Week 3 in the NFL has seen a very interesting matchup, a rematch of the last AFC championship game between the New England Patriots hosted by the Baltimore Ravens.
Billy Cundiff is no longer a Raven, he's replaced by a talended rookie kicker Justin Tucker who did a pretty good job so far as, before this game, he made a perfect 6/6 field goal attempts, his longest was for a 56-yard distance.
Will the result be different of the playoff game?
New England scores first, a field goal followed by a rushing touchdown by rookie tailback out of Missisipi Brandon Bolden. Another Patriots' field goal will be added to allow New England to lead 13 to nothing at the end of the opening period.
The second quarter begins with a 25-yard touchdown scored by Flacco's favourite target Torrey Smith to reduce Baltimore's deficit to 6 points as the score is now 13-7 Patriots. Ravens' thrower (photo 3) will end up with 28/39 for 382 yards, 3 scores and 1 pick.
A 3 & out series for the Pats will allow the birds to come closer with a 20-yard touchdown by Dennis Pitta, who became Ravens' primary tight end over Ed Dickson and Flacco's go to guy in numerous situations.
Pitta ends up the game with 5 receptions for 50 yards and 1 score.
Only one point seperates these two teams until Julian Edelman (photo 2)scores a touchdown by catching a 7-yard pass by Tom Brady (photo 1) to end the first half. Please note the solid game of new Patriot Brandon Lloyd (photo 3 n°85)who had 9 receptions for 108 yards.
He is the second receiver behind Wes Welker 8 receptions for 142 yards.
The 3rd quarter will be dominated by the ground attack as Ray Rice scores a 7-yard touchdown. Ravens' halfback ran the ball 20 times for a total gain of 101 yards and one score. He's imitated for New England by Danny Woodhead who adds a 3-yard rushing touchdown.
27-21 Patriots is the score.
The first points of the final period will come from a 20-yard field by Stephen Gostkowski to increase Patriots' lead to 9 points as the score is now 30-21 Patriots.
Baltimore's wideout Torrey Smith adds another touchdown to reduce New England's lead to simply 2 points.
How could finish the rematch of the AFC championship game by something other than a field goal?
Ravens' rookie kicker Justin Tucker kicked a 27-yard field goal to win the game.
