Patriots vs. Ravens: Billy Cundiff's Blown Kick Secures Super Bowl Bid for Pats

In a game that lived up to all of the pre-game hype, it was the New England Patriots who survived the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 and move on to Super Bowl XLVI.  

After a see-saw battle that was a one-score game throughout, it all came down to a 32-yard field goal by Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff with 15 seconds remaining to tie the game.

After hitting a 20 and 39-yarder, this one seemed like a shoo-in.

With a perfect snap and hold...wide left.

It’s a crushing miss that will not be forgotten anytime soon in Baltimore.

As for the Patriots, QB Tom Brady, who will be playing in his fifth career Super Bowl, was the offensive MVP, throwing for 239 yards and rushing for a touchdown.  

Rob Gronkowski shook off an injury to finish with 87 yards while fellow tight end Aaron Hernandez collected 66 through the air.

Brady’s two interceptions did keep the Ravens' hopes of winning alive until the very end, and it ended up being the Pats defense that came up big to help out their captain.  

With just under three minutes remaining, the Ravens were at the Pats 33-yard line facing a 4th-and-6 situation.

Joe Flacco dropped back and was instantly met by Vince Wilfork, forcing him to throw the ball away.

On the Ravens' last possession, Baltimore failed to convert a 3rd-and-1 at the 14-yard line.

It looked as if Lee Evans was going to catch a beautifully thrown touchdown pass to win the game, but an outstanding Sterling Moore pass breakup forced the field goal.

The Ravens won the time of possession battle 33:33 to 26:16, and they outgained the Pats in total yardage 398-to-330.

Flacco had a strong game of his own (22-for-36 306 yards, two TDs, 1 INT) but simply couldn’t make the big play when it mattered most.

Anquan Boldin led the way with 101 yards while Torrey Smith registered 82 yards and a touchdown.

The New England Patriots had more experience, a better quarterback and arguably the best head coach in the league.  All of it came together brilliantly for the Patriots, and they're the second straight No. 1 seed to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

It will be their first appearance in the Super Bowl since losing to the New York Giants 17-14 in 2008.