1st half analysis

Analysis from the first half, with the Patriots leading 17-14:

The game started at a feverish pace, featuring big plays and turnovers by both teams, before things settled down a bit. The Patriots were knocked back on their heels early, but hung in there and eventually established some control as the tempo slowed.

Running backs Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan were a big part of the Patriots’ ability to regain control. Their hard, crisp running – Morris in terms of his decisive cuts, and Jordan in a bulldozer like style – was important to the Patriots’ ability to withstand some early blows.

The 49ers entered the game second in the NFL in terms of big plays (20 yards or more), and the Patriots' defense struggled against the biggies at times. A 38-yard connection to Isaac Bruce, for example, set up the 49ers’ second touchdown. Like the offense, the defense ultimately settled down, with a speed dime package a part of the success. The Patriots pressured well out of that set.

Punter Chris Hanson continues to struggle in the plus-50 game (touchback) and his short 35-yard punt from New England’s own 8 – and Nate Clements’ 13-yard return – set the 49ers up for their first score.

Quarterback Matt Cassel, while up and down, deserves credit for hanging in. His deep touchdown strike to Randy Moss shows that he has the arm strength and mechanics to connect on the long ball – and it’s clear that the Patriots are working extra hard to get Moss involved because some of the throws are coming into double coverage. Cassel also led a nice drive at the end of the second quarter, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Kevin Faulk.

The Patriots get the ball to start the second half.

The home crowd booed the 49ers as the halftime gun sounded.