Tom Brady was almost perfect Saturday night against Jacksonville going 26-28 for 262 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. In spite of Brady's heroics and a fairly comfortable win 31-20; this game was actually much closer.
In fact, the Jags led total yardage at halftime 200-166 with the score tied at 14. The Patriots second touchdown was only a 29 yard drive because of a turnover.
Jacksonville continued to control the ball fairly well in the third quarter running 22 plays for 134 yards. The problem was closing in the red zone. They had to settle for two field goals. New England responded with 158 yards and two touchdowns.
All hope for the Jags evaporated with 4:34 to play and Jacksonville driving. Rodney Harrison intercepted Garrard's pass stopping the last credible threat from Jacksonville.
The key for New England was to stop the second most productive running backfield in football and force the young quarterback to carry the weight alone. The Patriot defense shut down the Taylor, Jones-Drew attack allowing only 66 yards on 19 carries. Although Garrard had a good game (22-33 for 278 yards and two touchdowns); he also set up one Patriot score with a fumble and stalled one of his own with a late interception.
This sets up an AFC Championship game next weekend in New England.
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