Pats Show Stout Defense, Crush Ravens 41-7

The New England Patriots turned up the defensive pressure on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, and defeated the defending Super Bowl champs 41-7 on Sunday. The defensive players of the game included defensive back Logan Ryan, who picked off two passes and pass-rusher Chandler Jones, who scooped up a fumble in the end zone.

With Miami losing to Buffalo earlier in the afternoon, the Patriots clinched the AFC East title for the fifth consecutive year.  Baltimore is still in the running for a Wild Card playoff spot, but the Ravens have to win next week, and get some help

Tom Brady hit 14-of-26 passes against Baltimore for 176 yards and one touchdown. Flacco connected on 22 of 38 passes, but threw two interceptions.

The Patriots host Buffalo next Sunday at 1pm at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro in the final game of the regular season. A Patriots win and a Denver loss would vault New England to the top-seed in the AFC Playoffs.  If Denver and New England both win, the Pats would be no lower than number two and earn a first-round bye.