Patriots-Jaguars Quasi Live Blog: Third Quarter

I missed the first few minutes from putting my kid to bed, but I'm back as the Patriots move into Jaguars territory with a long run to Maroney. There's rarely, really, a doubt that this Patriots offense is going to score; it's more a question of how... and we have a Brady incompletion! Zoot alors! The crowd is sniffing as if the servants haven't washed. It's nearly met by its mate, but Faulk makes a fingertip catch, and it's another 8 yards. I think the Jaguars are trying to bore the Patriots into losing. On 3rd and 3, Gaffney is open on a crossing pattern as Brady continues to have absolutely no pressure.

Why not just drop all 11, if you're not going to rush the passer? On trickery that, frankly, was as necessary as tipping the butler, Brady throws to Welker for a go-ahead score. The crowd, sensing novelty, puts on their special white clapping gloves, and give the Patriots a rousing 15 seconds of bonhomie. New England 21, Jacksonville 14, I'm liking my chances on that 49.5 point over, and the fact that Welker got four catches on that drive and the touchdown is why the applause lasted for 15 seconds, instead of the customary 10.

From the 31, Taylor for 4, then 3. On 3rd and 3, again with a curious lack of pressure, it's Matt Jones on the slant for the first. Garrard is now 13 of 15. Jags go back to what they are: Taylor for 3. Jags are 14 for 53 on the ground so far, and then Garrard escapes mild pressure to find Jones on another open crossing route, this one for 29. A false start pushes them out of the red zone, and the Jags really have no reason for that penalty -- the Patriot Fans have barely told their servants to yell loud yet, but long distances are trouble. Fred for 4, and the Jags call time as they are showing an empty backfield. Good move, considering that the empty backfield was their formation on the Garrard fumble in the first. When you've got two solid running backs, I like keeping on in the backfield, especially when the defense is more or less terrified of the young and fast one.

On second and 11, the Pats decide that blitzes are good, and get an ugly incompletion. Third down is a big one... and Northcutt can't hold on, and it could have easily been seven points. Scobee hits from 39, but you don't beat the Juggernaut when you leave points on the table. Ouch. 21-17, Patriots.

From their 24, Brady has to move a little to find Welker, but the 5 yard gain gets 15 more for a late hit on Brady. Seemed ticky-tack to me, but then again, hitting Saint Tom is always diecy. Maroney for 29 where he isn't touched until the last yard, and it's getting hard to see how the Jags defense is going to make enough plays to give the offense a chance in this game. Maroney to the right for 11, and the Patriot Fans are actually starting to warm to this running game thing -- it's piquant! Welker for zero on a screen, then another 7 to him. Not sure Randy Moss is in this game, really... not that they really need him. On 3rd and 3, it's Watson for his second touchdown of the night, and CBS favors us with a close up of their mascot violently dry-humping. Patriots 28, Jaguars 17, and Brady is now 23 of 24 with 3 TDs. The Jags may want to try Plan B on defense now.

MoJo hasn't been a factor in special teams, and a hold will make it worse. Mojo for zero, and the crowd is getting enthused, as they sense the game will be over soon, and that the Patriots are likely to cover!