Metal Sludge Gossip Board

That was one of the most entertaining games I've seen in a long time. It was close throughout and a good defensive game with a few big plays at the right time by both teams. The big question marks before the game were New England's defense and Balt's offense, and both of them looked pretty good. Lots of good in-game adjustments by Belichick and Harbough. To go down to the 2 minute warning in OT was a bonus. Most overtime games seem to end on the first possession.

Deion Branch looked sharp in his first game back. For all the good things Moss brought to the table he never seemed willing to do the little things and took way too many plays off. It was good to see NE get back to a ball control offense with shorter passes. All those quick strikes followed by 3-and-outs they had the past few years wore down their defense.

And Ray Lewis can still bring it. He made a bunch of timely plays. I don't think he has lost anything over the years. Flacco looked good too. Looks like Harbough finally got him to be smart with the football instead of forcing things.

Great game, and really entertaining. I wouldn't be too surprised to see the teams meet again in the playoffs. Anyone else watch it?

Caught the second half. That white boy running back for New England seemed pretty key, as did Branch. Highly entertaining and it sucks for Flacco to play a nice game like that and walk away with a loss.

My thoughts are that the Ravens had the game and gave it away. The Pats are mediocre and will be lucky to make the playoffs.

poizond13 wrote:My thoughts are that the Ravens had the game and gave it away. The Pats are mediocre and will be lucky to make the playoffs.

To have the game and give it away implies that there were a bunch of bad plays or turnovers. If you watched the game you would have seen that the second half was really well-played by both teams. A lot of good hard hitting defensive plays with a couple of big & timely offensive plays on both sides. It was 7-3 after 1, 10-7 at the half, 17-10 after 3, and tied at 20 at the end of regulation. And then OT was a chess match with both teams getting 3 possessions and the game still tied at the 2-minute warning. Brady & Branch were clutch on that last drive. It was an excellent and exciting game right to the end.

I don't think anyone is predicting the Patriots to go to the Superbowl. But they did just beat one of the top 2-3 teams in the conference in the type of game that they have been prone to lose over the past few years. I wouldn't say they are a powerhouse by any means, but they are certainly better than mediocre. They are one of the top 5-6 teams in the conference and most likely will get a wild card spot come January.

Danny Woodhead for President!

I was at the game and pretty miserable at halftime. Defense finally showed up in the second half. Welker and Branch made some key plays and Zoltan Fuckin Mesko finally launched a great punt when it was sorely neede in OT.

Great game and knew it would be, wish I coulda watched it

I picked the Pats to win only because they were at home...they arent that bad...but I think as long as Flacco stays smart, the Ravens are a bit better

Ray Lewis is great ...I dont think Ive ever seen a single player almost single-handedly carry his team for 15 years the way he has...he is elite and the defensive version of Peyton Manning...there is no challenge too big for him