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.
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