Pats Pulpit - AFC Championship 2013: Game Thread, UpdatesPats Pulpit: A New England Patriots Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51321/pp-fav.png2013-01-20T22:06:31-05:00http://www.patspulpit.com/rss/stream/36614572013-01-20T22:06:31-05:002013-01-20T22:06:31-05:00Ravens vs. Patriots Final Score: BAL: 28 NE: 13
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<p>Ray Lewis and the Ravens come into Gillette Stadium and knock off the Patriots on their way to Super Bowl XLVII.</p> <p>The bleeding started when <span>Aqib Talib</span> left the game with a thigh injury and the Patriots simply couldn't stop it.</p>
<p><span>Ray Lewis</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> came into Gillette Stadium and thrashed the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> with an impressive 28-13 victory as they'll now advance to Super Bowl XLVII to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> in New Orleans.</p>
<p>The fault of this loss does not fall entirely on the defense, which seems to be the common scapegoat—but it does fall on Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the Patriot offense.</p>
<p>New England's high-powered offense has struggled to win in the playoffs—take last year's Super Bowl for an example, and nearly every playoff appearance since their last Super Bowl title in the 2004 season.</p>
<p>Brady barely completed half of his passes, going 29-54 for 320 yards while throwing one touchdown but was picked off twice and finished with a 62.3 quarterback rating.</p>
<p><span>Joe Flacco</span> outplayed Tom Brady.</p>
<p>Has Flacco now emerged into the elite class of the NFL? That question still remains to be answered, but his performance in the AFC Championship Game certainly gives him a good case. Flacco finished with three passing touchdowns and no turnovers while posting a 106.3 quarterback rating.</p>
<p>The fault of this loss should not fall entirely on the defense—New England's defense did their job, but the NFL's highest-scoring offense only scored 13 points.</p>
<p>13 points—that is not good enough to win many football games.</p>
<p>New England's struggle on third-downs ultimately was the death of them. The Patriots converted on just six of their 14 third-downs.</p>
<p>That is not going to win you playoff games.</p>
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<p>The Patriots have become eerily reminiscent of the Colts in the early aughts: New England dominates each and every regular season, but have yet to win the "big one" in nearly 10 years.</p>
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<p>New England failed to score a single point in the second half while the Ravens stormed with 21 unanswered points led by Joe Flacco.</p>
<p>The Patriots will now enter the offseason on the heels of yet another disappointing playoff exit.</p>
<p>All Patriots fans will surely look forward to next year, hoping that it's the year that their cherished team could finally regain the throne of the NFL. It just didn't happen this time.</p>
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https://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/20/3898360/ravens-vs-patriots-final-score-baltimore-advances-to-super-bowl-xlviiTony Santorsa2013-01-20T21:00:35-05:002013-01-20T21:00:35-05:00Game Thread: Ravens Lead 14-13 After Three
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> looked to be off to the races after the defense flashed another impressive series to begin the second half. The offense looked to be driving, and a huge personal foul on <span>Bernard Pollard</span> tacked on another 15 yards on a huge <span>Wes Welker</span> catch as the Patriots were situated in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>' territory. A wide open Wes Welker dropped a surefire catch that would have easily extended the drive as the Patriots squandered another opportunity and were forced to punt in gusty winds.</p>
<p>The Ravens took control on offense, letting <span>Joe Flacco</span> air it out and finding success against a battered Patriot secondary. The result was a five-yard touchdown pass to TE <span>Dennis Pitta</span>, and the Ravens—after being flummoxed most of the game—took the lead.</p>
<p>The Patriots looked to have a drive of their own until a <span>Nate Solder</span> holding penalty nullified a short <span>Danny Woodhead</span> catch for a first down. <span>Tom Brady</span> missed <span>Aaron Hernandez</span> on 3rd-and-12, and the Patriots were forced to punt once again.</p>
<p>The Ravens were in business once again as Joe Flacco connected deep with <span>Torrey Smith</span> to set up shop in Patriot territory. A few short throws to Dennis Pitta and <span>Anquan Boldin</span>, and the Ravens are once again looking to score six as they find themselves with another first-and-goal.</p>
<p>The Patriot defense better make the necessary adjustments—fast—if they have any hope of staying in this game. It would certainly help if the Patriot offense held up their end of the bargain as well and, while they've had plenty of success moving the ball all game long, have failed to put up the points when it mattered.</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/20/3898216/game-thread-ravens-lead-14-13-after-threeAdam Fox2013-01-20T20:05:22-05:002013-01-20T20:05:22-05:00Game Thread: Patriots Lead 13-7 at the Half
