I've been hearing a lot of people mention how Flacco stepped up in this game. Unfortunately the numbers don't back up that claim. The Patriots defense this year has been bad and their pass defense has been horrid. They have given up 294 yds/game, 1.6 TDs/game and had 1.4 INTs per game. This is almost identical to Flacco's stat line: 306 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT.

It gets worse. The Patriots have had one of the easiest schedules in the league this year. Today's game was the FIRST win against an opponent that finished with a winning record. The Patriots have given up tons of passing stats to below average teams.

I'm also disappointed in a lot of the plays he did make. Nothing stands out more than the long pass to Torrey Smith. Play action, Flacco rolls out. Under NO pressure, Flacco sees a completely wide open Smith and throws a horrid ball, forcing Smith to come back and get tackled. Any professional QB should turn that into a TD.

I know Cameron Deserves a lot of blame, Cundiff missed a ridiculous kick, and some think the offensive line has been underwhelming--but I am not ready to let Flacco off the hook either.