The New England Patriots were perhaps the NFL’s forgotten team.  With a record of 2-1 coming into today’s showdown against the undefeated Ravens, they were able to put together a 14-0 second quarter which propelled them to a 27-21 win.

Tom Brady looked about as good as any quarterback could look against the aggressive Ravens’ defense.  He was 21-32 for 258 yards, including a TD strike to Randy Moss.

Ray Rice rushed for 103 yards in today's loss.

But as always is the case with Brady, his influence in the game went well beyond the numbers.  Brady led the Pats on three touchdowns of 60 yards or more.  In the all-important fourth quarter, he orchestrated a 59-yard drive that chewed up 7:07 of game time – and tacked on an extra three points to New England’s lead.

In typical Baltimore fashion, it was their defense that kept them in the game.  Early in the third quarter, Terrell Suggs forced a fumble from Brady that was recovered in the endzone by Dwan Edwards. 

But playing its first legitimately “good” opponent, the Ravens offense just didn’t put enough points on the board.  The Chargers, Chiefs and Browns are simply not in the same category as New England.  14 (offensive) points against the Patriots is not going to get the job done.

Especially with Mr. Brady back leading his bunch.

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