After a first half with many momentum swings, the Patriots began the third quarter with a 20-14 lead over the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
In a rare sight around these parts, the Pats would be forced to kick off to begin the second half after losing the pre-game coin toss. The Ravens would torch the New England defense on their opening drive of the half, taking the ball 80 yards in less than four minutes for a go-ahead touchdown. Baltimore was set up inside the Patriots' 10-yard-line after third-year defensive back Devin McCourty would be burnt by a Ravens' receiver for what seemed like the 87th time in the game. Superstar running back Ray Rice would finish the drive with his first rushing touchdown of the evening.
Tom Brady and the New England offense would take a much more methodical approach to things upon taking over with the ball for the first time in the half. The Patriots would take another six minutes off the clock on a solid drive anchored by a perfect balance of run and pass. After a couple of clutch third down grabs by Brandon Lloyd, reserve tailback Danny Woodhead would take it in on the ground to help the Patriots regain the lead, 27-21.
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