
A quick look at the box score from last night???s game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens reveals two different teams. An intelligent, well-disciplined bunch, the Patriots collected just four penalties for 30 yards in their come-from-behind win, while the Ravens received 13 flags for 100 yards during the game.
While Tom Brady???s touchdown strike to Jabar Gaffney with 44 seconds left put New England ahead, it was the actions of Baltimore linebacker Bart Scott that kept the Ravens from having a realistic chance to tie the game in the last seconds.
Scott incurred two unsportsmanlike penalties after Gaffney???s catch, using some choice words and tossing the official???s flag into the stands. His actions put New England 30 yards closer on the ensuing kickoff and took away any chance for Baltimore to run it back and begin its drive with decent field position.
The penalties were a dagger for the Ravens and force us to ask whether New England, and other teams like it, win because of discipline and overall intelligence. The Indianapolis Star reported that the Colts and Patriots have more college graduates than most other teams. Does this make a significant difference? Can ???smart teams??? expect to win on a more regular basis?