Up until this week, the Baltimore Ravens‘ Justin Tucker had been perfect at kicking field goals this season (28 for 28).
On his first attempt– a 34-yard kick– late in the first quarter against the New England Patriots on Monday night, Shea McClellin managed to end that streak.
The Patriots linebacker displayed his remarkable athleticism by jumping over the line and blocking the kick, making the crowd at Gillette Stadium go wild. The spectacular block ensured New England stayed ahead 2-0, and the Patriots eventually won the game 30-23.
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The Patriots (11-2) have now won four straight games and eight of their last nine as they strive toward their eighth consecutive AFC East title.
“It was a big game for us,” Tom Brady said. “You play at home in December on Monday night against a great defense, it was important for us to come out and play well. We knew it was gonna be a 60-minute game.”
Brady threw for 406 yards and three touchdowns, becoming the fourth NFL quarterback with at least 450 career touchdown passes. He threw only his second interception of the season.
The Ravens (7-6) had won two straight, and now face a challenging route to the playoffs, with two of their final three games on the road. The Patriots will also play two of their last three on the road.
Joe Flacco tried his hardest to keep Baltimore in the contest, finishing 37 of 52 for 324 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His 37 completions set a franchise record.
New England led 23-3 before the Ravens turned back-to-back Patriots fumbles on special teams into touchdowns.
Flacco was sacked by Rob Ninkovich in the fourth quarter, as the Patriots still led 23-17.
Baltimore entered the game with the NFL’s top-ranked defense, allowing just 296.1 yards per game. However, New England’s defense played strong from the start, holding the Ravens to just three points and 142 yards in the first half.
Baltimore rushed only four times for 7 yards in the first half, and were just 3 for 8 on third downs.
LeGarrette Blount rushed for 72 yards on 18 carries, passing 1,000 yards for the first time since his rookie season with Tampa Bay in 2010. Blount tied Curtis Martin’s record for rushing touchdowns with his 14th score. Martin set that record with the Patriots in both 1995 and 1996.
Brady also threw an ill-advised pass in the end zone on a third-and-goal with 4:46 remaining in the second quarter, and was intercepted by Eric Weddle.
The Patriots next visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday, while the Ravens will host the Philadelphia Eagles that day in their final home game of the regular season.
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 4: Kicker Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after kicking a second quarter field goal against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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