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The New England Patriots have the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL -- and it got a little easier on Thursday.

Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles tendon and will be out for a significant portion of this season. There are reports Suggs will miss the entire year, but Suggs says he will be back by late October or early December at the latest.

Either way, the Patriots won't have to face Suggs in Week 3 when they travel to Baltimore in a prime-time game on Sept. 23. This is the much-anticipated rematch of January's AFC Championship Game, in which a shanked field goal by Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff could have forced overtime. Instead, the Patriots advanced to the Super Bowl and lost to the New York Giants.

Suggs is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a huge difference-maker for Baltimore. His absence should make the Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady feel more at ease going into this rematch.

Any game involving New England and Baltimore is going to be a slugfest, no matter who is injured. But the Ravens are arguably the toughest opponent on an otherwise easy schedule for the Patriots. There's no denying Suggs' injury makes this game more winnable for New England.

» Super Bowl XLVI Final Word: Patriots | Giants

Five nuggets of knowledge about Super Bowl XLVI:

Legacy builders: The New England Patriots and New York Giants didn't have much interest in talking about the big picture during Super Bowl week. Anything beyond Sunday's game was too much to comprehend. But this game is important for legacies on both teams. For the Patriots, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick can tie the record for the most Super Bowl wins by a quarterback and head coach with four. (Former Steelers coach Chuck Noll won four Super Bowls; quarterbacks Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw also have four rings.) For the Giants, a second championship would cement quarterback Eli Manning's status as an elite quarterback. New York coach Tom Coughlin also would have a stronger case for the Hall of Fame with his second ring as a head coach.

Setting the tempo: An area that hasn't been talked about much this week is New England's effective use of the no-huddle offense. The Patriots used it more and more late in the season, and it's helped set the tempo. New York likes to use plenty of substitutions, particularly on its talented and deep defensive line, to keep everyone fresh. But a no-huddle will disrupt New York's substitution packages. New England didn't use the no-huddle offense much at all in the previous loss against the Giants in Week 9. How will New York adjust to it in the Super Bowl?

Gronkowski's contribution: Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski is officially listed as questionable with an ankle injury. But he is expected to play. Gronkowski won't be 100 percent, but his presence already makes an impact in this game. New York has to account for him, and that will open things up for others, like receiver Wes Welker and tight end Aaron Hernandez. Gronkowski caught eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Giants in the regular season. Don't expect that type of production in the Super Bowl.

Don't forget the kickers: Gronkowski, Brady, Manning and New York's defensive line have dominated the discussion for two weeks, but do not forget the kicking game. This Super Bowl is expected to be close and could come down to Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski and Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes. Both have done a good job this season. But there is a big difference kicking in the Super Bowl. In the AFC Championship Game, Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff couldn't handle the pressure and missed a chip shot near the end of regulation. Gostkowski and Tynes could have opportunities to be heroes or goats.

New England's track record with revenge: The Patriots have downplayed the revenge factor all week. Regardless of whether it's on their minds, they have done a great job of avenging prior postseason losses. The Patriots entered the season 0-3 in their last three playoff games. The most recent postseason loss was against the AFC East rival New York Jets. A motivated New England team convincingly swept the Jets in two regular-season games. The revenge tour continued in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, who knocked New England out of the playoffs after the 2009 season. The Patriots returned the favor two weeks ago. Now, New England has a chance to avenge the Super Bowl XLII loss to the Giants. Will the Patriots complete the trifecta?

MIAMI -- The AFC East blog is packing up its belongings for a week-long stay in Indianapolis. Our travel plans are made for Sunday, and it's time to cover that great spectacle that is Super Bowl week.

This is my third Super Bowl in four years with ESPN. I told AFC East blog readers when I switched in September that my luck would get one of its teams to the big game. I did my part.

Anyway, it should be an exciting journey. We will have you covered on all things Patriots and the Super Bowl on the blog. Also, remember to check out my new Twitter feed here where I will provide behind-the-scenes observations of the Patriots during Super Bowl week.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has seen his share of football teams come and go. But the 2011-12 Patriots seems to be one of his favorite groups.

Kraft has been very complimentary of this season's team, and not just because they are winning. Kraft likes the character in the locker room, the team's mental and physical toughness, and the way this team has stayed together through the ups and downs.

That was never more on display Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens statistically outplayed the Patriots and led at one point in the fourth quarter. But New England answered and pulled out a dramatic 23-20 victory to advance to Super Bowl XLVI. New England will be going for its fourth Super Bowl title under head coach Bill Belichick.

"I believe in this team big time," Kraft said this week.

The matchup won't be easy. The New York Giants have won three straight playoff games against a trio of good teams -- the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers. New York also beat New England in the regular season.

Patriots-Giants is also a huge rematch of the Super Bowl XLII, when New York ruined New England's run for a perfect season. That loss four years later still sticks with Kraft and the Patriots organization.

"I've never been able to watch it," Kraft said of that game. "[Sunday], you saw a kick being missed at the end of the game. But that kick would have tied the game and then put it into overtime, which is amazing. I do remember the end of the game, a ball going through our cornerback’s hands [Asante Samuel] that if he had caught that ball and it hadn’t gone through his hands, we would have been able to take a knee and we would have won the game.

"And, you know, that Eli [Manning] doing a great job escaping from that pile of guys that we had on him, and whether the whistle blows and the great catch and all these things. In the end, there are a lot of little things. That was a great game, that was a great team and we’re looking forward to having the privilege of going to Indianapolis."

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday morning in the AFC East:

• The Miami Herald reports Dolphins assistant coach Todd Bowles most likely will not return.

Morning take: Bowles did a good job in Miami, but I understand a new staff wanting to change direction. Bowles represents the old regime and the old way of doing things. This is a new era.

• The New York Daily News reports the Jets are interested in another Dolphins coach. New York got permission to interview Dolphins offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo.

Morning take: DeGuglielmo also is expected to exit Miami. But why is New York looking to fix its offense with so many of Miami's former coaches?

• Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayandadejo tweets that the two best teams -- Baltimore and the San Francisco 49ers -- are sitting at home.

Morning take: This sounds like sour grapes to me. All four teams played a pair of classic conference title games. But you don't get second chances in the playoffs. The Ravens came up just short.

• The Buffalo Bills site examines whether they are a passing or running team.

Morning take: This is an interesting question, because the Bills throw the football a lot. But their best talent is at running back with Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. Balance is needed, even with a spread offense.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — If anyone in Gillette Stadium understood what Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff was going through Sunday night, it was New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

Cundiff badly shanked a 32-yard field goal wide left that could have tied the AFC Championship Game at the end of regulation. Instead, a shocked Baltimore team was sent packing for the season, while an equally surprised New England club didn't need overtime to advance to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.

Most people won't understand how a kicker can miss a chip shot to end the game. But Gostkowski said it's not as easy as it looks.

"I definitely have an appreciation for every [kicker] in the league," Gostkowski said after the game. "I know how hard it is. I know that if one little thing goes wrong you can easily miss the kick. Everybody is different and has a different mentality. I try to treat every kick the same, but it’s impossible to replicate that kind of situation."

There is a small fraternity of place kickers in the NFL. Unlike linebacker, safety or wide receiver, there is usually just one spot open for a place kickers with each team.

Gostkowski said he rarely watches opposing kickers from the sidelines and didn't see Baltimore's final play. Like many of his Patriots teammates, the moment was either too nerve-wrecking or players were mentally and physically preparing for overtime before Cundiff's botched kick.

"I was super pumped that we won, but it humbles you because that could have easily been me or anyone else," Gostkowski said. "I'm sure no one wants to see [a kicker] go down like that. But I'm happy that we won."

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- One of the biggest heroes in the New England Patriots' locker room following their 23-20 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game was backup cornerback Sterling Moore.

With time running out in regulation, Moore made the biggest defensive play of the game when he stripped the ball out of Baltimore receiver Lee Evans' hands at the last second to negate a potential game-winning touchdown. The Ravens subsequently missed a 32-yard field goal that could have forced overtime.

"It was just a split-second decision and I'm glad it worked out," Moore said. "We do that drill everyday in practice, but it was the first time I had to use it in a game, and I just took what I learned from practice into the game."

Here is some reaction to Moore's ... ahem ... "sterling" play:

Patriots LB Brandon Spikes: "You have to play through the whole play. His technique was [good]. I’m not in the secondary, but throughout the whole week the coaches put a big emphasis on playing all the way through. [Evans] had the ball, but [Moore] knocked it out. That was big."

Patriots safety James Ihedigbo: "That is why you have to play through the whistle. Like I said, Sterling made an amazing play. He didn’t see the ball coming and his back was turned. And as the receiver caught it, and before he could put two feet down, he slapped it out of his hand. That‘s just a split second. That is just great thinking, an amazing play there."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick: "[Moore] made some plays. Not perfect out there, but he competes hard and he’s a tough kid. He’s got good ball skills. He gets around the ball."

The Patriots and Ravens were the two best teams in the AFC all season. There was a very thin line that separated them in the AFC Championship Game. The Patriots executed better than the Ravens in the final minute.

It was a wild and crazy AFC Championship Game. There were lead changes, twists and an unexpected ending when Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff shanked a chip-shot field goal at the end.

But who was the player of the game for the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots? What we do know is it wasn't Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Should defensive lineman Vince Wilfork get the nod? Wilfork was hard to block. He was a big reason the Patriots controlled the line of scrimmage and stuffed Baltimore Pro Bowl tailback Ray Rice. Wilfork had six tackles and one quarterback sack.

What about Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes? New England's defense has been much improved when Spikes is healthy. He had nine tackles and a big fourth-quarter interception against Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski led the team in receiving. He caught five passes for 87 yards. Patriots tailback BenJarvus Green-Ellis (68 rushing yards, one touchdown) and tight end Aaron Hernandez (seven catches, 66 yards) also had solid games.

Using our SportsNation poll, vote on the best player for the Patriots in the AFC title game. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco played better than New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the AFC Championship Game, right? Flacco threw for more yards, more touchdowns and fewer interceptions.

But according to the Total Quarterback Rating, Brady (66.5) was better than Flacco (45.6). Here is the explanation from the ESPN Production Analytics Team:

In an unusual turn, Tom Brady's biggest play of the game came on a successful fourth-and-goal TD rush that put the Patriots ahead in the fourth quarter. This sent the Pats' win probability from 47.3 percent to 63.2 percent. Of Brady's 45 action plays, 24 increased the Patriots' chance of scoring and 21 decreased their chances of scoring.

Brady finished with 239 yards, one rushing touchdown and two interceptions in a 23-20 victory. Flacco played, in my opinion, the best playoff game of his career in a losing effort. He threw for 306 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Flacco was the much more volatile QB in this game. After dividing the appropriate amount of QB credit for each play in the game, Joe Flacco had five of the six worst QB plays in the game. However, he also had five of the six best QB plays. Overall 23 of Flacco’s 46 action plays increased Baltimore’s chances to score and 23 decreased its chances to score.

I think the QBR missed on this one. Whether it was statistics or simply the eye test from watching the game in person, Flacco outperformed Brady. Even Brady admitted that he “sucked” in the AFC Championship Game. But the Patriots advanced to the Super Bowl, and that's all they care about this time of year.

James Walker and Jamison Hensley wrap up the AFC Championship game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had never been in a game quite like this. It was evident when the 22-year-old Pro Bowler stood up to watch Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff line up for a 32-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining.

Leading by three points, Gronkowski followed his instincts and wanted to see Baltimore's triumph or train wreck. That's just the kind of guy "Gronk" is. Meanwhile, most of his Patriots teammates couldn't stomach the situation and looked the other way.

"I watched it, and I looked around I saw everybody not watching it," Gronkowski explained, somewhat surprised. "It's whatever way you want to take it. But I watched it, and I was glad watching it."

Cundiff shanked a chip shot wide left to give New England a 23-20 victory over Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game. The surprising finish helped the Patriots advance to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis to face the New York Giants on Feb. 5.

Many of Growkowski's teammates didn't realize they were going to the Super Bowl until the crowd at Gillette Stadium reacted. The response on the New England sideline was that of shock, disbelief and jubilation -- all wrapped into one moment.

In the end, the Patriots knew they were pushed to their limits -- and thrived. Yes, New England had three losses in the regular season. But the Patriots learned more about themselves in Sunday's heart-stopping, back-and-forth slugfest with Baltimore than all three losses combined.

New England entered this postseason going one-and-done in back-to-back seasons. This Patriots team won last week against the Denver Broncos with skill. But getting past Baltimore on Sunday took pure will.

"We are a pretty mentally tough team," Patriots receiver Wes Welker said. "We don’t even really get down or get too high or too low or anything like that. We just try to stay steady and understand that we need to make plays. No matter what the circumstances or what happens out there, we’re in it together and that’s how we’re going to win games."

How tough was this game for New England? The Patriots had to do something you didn't see from them all season: win with their 31st-ranked defense.

New England's much-maligned group held a three-point lead in the fourth quarter by stopping the Ravens on the final three possessions -- OK, maybe two? possessions -- to seal the game. New England's offense, which averaged 40.5 points in its previous four games, scored only 23 points and committed two turnovers.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was responsible for the offensive turnovers with two interceptions and admitted, "I sucked pretty bad today." New England had issues moving the ball for long stretches and also stalled in the red zone, where the Patriots were two of five.

New England's defense gave up 398 yards but stuffed the Ravens when it mattered.

"[The defense] is the real MVP of this game, without a shadow of a doubt," Patriots Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters said. "I'm sure there are some things they want to clean up. But more than anything, we put them in some bad situations and they kept us safe and clean and kept us in the game."

New England and Baltimore were unquestionably the two best teams in the AFC. The difference between them Sunday was only a missed field goal. The Patriots were just a little bit better.

There was talk of New England not beating anybody of substance all season. Before Sunday’s game, the Patriots hadn't defeated an opponent that finished with a winning record. The Denver Broncos (8-8) were the only playoff team the Patriots had beaten. New England swept Denver in two games -- once in the regular season and once in the divisional round of the playoffs.

When I mentioned this to Patriots veteran running back Kevin Faulk, he shrugged and indicated he didn't care. The Patriots have won 10 games in a row and are heading to the Super Bowl.

"We never put those teams on our schedule. The NFL schedules that," Faulk said. "So we just have to play the teams that they schedule for us. It doesn’t matter what their records are. They’re still a football team that’s in the NFL."

New England didn’t play its "A" game Sunday. The Ravens had a lot to do with it. But looking ahead, the Patriots will have to play a lot better to win their fourth Super Bowl of the Brady-Bill Belichick era.

Brady wasn’t happy with himself after the game but he did tie his childhood hero, Joe Montana, for the most playoff wins in NFL history. This was the first time in a long time Brady didn’t have much to do with New England’s postseason win. His defense was finally there to back him up after Brady carried the Patriots with an MVP-caliber season.

Despite Brady's performance, Patriots owner Robert Kraft entered the locker room Sunday night with a big smile and the AFC Championship trophy in hand. Kraft said he was comforted by something Brady told him after the game.

"Well, here's what he said to me: He said to me, 'I promise you I’m going to play a lot better in two weeks,’” Kraft said. "He's still pretty good in my book. I’ll take him over any quarterback."

The Patriots knew they were good. But it took the 18th game of the season for the Patriots to truly learn their level of toughness and resilience.

After being pushed to the limit by Baltimore, the Patriots will go to Indianapolis confidently knowing their team is championship material.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Here are some early thoughts on the New England Patriots' 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.

What it means: The Patriots advance to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis for the first time since the end of the 2007 season. This also is the fifth Super Bowl appearance under coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. The pair are 3-1 in the first four Super Bowls. New England won its NFL-high 10 games in a row, including playoffs, and improved to 9-1 at Gillette Stadium.

