Once Talib went down the Pats defense became passive and vulnerable. They absolutely controlled Wilfork all game, which no one has done. Spikes is a defensive end and not a linebacker who can cover a tight end. He can chip, but that is it. The interference on Dennard was a big play, because that would have killed B'More's 1st drive in the 2d half, but other than that, the inability of Cole to cover the slot guy, the wide open seam stuff, etc... was a real flash back to the start of the year. The Pats have gone through 5 sets of d'backs in 3 years. That they were reasonably effective last year and this year (with Talib) down the stretch is more of a surprise than them getting abused.
Punting 2x from inside the opponents 40 and only one touchdown after being inside the 25 5 times is not going to get it done against even Trent Dilfer, and Flacco is on an Eli-like 2007/08 roll right now. While the Pats offense is a points machine against most teams, Baltimore always gives them trouble. And when will the Pats sign Pollard just to preserve the offense's health.
B'More should have won last year's AFC championship game, and they beat the Pats 2x this year. It's a tough match up for the Pats. Everyone I know was hoping to travel to Denver rather than face B'More in Foxboro. Good win for them.
