Neal goes out
more stories like thisThe Patriots played the fourth quarter without starting right guard Stephen Neal, who left with an undisclosed injury. Neal has been battling a shoulder injury this season.
Seven-year veteran Russ Hochstein stepped in and ended up being part of one of the game's critical plays - as he was called for a false start on fourth and 1 on the winning drive. The penalty was key because it negated a run of minus-1 yard by Heath Evans that would have turned the ball over to the Ravens.
While Neal was not announced to have sustained an injury, it did not appear his absence was based on a rotation. He also stayed on the sideline when the team called on its field goal/extra point unit, replaced by Matt Light.
