Starting at their 21-yard line, less than two minutes to go with two timeouts left, down three points, the Baltimore Ravens' season came down to Joe Flacco's ability to lead them in a winning drive.
Patriots Beat Ravens 23-20 In AFC Championship Game On Billy Cundiff’s Missed Field Goal
With wide receiver Julian Edelman covering Anquan Boldin, Flacco targeted him and completed a big third down play on the sideline in the first series, then again on second-and-10 for nine yards, then for a 29-yard gain down the sideline to put the Ravens firmly in field goal position. Edelman was still covering Boldin when Flacco hit him for nine yards to bring the ball to the Patriots' 14-yard line.
Two incomplete passes later — one of which was a perfect throw from Flacco that was knocked out of Lee Evans' hands in the end zone — Billy Cundiff trotted out for a 32-yard field goal to tie the game, but the 2010 Pro Bowler hooked it as badly as one could hope to hook a kick. Game over, Patriots win.
For updates and analysis on these teams during the 2012 AFC Championship, visit Ravens blog Baltimore Beat Down, Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston. Don’t forget to check out SB Nation’s NFL hub for all your playoff news.
See More:
