JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Tom Brady overcame a rough start by throwing two
touchdown passes, and the playoff-bound New England Patriots held on to beat
the woeful Jacksonville Jaguars 23-16 Sunday.
Brady threw two interceptions in the first quarter, the second one helping
the Jaguars (2-13) build a 10-0 lead.
But the Jaguars faded in the third quarter for the fourth consecutive week,
lost for the 11th time in the last 12 games and set a franchise record for
losses in a season.
Brady had a lot to do with the home team's latest setback, finding his
rhythm after a sluggish start and picking apart Jacksonville's defense.
He hooked up with Wes Welker for a 2-yard score on the second play of the
fourth quarter, putting the Patriots (11-4) ahead 23-13 - what seemed like
plenty of cushion against the offensively challenged Jaguars.
But Jacksonville had two chances to tie things in the closing minutes.
