January 1, Patriots Rally Late for Key Playoff Berth

Wyatt’s Take

• The Patriots stormed back on the road to secure a playoff spot.
• Lamar Jackson’s injury hurt Baltimore’s chances when it mattered most.
• New England’s grit and big plays decided the outcome late in the game.

The New England Patriots bounced back after last week’s loss and came from behind to beat the Baltimore Ravens 28-24 on the road. This win sends New England to the playoffs with a 12-3 record.

Baltimore’s playoff hopes faded even more, now two games behind the AFC North lead at 7-8 after the Steelers won earlier in the day.

The game turned when Lamar Jackson went down with a back injury in the second quarter and couldn’t return. Tyler Huntley stepped in, but the Ravens had to fight for a spot in the postseason without their star.

Derrick Henry seemed to seal it for Baltimore with his second touchdown, pushing the lead to 24-13 in the fourth quarter. But Patriots rookie Drake Maye answered with a long drive capped by a 37-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams and a two-point conversion to make it a three-point game.

On the next drive, New England’s defense forced a punt and Maye marched the team 89 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson, carrying the load after an injury to TreVeyon Henderson, broke free for a 21-yard score to pull ahead 28-24.

The Ravens still had a chance, but Zay Flowers fumbled after a catch and the Patriots recovered. Maye finished things off with a smart 16-yard run and slid to secure the victory.

Maye finished with 380 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one pick, plus 26 rushing yards. Stefon Diggs led both teams in receiving yards, and Hunter Henry added another touchdown for New England. Lamar Jackson left early with 101 passing yards and seven rushing yards, while Huntley completed 9 of 10 throws for 65 yards.

Full story here

Wyatt Matters

When it comes down to heart and hustle, hard work pays off. This game was a reminder that perseverance and a little bit of Midwest-style grit can change everything, no matter how tough it gets.