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In a nail-biting clash under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium, the New England Patriots overcame an early deficit and a fierce Baltimore Ravens ground attack to secure a 28-24 victory on Sunday Night Football. The win improves the Patriots' record to 12-3, clinching the AFC East division title and bolstering their playoff positioning, while the Ravens drop to 7-8, further dimming their postseason hopes in a competitive AFC wild-card race.
The game started with Baltimore asserting dominance on the ground, as expected from a team boasting one of the league's top rushing offenses. Ravens running back Derrick Henry wasted no time, powering through the Patriots' defense for a 23-yard run on the opening drive, setting up his own 5-yard touchdown plunge to give Baltimore a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. New England, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye, struggled initially, going three-and-out on their first two possessions as the Ravens' front seven applied consistent pressure.
The Patriots found their rhythm in the second quarter. Maye connected with veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs—acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade—for a 33-yard gain that sparked a drive culminating in a 45-yard field goal by kicker Andy Borregales, putting New England on the board at 7-3. Moments later, after a Ravens three-and-out, Maye orchestrated a quick-strike march, capping it with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry. The extra point made it 10-7 Patriots. Baltimore responded just before halftime with a 52-yard field goal from Tyler Loop, tying the game at 10-10 heading into the break.
The third quarter saw both teams trade field goals early on, with Borregales hitting from 38 yards to give New England a 13-10 edge. But the Ravens roared back, thanks to a versatile play from wide receiver Zay Flowers. On a jet sweep, Flowers exploded for an 18-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead for Baltimore at 17-13. Henry continued to grind out yards, finishing the game with an impressive 128 rushing yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns, underscoring why he's been a workhorse for the Ravens all season.Entering the fourth quarter, the Ravens extended their advantage to 24-13 on a 3-yard touchdown run by Henry, his second of the night. With the crowd at M&T Bank Stadium in a frenzy and the Patriots' offense sputtering, it appeared Baltimore might pull off the upset against the division-leading Pats. However, Maye and the New England attack had other plans.The comeback began with a gritty drive featuring key completions to Diggs (who led all receivers with 9 catches for 138 yards) and Mack Hollins (7 receptions for 69 yards). Running back Rhamondre Stevenson punched in a 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 24-20 after a successful two-point conversion via a Maye scramble. The Patriots' defense then stepped up, forcing a punt after sacking backup quarterback Tyler Huntley (who relieved an apparently shaken Lamar Jackson in the second half).With under nine minutes remaining, Maye delivered the dagger: a 37-yard touchdown bomb to rookie wideout Kyle Williams, giving New England its first lead since the second quarter at 26-24. A two-point conversion pass to Henry pushed the score to 28-24. The Ravens mounted a final drive, but a crucial fumble by Henry—recovered by Patriots defensive end Dre’Mont Jones—sealed the deal for New England.Maye's performance was the story of the night, as the young signal-caller threw for 380 yards on 31-of-44 passing with two touchdowns and one interception, while adding 15 scrambling yards. "Drake showed poise beyond his years," Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said post-game. "This team believes in him, and he delivered when it mattered most."On the other side, Lamar Jackson's night was cut short after completing 7-of-10 passes for 101 yards, with Huntley stepping in to go 7-of-8 for 65 yards. Ravens coach John Harbaugh praised his team's effort but lamented the turnovers: "We had opportunities, but you can't give the ball away against a team like that."
The Patriots' ground game was modest at 54 yards, but Stevenson's touchdown proved pivotal. Baltimore, conversely, racked up 171 rushing yards, highlighting their identity but ultimately falling short in the passing department with just 159 yards through the air.This victory not only clinches the AFC East for New England but positions them as a top contender for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Ravens, now clinging to slim wild-card hopes, face a must-win scenario in their remaining games.As the NFL season hurtles toward the postseason, this game served as a reminder of the league's unpredictability and the emergence of Maye as a star. Fans can catch the Patriots next against the New York Jets on December 28, while the Ravens host the Cleveland Browns. Stay tuned for more updates as the playoff picture sharpens.
The Patriots found their rhythm in the second quarter. Maye connected with veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs—acquired in a blockbuster offseason trade—for a 33-yard gain that sparked a drive culminating in a 45-yard field goal by kicker Andy Borregales, putting New England on the board at 7-3. Moments later, after a Ravens three-and-out, Maye orchestrated a quick-strike march, capping it with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry. The extra point made it 10-7 Patriots. Baltimore responded just before halftime with a 52-yard field goal from Tyler Loop, tying the game at 10-10 heading into the break.
The third quarter saw both teams trade field goals early on, with Borregales hitting from 38 yards to give New England a 13-10 edge. But the Ravens roared back, thanks to a versatile play from wide receiver Zay Flowers. On a jet sweep, Flowers exploded for an 18-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead for Baltimore at 17-13. Henry continued to grind out yards, finishing the game with an impressive 128 rushing yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns, underscoring why he's been a workhorse for the Ravens all season.Entering the fourth quarter, the Ravens extended their advantage to 24-13 on a 3-yard touchdown run by Henry, his second of the night. With the crowd at M&T Bank Stadium in a frenzy and the Patriots' offense sputtering, it appeared Baltimore might pull off the upset against the division-leading Pats. However, Maye and the New England attack had other plans.The comeback began with a gritty drive featuring key completions to Diggs (who led all receivers with 9 catches for 138 yards) and Mack Hollins (7 receptions for 69 yards). Running back Rhamondre Stevenson punched in a 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 24-20 after a successful two-point conversion via a Maye scramble. The Patriots' defense then stepped up, forcing a punt after sacking backup quarterback Tyler Huntley (who relieved an apparently shaken Lamar Jackson in the second half).With under nine minutes remaining, Maye delivered the dagger: a 37-yard touchdown bomb to rookie wideout Kyle Williams, giving New England its first lead since the second quarter at 26-24. A two-point conversion pass to Henry pushed the score to 28-24. The Ravens mounted a final drive, but a crucial fumble by Henry—recovered by Patriots defensive end Dre’Mont Jones—sealed the deal for New England.Maye's performance was the story of the night, as the young signal-caller threw for 380 yards on 31-of-44 passing with two touchdowns and one interception, while adding 15 scrambling yards. "Drake showed poise beyond his years," Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said post-game. "This team believes in him, and he delivered when it mattered most."On the other side, Lamar Jackson's night was cut short after completing 7-of-10 passes for 101 yards, with Huntley stepping in to go 7-of-8 for 65 yards. Ravens coach John Harbaugh praised his team's effort but lamented the turnovers: "We had opportunities, but you can't give the ball away against a team like that."
The Patriots' ground game was modest at 54 yards, but Stevenson's touchdown proved pivotal. Baltimore, conversely, racked up 171 rushing yards, highlighting their identity but ultimately falling short in the passing department with just 159 yards through the air.This victory not only clinches the AFC East for New England but positions them as a top contender for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Ravens, now clinging to slim wild-card hopes, face a must-win scenario in their remaining games.As the NFL season hurtles toward the postseason, this game served as a reminder of the league's unpredictability and the emergence of Maye as a star. Fans can catch the Patriots next against the New York Jets on December 28, while the Ravens host the Cleveland Browns. Stay tuned for more updates as the playoff picture sharpens.