Good breakdown of what will be different this time around…
The Patriots upped the tempo and ran 82 snaps (including penalties), favoring Danny Woodhead as their lead back (52 snaps). Woodhead’s status for the AFC Championship Game is in question after he injured his thumb on the first play Sunday and didn’t return. Belichick said Woodhead could have returned, but the injury might limit his effectiveness. The coaching staff was disappointed in the production of the running game against Baltimore (77 yards, 34 carries, 2.3 average). Running back Shane Vereen, who is coming off a career-best performance against the Texans, was inactive for the game.
