Second Half Thoughts
By clamping down on the run and forcing Flacco to beat them with the arm, the Patriots have unearthed another threat - Flacco beating them with his feet. This might led the Pats to take a man out of coverage to go to a spy position.
Potentially a big injury to Gronkowski, but the Pats were able to move the ball down the field regardless of his injury, although Gronkowski later came in on a goal line situation for the touchdown. Interesting to see if he’ll still run pass patterns on a questionable ankle.
Some patterns run by the Patriots receivers seem to end up with multiple receivers in the same area. This could be a factor of the Pats trying to be overcomplicated with route combinations to try and unlock this Ravens defense. (submission from reader Steve)
Great timely interception by Brandon Spikes, doing a terrific job of making a one-handed catch, and then getting a nice return. It seemed like a big momentum shift for the Pats, but then got too greedy with the attempted deep ball to Slater.
The phrase ‘great players make big plays in big games’ has to apply in this game to Vince Wilfork, who’s been a huge playmaker in this game, showing up in critical moments with QB pressures and run stops.
See you all in SUPERBOWL 46!
