So far this season, the New England Patriots have maintained an impeccable 13-0 record, finishing the season undefeated, and have regained offensive power, which seemed to wane in the previous two games.
”We thought we’d have an advantage there,” Belichick said when asked why in the second quarter the Patriots played the last three minutes of the game without a running back, as to why they had so few in the first. time, although they kept the ball on four occasions before the break.
On the other hand, the Steelers did show weaknesses by not having some key players who are currently injured; the Patriots took advantage and beat the Steelers 34-13 last Sunday.
The clearest example of the Patriots’ strategy came in the fourth quarter after they stopped the Steelers with a touchdown run in New England’s first yard.
It was very obvious that Belichick found more advantages on the ground than in the air; by conquering the opposing team by races; gaining 399 yards rushing and 22 passing.
For his part, Matt Hasselbeck completed four passes and the Seahawks secured their fourth repeat title in the East Division of the National Conference by winning 42-21; defeating the Arizona Cardinals. Hasselbeck completed 22 of 33 passes for 272 yards without stopping and was on his way to setting a team record.
This triumph thwarted the Cardinals’ plans to achieve their first division championship since 1975.
Last Sunday they closed with the advantage of the Colts to reach the playoffs by beating the Baltimore Ravens 44-20.
Payton Manning threw four touchdown passes for his 300th career. The win combined with Tennessee’s loss to San Diego put the Colts (11-2) in the postseason for the sixth straight time.