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>' defense looked as vulnerable as they have all evening to begin the second quarter. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> finally got a run game going with the <span>Ray Rice</span>/<span>Bernard Pierce</span> tandem and capped off a six-minute, 90-yard drive with a two-yard Ray Rice touchdown.</p>
<p>The Patriots' offense was not to be denied as they answered the very next drive with a five-minute, 79-yard effort of their own, utilizing some tough runs by <span>Stevan Ridley</span> and finishing it off with a one-yard <span>Wes Welker</span> touchdown catch.</p>
<p>The defensive pressure of the Patriots was turned up on the subsequent drive, finally generating a pass rush as a <span>Rob Ninkovich</span> sack on third down stalled the Ravens deep in their own territory.</p>
<p>Another gainful Wes Welker punt return started a Patriots drive already touching in Ravens' territory. The Ravens' defense appeared to hold, but a direct snap to <span>Danny Woodhead</span> on 4th-and-1 kept the drive alive. Some questionable time-management foiled the Patriots when they were threatening on first-and-goal, but they still managed to add another <span>Stephen Gostkowski</span> field goal to increase the lead.</p>
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<p>More injury updates:</p>
<p>DT <span>Kyle Love</span> (knee) and CB <span>Aqib Talib</span> (thigh) have yet to return, although they are both back on the sidelines.</p>
<p>S Patrick Chung also went down with an injury, although he was seen jogging on the sidelines.</p>
<p>Leave your thoughts at the half below!</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/20/3898056/game-thread-patriots-lead-13-7-at-the-halfAdam Fox2013-01-20T19:25:58-05:002013-01-20T19:25:58-05:00Second Quarter Open Thread: Patriots Lead 3-0 Afte
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<p>Both defenses are unyielding as the only score of the game comes from the Patriots, a Stephen Gostowski field goal deep in Ravens territory.</p>
<p>Some notable injuries:</p>
<p>DT Kyle Love left early in the first quarter with a knee injury. His return is questionable.</p>
<p>CB Aqib Talib left late in the first quarter with a thigh injury. His return is questionable after he was seen being escorted back to the Patriots' locker room.</p>
<p>Some missed opportunities and some glaring drops by both offenses have helped the score stay close. The Patriots certainly dominated the first quarter in time of possession, but have only three points to show for it.</p>
<p>Leave your thoughts on the game below!</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/20/3897998/second-quarter-open-thread-patriots-lead-3-0-after-oneAdam Fox2013-01-20T18:00:04-05:002013-01-20T18:00:04-05:00AFC Championship Game Thread: Ravens vs. Patriots
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Official Pats Pulpit game thread for the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.</p> <p></p>
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<p><br>We're finally here! By the time the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> kick off Sunday at 6:30 PM ET, only three teams will stand in the chase for the Lombardi trophy. By the end of the night, we'll know whether the New England Patriots or <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> stand alone from the AFC.</p>
<p><br>We've broken down the game all week. We know this Ravens team well. The Ravens know this Patriots team well. And the strange sense that I get about this game, is that both fan bases seem to think their team is one of destiny. Of course, only one will prevail, so we'll find out soon enough.</p>
<p><br>As for the game itself, I'm projecting a Patriots victory, and I'm not just saying that from a biased perspective. The Patriots are a greatly improved team since week three, while you could argue that some major weaknesses have been exposed for the Ravens. Both teams will obviously lay it all out on the line, but playing at home in an AFC Championship, I'm going to have a hard time picking against the Patriots.</p>
<p><br>I think the Patriots will find a way to take away <span>Joe Flacco's</span> deep ball, and I think they'll be able to force a couple of turnovers. For some reason, the Ravens think they were cheated out of an AFC title last season, and I think that the disrespect that has echoed from the Ravens and their fan base has fired up the Patriots, whether or not they express that publicly.</p>
<p><br>Only time will tell, and as with any playoff game, a couple of breaks one way or the other could really dictate the outcome. I'm expecting a very tough fought, close game. But I'm also expecting a Patriots victory, which would mean a birth in Super Bowl XLVII.</p>
<p><br><strong>Greg's Prediction: Patriots 31 Ravens 21</strong></p>
<p><br><strong>Ravens Coverage: <a href="http://baltimorebeatdown.com" target="_blank" style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;">Baltimore Beatdown</a></strong></p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/20/3897386/afc-championship-game-thread-ravens-vs-patriotsGreg Knopping2013-01-20T17:24:04-05:002013-01-20T17:24:04-05:002013 AFC Championship: Pre-Game Inactives
