Patriots' failed fake punt turns into disastrous turnover against Ravens on 'Sunday Night Football'

Daniel Mader

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Patriots' failed fake punt turns into disastrous turnover against Ravens on 'Sunday Night Football' image

The New England Patriots could lock in a playoff spot with a win in Week 16. But things didn't go fully according to plan on "Sunday Night Football."

Taking on the 7-7 Baltimore Ravens in a game where Lamar Jackson exited due to injury, the Patriots found themselves trailing in the second half, staring down their second-straight loss in an otherwise strong 2025 season.

One of the biggest turning points of New England's Sunday night struggles came on some failed trickery from Mike Vrabel — a fake punt became a turnover that led to a Ravens touchdown.

Here's a look at the Patriots' disastrous fake punt on Sunday.

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Patriots failed fake punt vs. Ravens

With the third quarter winding down and the Patriots down by four, they appeared to line up for a punt on 4th & 10. But Vrabel was feeling gutsy, and instead, New England faked it — the punter never even got the ball, as the play resulted in Baltimore's defense being all over Marte Mapu.

Mapu lost the ball as he was tackled near the line of scrimmage, never even threatening a big gain for the first down. Mapu fumbled, and while the Patriots wound up jumping on the ball, it didn't matter anyway. It was a turnover on downs for New England.

The Ravens took over with solid field position thanks to the failed fake punt, and it resulted in a seven-play touchdown drive for Tyler Huntley and company.

Derrick Henry capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to extend Baltimore's lead.

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