Classic Patriots

Today was a classic Patriots win, with a 2009 sheen on it.

Tom Brady evaded the pass rush, threw tight spirals and even went for a couple water buffalo quarterback sneaks as the Patriots marched past the Ravens 27-21 behind a balanced attack on both sides of the ball.

New England used every roster spot to pull off the win, from the tight ends and wide receivers making key catches, to the defensive backs disrupting pass after pass, to even the kick holder throwing the ball once (although the play didn't factor much into the win).

The Patriots' young, fast defense looked like it really hit its stride today, with the 21 points it gave up really not an issue considering how the unit held its own against a great Ravens offense. The defense shut down several drives on third down and stopped Baltimore in the red zone on fourth down with 30 seconds left to seal the game. Individual players also came up big, with sacks, deflections and a great interception by Leigh Bodden marking the day.

Mike Wright had two big sacks, and Shawn Springs led the team in tackles with seven. Brandon McGowan and Gary Guyton both had five tackles.

On the offensive side of the ball, Brady was 21-for-32 for 258 yards and a touchdown. Those aren't 2007-esque numbers, but considering how Brady was spraying the ball all over the field just a couple weeks ago, the numbers don't tell the real story: Brady is in his groove and on rhythm, and he had complete control of the game today.

Brady also used his legs, rushing for an early touchdown. He had 11 yards on the ground on a day when the Patriots' ground attack was useful but not overpowering (25 yards for Fred Taylor, 22 for Kevin Faulk, 21 for Sammy Morris).

Randy Moss reeled in his first touchdown catch of the season on the prettiest play of the game. He ended up with three catches for 50 yards, second-highest on the team behind Benjamin Watson, who got 51 yards on two catches. Seven other players made receptions, including Wes Welker, who came back after two weeks off with an injury to catch six balls for 48 yards.

The Patriots travel to Denver to play the Broncos next Sunday, at 4:15.

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