The New England Patriots lead the Seahawks 20-10 after three quarters in Seattle, but it could be more. The Patriots have left some opportunities hanging, and have just six points in their last three red zone possessions. A Tom Brady interception in the third quarter also cut a potential scoring drive short.
The team has stepped it up defensively after a poor first quarter, but will need to capitalize on opportunities in the fourth quarter to come away with the victory.
The Patriots have the ball and are driving to begin the fourth quarter.
Update: After a red zone interception by Tom Brady at the start of the fourth quarter, make that six points in the team's last four red zone opportunities on offense.
New England began the second quarter by finishing off a long touchdown drive - 15 plays for 80 yards in total. On a third and goal from the one, Tom Brady found Aaron Hernandez on a fade to the back right corner of the end zone.
On defense, the Patriots stiffened up a bit in the second quarter, and were helped out by a Chandler Jones strip sack on Russell Wilson that was recovered by Rob Ninkovich. The Patriots turned the turnover into three points.
And while the Patriots certainly dominated the second quarter, they should be walking away with a much bigger lead than they currently have. The Patriots scored just three points in their final two red zone opportunities. Poor clock management also cost the Patriots points at the end of the first half, failing to turn a botched punt into any points after a Tom Brady intentional grounding on third and goal ran the final second of the first half off.
The Seahawks get the ball to start the second half, and the Patriots will need to continue to be opportunistic on defense, and show better containment on the edge - they were constantly overpursuing Russell Wilson, and also had poor backside help on their rushes.