Defense answers call: New England's much-maligned defense stepped up when it mattered most. The Patriots got an interception and a turnover on two fourth-quarter drives, sealing the game. The Patriots also got a lot of luck with Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff missing a 32-yard field goal that would have tied the game. New England was ranked 31st in total defense but stepped it up in the playoffs, which helped the team to the Super Bowl.

Not sharp: Running back Danny Woodhead's fumble on a third-quarter kickoff return was big and cost New England three points. But the Patriots overall were not sharp and blew some opportunities. Brady missed several throws he usually makes, and the defense had some miscommunications. New England also made a questionable call with seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Up three, the Patriots tried to take a shot and throw it deep. It was picked off by Baltimore corner Jimmy Smith. Fortunately, the Patriots survived through sloppy play.

Law Firm shines: New England's running game has gone with the hot hand all season. This time it happened to be tailback BenJarvus Green-Ellis. He set the tone with a great first half and finished with 68 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Green-Ellis was the kind of punishing rusher who played well against Baltimore's stout defense.

Red zone woes: New England rarely struggled in the red zone this season. But Baltimore did a great job defensively, forcing field goals instead of touchdowns. The Patriots had three field goals and one touchdown in their first four trips to the red zone. That kept the score close throughout the game.

What’s next: The Patriots have two weeks to prepare for the Super Bowl. They will face the winner of the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers. Both will be tough matchups. New England will spend a week in Foxborough before taking its show on the road for Super Bowl week in Indianapolis.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots lead the Baltimore Ravens 13-10 at intermission.

Here are some notes on the Patriots:

• Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is stepping up for New England. Green-Ellis is New England's most physical runner and that is needed against Baltimore's stout defense. He has 50 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
• Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork is in the zone. Wilfork is making plays in the running and passing game. Wilfork is holding his gap well and stuffed a couple of runs by Ravens tailback Ray Rice. Wilfork also had a sack in the first quarter on Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco. Wilfork hurt his left arm in the second quarter but returned to the game.
• New England's 31st-ranked pass defense is struggling. The Ravens aren't throwing the ball a ton, but they are having success when they do air it out. Flacco, who has been criticized all week, has thrown for 162 yards and a touchdown in the first half. New England's corners are having trouble with Baltimore's receivers and there have been some miscommunications in the secondary that need to be cleared up at halftime.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- When I drove from Logan Airport in Boston to my hotel in Foxborough yesterday, one of the first thoughts in my head was, "I'm glad I don't have to play in this weather tomorrow."

Snow was still on the ground from earlier in the week and it was too cold to melt away. The final forecast for the AFC Championship Game is projected to be in the low 30s with just a 20 percent chance of precipitation. Yes, it's cold. But it could be worse for a late-January playoff game at Gillette Stadium.

Both teams play well in cold weather. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is precise with short and intermediate passes. Therefore, he's tough to beat in cold playoff games. The Ravens are physical and want to run the football. Something has to give.

I'm off to Gillette Stadium. It should be a fun afternoon of football.

Here are the most interesting stories Sunday morning in the AFC East:

• The time for talk is over. The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens look to seize this opportunity to go to the Super Bowl.

Morning take: Both teams have been respectful and cordial all week in the media. But expect championship-level play and intensity in what should be a competitive AFC title game.

• New Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin will have full control over his coaching staff.

Morning take: This is often the case and good for Philbin. I sense there will be a clear delineation in Miami of who coaches (Philbin) and who picks the players (Jeff Ireland). Early hints are there won't be a lot of overlap.

• Former New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will take the same post with the St. Louis Rams.

Morning take: Schottenheimer failed to develop Mark Sanchez in New York. Can he develop another young quarterback -- Sam Bradford -- in St. Louis?

• Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback Aaron Williams grows into his role on the defense.

Morning take: I liked Williams coming out of the draft and he proved me correct by showing flashes as a rookie. Williams, a second-round pick, could be a starter at some point next season.