)
S James Ihedigbo (shoulder)
DL Kyle Love (ankle)
G Logan Mankins (knee)
LB Rob Ninkovich (hip)
OL Nate Solder (concussion)
LB Brandon Spikes (knee)
T Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot)
WR Wes Welker (knee)
LB Tracy White (abdomen)

In addition to Brady, the following Patriots were also not limited in practice: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), C Dan Connolly (groin), WR Matthew Slater (shoulder).

Safety Ed Reed (ankle) is the only Ravens player on the injury report. Reed was limited again in practice today.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens, AFC Championship Game 2012: Can The Baltimore Offense Keep Up?

With a ticket to Super Bowl XLVI on the line, can the Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, and the Ravens offense keep up with Tom Brady and his weapons?

Tom Brady: 'Game Can't Get Here Fast Enough'

Tom Brady Looks Set To Return To Practice

Tom Brady looks likely to return to the practice field Thursday, a day after being the only Patriot missing from practice while nursing a left shoulder injury.

Brady suffered the injury earlier in the season, but it hasn't been a serious issue, and it has not affected his play. He threw six touchdowns and 353 yards in last Saturday's rout of the Denver Broncos, and all indications are that he'll be ready this Sunday when the Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.

The Patriots have lost just one game at home throughout the entire 2011 season, but are seeking to exact revenge against Baltimore after the Ravens knocked them out of the 2010 playoffs with a convincing 33-14 victory, during which Brady threw three interceptions.

Aside from a torn ACL that cost him all but one quarter of the 2008 season, Brady has never missed a game during his 12-year NFL career.

Troy Brown, Ty Law To Serve As Honorary Captains For Patriots

Patriots Injury Report: Tom Brady Held Out Of Practice, 14 Limited

The New England Patriots released their first injury report as they prepare for the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. The list as usual is lengthy. The major news is that quarterback Tom Brady (left shoulder) was held out of practice today.

Here is the list of the 14 Patriots limited in today's practice session:

OL Marcus Cannon (ankle)
WR Deion Branch (knee)
S Pat Chung (knee)
LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
DL Kyle Love (ankle)
S James Ihedigbo (shoulder)
G Logan Mankins (knee)
LB Rob Ninkovich (hip)
OL Nate Solder (concussion)
TE Aaron Hernandez (concussion)
LB Brandon Spikes (knee)
T Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot)
WR Wes Welker (knee)
LB Tracy White (abdomen)

There were also three Patriots not limited in practice today: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), C Dan Connolly (groin), WR Matthew Slater (shoulder).

The only Ravens player not at full participation in practice today was safety Ed Reed, who was limited.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Ravens Vs. Patriots, AFC Championship Game 2012: Troy Brown Says Tom Brady Has Weapons To Win

The Baltimore Ravens have a physical defense complete with four players -- Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata -- who Tom Brady called among the best ever to play their respective positions. But former Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown believes Baltimore will still struggle to defend the New England Patriots during this weekend's AFC Championship Game.

"Here's the great thing about the Patriots -- they can put five guys in those eligible positions and kill you with any of them," Brown told CSNNE. "And Tom Brady's great at finding the mismatch out there. If you leave (Deion) Branch one-on-one, he's going to kill you out there. You can only double a couple guys at a time, basically on the opposite end of the field. You double Welker over here, you double Gronk over there -- Hernandez and Branch are somewhere else one-on-one, so they will absolutely kill you."

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit.

Patriots Vs. Ravens: The Ultimate Ratings War Between WEEI, 98.5

When the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens get together in the AFC Championship Game next Sunday in Foxboro, MA, more than just two football teams will be fighting for supremacy. WEEI and 98.5 will be fighting, too.

If you recall a story on SB Nation Boston from last July, the WEEI Sports Radio Network and 98.5 The Sports Hub, the flagship station of the Patriots, have the rights to both the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl. If the Patriots were to reach one or both games, then the game would sir on both of Boston's powerhouse sports radio stations.

Well, we've reached that point. And it's going to happen.

98.5 The Sports Hub boasts the legendary broadcast team of Gil Santos and Gino Cappelletti while WEEI, which extended its agreement with Westwood One, will have the broadcast team of Boomer Esiason and Kevin Harlan.

Jason Wolfe says that it will be "a real thrill for Patriot fans to be able to hear Boomer Esiason on the call of the Super Bowl, should the team get there. He's the best analyst in the business." (via Boston Sports Media Watch)

That statement from WEEI's Vice President of Programming aside, this will be a very good chance for the record to be set straight. Which one is it going to be? WEEI or 98.5? While 98.5 The Sports Hub has the hometown broadcast team, some have gown tired of hearing Santos and Cappelletti in the booth, which may give WEEI a slight advantage.

For more Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit. For 2012 NFL Playoffs coverage, follow our stream. Visit Baltimore Beat Down for Ravens news.

Patriots Vs. Ravens, NFL Playoffs 2012: Pats Hosts Baltimore In AFC Championship Game

One down, two to go. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots took care of business against Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos on Saturday and now begin to prepare for the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.