Patriots stun Ravens 41-7

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With their backs to the wall following last week's costly loss, the Patriots stepped up and delivered a huge road win over their hated rivals in Baltimore, 41-7.

Tom Brady was 14/26 for 172 yards and a touchdown, but the story of the game was the struggles of his counterpart, Joe Flacco. Flacco's was clearly limited by the PCL injury he suffered last week against Detroit, as the $120 million man went 22/38 for 260 yards and 2 interceptions, both to rookie Logan Ryan.

Flacco did lead an impressive drive in the fourth quarter to pull within 20-7, but the Patriots responded with a great clock killing drive capped off by a LeGarrette Blount touchdown run. The defense piled on backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor late, with Chandler Jones and Tavon Wilson scoring defensive touchdowns late.

Because this is the Patriots, there were some injuries of note in the game. Shane Vereen pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the first half and did not return, while Devin McCourty was also lost for the game with a concussion.

The Patriots had already clinched the AFC East title before the game started thanks to Miami's loss to Buffalo, but the win still had major implications on the Patriots playoff seeding. New England improved to 11-4, staying one game ahead of Cincinnati and Indianapolis, who both won earlier. The Patriots will clinch the AFC's #2 seed and a first round bye with a win against Buffalo next week.

Oh, and one more thing...