Patriots Prevail, Exploit Baltimore's Rocky Secondary

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

By: A.J. Gersh '15

It was a game of back-and-forth offensive surges, all culminating in a thrilling battle of "who will make the least mistakes."

The hometown Baltimore Ravens jumped out to an early fourteen point first quarter lead off of Kamar Aiken's first career postseason touchdown reception and an incredible grab by veteran wideout Steve Smith, who separated from All-Pro Patriots DB Derrelle Revis in the end zone.

However, the scoring didn't stop there. Tom Brady and the pass-happy New England Patriots answered with fourteen points of their own, as the three-time champion quarterback scrambled into the end zone to end the first quarter and later found slot receiver Danny Amendola to even the score.

Baltimore came soaring right back, scoring yet another fourteen points-- two more passes from Joe Flacco to TE Owen Daniels and RB Justin Forsett.

Fourteen point surges sure seem to be the story of this game, as the Patriots, yet again, answered the Ravens offensive outburst and marched over Baltimore's secondary (which features an injured ex-superstar in Ladarius Webb, a cut Tampa Bay Buc in Rashaan Melvin, and a safety who seemingly couln't make a tackle in Matt Elam) for two more touchdown passes: the first to Rob Gronkowski, a monstrous target at tight end, and the second on a trick screen to Julian Edelman (an ex-college quarterback at Kent State University), who caught the ball in the backfield and flung a 51 yard bullet to Danny Amendola.

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker chipped in a 25 yard field goal to put the Ravens ahead 31-28 early in the fourth quarter, and coach John Harbaugh hoped for a defensive stop on the ensuing drive.

The Ravens defensive line, led by Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, known as one of the stingiest in the league, held their own, but yet again, Tom Brady was able to exploit the Ravens secondary (who were missing Jimmy Smith, their star in the defensive backfield) and connected with Brandon LaFell for a 23 yard touchdown.

Baltimore's next possession sealed their fate, as Joe Flacco was intercepted by Patriots safety Duron Harmon in the end zone with under two minutes remaining on the clock. Following a defensive stop by Baltimore and a punt from New England, Flacco hurled up a last-second desperation throw, which was knocked down by safety Devin McCourty, ending the Baltimore Ravens hopes of a miracle Super Bowl run.

The Patriots will face the Indianapolis Colts (24-13 winners against the Denver Broncos) next week in the AFC Championship.