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<p>The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> and <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> have both released their inactives prior to kickoff. There aren't too many surprises on either report, a reflection of the mostly clean bill of health each team has maintained throughout the postseason. They are:</p>
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<p>New England Patriots</p>
<p>WR Kamar Aiken</p>
<p>DE <span>Jake Bequette</span></p>
<p>DL <span>Marcus Forston</span></p>
<p>DB <span>Derrick Martin</span></p>
<p>OL <span>Nick McDonald</span></p>
<p>DB Malcolm Williams</p>
<p>OL <span>Markus Zusevics</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Baltimore Ravens</p>
<p>DB Asa Jackson</p>
<p>OL <span>Ramon Harewood</span></p>
<p>DL DeAngelo Tyson</p>
<p>DT Bryan Hall</p>
<p>S <span>Omar Brown</span></p>
<p>LB <span>Adrian Hamilton</span></p>
<p>WR Deonte Thompson</p>
https://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/20/3897726/2013-afc-championship-pre-game-inactivesAdam Fox2013-01-20T07:00:42-05:002013-01-20T07:00:42-05:00The schedule for Sunday
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New England Patriots represent the constant, clinical force in the playoffs. </p> <p> </p>
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<p><b>Note:</b> Please use this post to discuss the game before our official thread comes up at 6:00 PM ET.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Patriots</a> play host to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> this week in what could be <span>Ray Lewis's</span> final game. Two legends, Lewis and Tom Brady, will meet under the same circumstances as last year's AFC Championship game: the winner advances to the Super Bowl. Meanwhile in Atlanta, the Falcons will hope they can find a way to stop a mobile quarterback -- as <span>Colin Kaepernick</span> looks to run roughshod over another NFL defense.</p>
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<p class="non primary"><b>More from Pats Pulpit</b>:<a href="http://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/19/3895260/patriots-vs-ravens-bold-predictions-for-the-afc-championship-game"> Bold predictions</a> | <a href="http://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/20/3897386/afc-championship-game-thread-ravens-vs-patriots">Chat live with other fans</a></p>
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<p>Of the four remaining teams, the New England Patriots are the most clinical team left in the playoffs. While the Falcons, 49ers, and Ravens may be fueled by emotion -- the Pats continue to play their brand of football, one without too much pomp and circumstance. Boasting the playoff's best remaining offense, <span>Tom Brady</span> finds himself in a familiar position.</p>
<p>The Falcons got an emotional bump with their win over the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a>. Falling just short in so many past years, now they have a late-win to build momentum from. Facing adversity and fighting back meant more than an easy win did, but they have a serious threat in Colin Kaepernick who could give their defense huge problems if not kept in check.</p>
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<h4>Ravens vs. Patriots</h4>
<p>Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA<br>When: Sunday, 1/20/13, 6:30 p.m. ET<br>TV: CBS<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds">Odds</a>: The New England Patriots are 8-point favorites at home, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/baltimore-new-england-odds-january-20-2013">according to OddsShark</a>.<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/18/3889162/nfl-playoffs-2013-picks-AFC-NFC-championship">Picks</a>: Patriots, 35-27</p>
<h4>49ers vs. Falcons</h4>
<p>Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA<br>When: Sunday, 1/20/13, 3:00 p.m.<br>TV: Fox<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds">Odds</a>: The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> are 3.5-point favorites on the road,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/san-francisco-atlanta-odds-january-20-2013"> according to OddsShark</a>.<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/18/3889162/nfl-playoffs-2013-picks-AFC-NFC-championship">Picks</a>: Falcons, 27-20</p>
<h4>More reading:</h4>
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<a href="http://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/17/3888010/patriots-vs-ravens-3-players-on-baltimore-to-watch-out-for-in-the-afc">3 Ravens to watch out for</a>
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<a href="http://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/17/3889436/afc-championship-latest-injury-update-on-chandler-jones">Injury update on Chandler Jones</a>
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<a href="http://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/18/3887524/patriots-game-preview-afc-championship-vs-baltimore">AFC Championship preview</a>
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<a href="http://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/19/3887882/afc-championship-2013-odds-picks-predictions-ravens-patriots">Who's picking the Pats?</a>
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https://www.patspulpit.com/2013/1/20/3889322/ravens-vs-patriots-game-time-tv-schedule-odds-afc-championship-2013James Dator