New England Patriots will play in the AFC Championship game next week after coming from behind on three occasions to beat the Baltimore Ravens 35-31.
John Harbaugh's men made a fast start at Gillette Stadium, with Joe Flacco throwing touchdown passes to Kamar Aiken and Steve Smith on their first two drives as the Ravens opened up a 14-0 lead.
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Tom Brady finally found traction on offense late in the first quarter, linking up with tight end Rob Gronkowski before sneaking over to reduce the arrears for the Pats.
New England then tied the game early in the second quarter as Brady found Danny Amendola before the wide receiver dived across the line.
The Patriots appeared poised to take a half-time lead, but Brady was picked off by Daryl Smith before Flacco delivered a pass to Owen Daniels with seconds remaining in the first half.
Baltimore threatened to open clear daylight between the teams when Justin Forsett collected a 16-yard pass from Flacco early in the third quarter.
However, the Pats mustered an immediate response, with Gronkowski scoring a touchdown before an inventive attacking play tied the game.
Brady threw sideways to Julian Edelman before the receiver went deep to Amendola for a 51-yard score.
Justin Tucker restored Baltimore's lead with a field goal, but Brady surpassed Joe Montana's record for post-season touchdown passes with a 23-yard throw for Brandon LaFell.
New England made sure of a place in the AFC Championship game when Flacco was picked off in the endzone by Duron Harmon inside the final two minutes.
Chris O'Keefe
