The Patriots and Ravens' Sunday Night Showdown was without doubt the most highly anticipated NFL contest on the schedule this week. During the first quarter of action, the visiting Patriots were able to take complete control.
After both teams traded punts on their first offensive possessions, the Patriots would break through with the first big play of the game. Quarterback Tom Brady would hook up with the man who has been the center of controversy here in New England during the first few weeks of the season, Wes Welker, for a 59-yard pitch-and-catch. The play would set up a Stephen Gostkowski field goal to put the Pats ahead 3-0 early.
On the next play from scrimmage, Joe Flacco would be intercepted by first-year Patriot Steve Gregory, setting up Brady and the offense inside the Ravens' 10-yard-line. Just three snaps later, undrafted rookie free agent Brandon Bolden would punch it in for a 2-yard touchdown run, the first of his young career.
The Patriots would once again perform a successful drive on the Baltimore defense, but a costly pass interference penalty against Julian Edelman would push them back outside the Ravens' 30-yard-line. Fortunately for New England, Gostkowski would be able to knock through a 49-yard field goal to secure a 13-0 lead for the Patriots.
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