Game Rewind: Tom Brady put on a vintage Tom Brady performance going 25/38 for 406 yards and three touchdown passes in leading the Patriots to a crucial 30-23 win over the Ravens.
Here are my five thoughts on the game.
1. Brady Being Brady: Tom Brady was on point last night. I hate using this cliche but he had the eye of the tiger. Brady finished 25-38 for 406 yards and three touchdown passes. Other than an uncharacteristically bad interception in the red zone, Brady was on point most of the night. The GOAT has that look and it is not good for the rest of the league.
2. Hogan’s a Hero: The Patriots need their receivers to step up now the Rob Gronkowski is out for the season. Chris Hogan accepted the challenge last night. Hogan caught 5 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown was a 79 yarder that sealed the game for the Patriots in the fourth quarter. Hogan is uber competitive. His competitiveness and toughness will benefit the Patriots down the stretch.
3. Special Team Gaffes: The Patriots should have blown the Ravens out but thanks to two third quarter return gaffes by Cyrus “The Virus” Jones and Matthew Slater, the Patriots allowed Baltimore to get back in the game.
The return game has been atrocious all season long. The Patriots need to solidify this area otherwise it could cost them at the most inopportune time. Chris Harper cost the Patriots a game in Denver last season botching a punt. The Patriots cannot suffer a same fate this season. Put Edelman back there if you have to.
4. Cannon and Solder Played Well: Marcus Cannon and Nate Solder both played well last night. The same cannot be said for the interior of the Patriots offensive line but the two veteran tackles held their own against Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil. Solder and Cannon will need to play well moving forward for a variety of reasons. The more time they give Brady in the pocket, the more big plays the offense can make.
5. 3rd Down Defense Continues to Be an Issue: The Patriots defensive struggles continued last night on third down. Baltimore was 6-16 on third down but they converted in key situations in the second half. The Patriots need to do a better job of getting off the field on third down. If they don’t, it could come back to bite them.