FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) --The New England Patriots needed a big play, and Tom Brady delivered - again.
Brady connected with Chris Hogan for a 79-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to help the Patriots to a 30-23 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.
Brady threw for 406 yards and three touchdowns, becoming the fourth NFL quarterback with at least 450 career touchdown passes. He also threw just his second interception of the season.
LeGarrette Blount rushed for 72 yards on 18 carries, passing 1,000 yards for the first time since his rookie season with Tampa Bay in 2010.
The Patriots (11-2) have won four straight games and eight of their last nine as they continue to inch toward their eighth straight AFC East title.
"It was a big game for us," Brady said. "You play at home in December on Monday night against a great defense, it was important for us to come out and play well. We knew it was gonna be a 60-minute game."
The Ravens (7-6) had won two in a row. They now face a challenging route to the playoffs with two of their last three on the road.
Joe Flacco did his best to keep Baltimore in the game, finishing 37 of 52 for 324 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The 37 completions set a franchise record.
The Patriots led 23-3 before the Ravens turned back-to-back New England fumbles on special teams into touchdowns.
New England still had a 23-17 lead in the fourth quarter when the Ravens drove to the Patriots 12 before Flacco was sacked by Rob Ninkovich, forcing Baltimore to settle for a field goal.
The Ravens entered the week with the NFL's top-ranked defense, giving up just 296.1 yards per game. But the Patriots defense shined early on, limiting the Ravens to just three points and 142 yards in the first half.
The Ravens rushed only four times for 7 yards in the opening 30 minutes, and were just 3 for 8 on third downs.
The New England Patriots take on the Baltimore Ravens in a regular season game at Gillette Stadium on Monday, December 12, 2016.
New England Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater warms up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
ESPN broadcaster Randy Moss works on the sideline set before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
From left, Tim Mills, of Northborough, Mass., Vincent Mendoza, of Watertown, Mass., Aaron Podgorni and his father Derek Podgorni, of Littleton, Mass., warm themselves around a fire while tailgating in the parking lot of Gillette Stadium before an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots fan Jason Scheinbart, of Burlington, Vt., displays his team's colors while tailgating in the parking lot of Gillette Stadium before an NFL football game between the Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo, left, and Tom Brady, right, take the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo, left, and Tom Brady, right, take the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gets fired up as he takes the field for warm-up's before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gets fired up as he takes the field for warm-up's before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, left, talks to quarterback Tom Brady before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, right, hugs former Patriots defensive back Lawyer Milloy before an NFL football game between the Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) leads his team onto the field for an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots defensive lineman Trey Flowers (98) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive lineman Trey Flowers (98) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung (23) and defensive lineman Malcom Brown (90) tackle Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) in the end zone for a safety during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks for a receiver against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin (58) blocks a field goal attempt by Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin (58) blocks a field goal attempt by Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, partially hidden behind Patriots' Jonathan Jones (31), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, left, celebrates his touchdown run with quarterback Tom Brady during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Zachary Orr (54) tackles New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Baltimore Ravens safety Lardarius Webb (21) tackles New England Patriots running back James White (28) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty (32) intercepts a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty (32) intercepts a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle (32) celebrates with Zachary Orr (54) after intercepting a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) tackles Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Lawrence Guy (93) hits New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) as he throws an interception during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs from Baltimore Ravens linebackers Elvis Dumervil (58) and Matt Judon (91) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
A fan holds a sign referring to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady before an NFL football game between the Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett, rear, catches a touchdown pass as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Zachary Orr defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Martellus Bennett (88) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett celebrates his touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, talks to New offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game between the Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (19) runs from Baltimore Ravens safety Lardarius Webb (21) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a touchdown pass to Chris Hogan under pressure from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) celebrates his touchdown catch with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, right, during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) catches a touchdown pass from Tom Brady as Baltimore Ravens safety Matt Elam (33) chases during the fourth quarte of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) celebrates his touchdown catch with Julian Edelman during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates his touchdown pass to Chris Hogan, left, during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to Chris Hogan with center David Andrews (60) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) speak at midfield after an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) speak at midfield after an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to the media following an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady arrives to speak to the media following an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
FUMBLED AWAY
The Patriots appeared to be in control after Martellus Bennett's 19-yard touchdown reception made it 23-3 with 8:45 to play in the third. But Cyrus Jones couldn't get out of the way of Sam Koch's 53-yard punt. It brushed off his foot as it fell to the turf and was picked up by Chris Moore on New England's 3. The Ravens scored two plays later.
The Patriots then gave Baltimore another gift on the ensuing kickoff when returner Matt Slater lost the ball after a hit by Patrick Onwuasor. Shareece Wright recovered for the Ravens, and Flacco threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Kenneth Dixon.
"I think there were some plays I wish we all could have had back," Brady said. "But they're a competitive team. They force you into some errors. It was great to finish the game with the ball in our hands. We always love doing that."
QUOTABLE
"It's something that we preach about, through the whole OTA's, camp, preseason and all that. We want to eliminate big plays. We had a bust," Ravens linebacker Zach Orr said of Brady's touchdown to Hogan. "If you miss an assignment, Tom Brady and those guys will exploit that to the max."
BLOCKED
Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin showed off his athleticism in the first quarter by hurdling the Ravens' line and then blocking Justin Tucker's 34-yard field goal attempt. It was part of a big first half for McClellin, who was also involved in five total tackles in the opening 30 minutes.
SCORING DEFENSE
New England's defense was the first unit to get on the scoreboard. After Ryan Allen's punt was downed on the 1, Dixon was swarmed in the end zone and brought down by Malcolm Butler for a safety.
It was the Patriots' third safety of the season - a franchise record. They also got one on Oct. 9 against Cleveland when Browns quarterback Cody Kessler fumbled the ball out of the end zone and the following week when Dont'a Hightower sacked Cincinnati's Andy Dalton in the end zone.
INJURIES
Ravens: CB Jimmy Smith left in the first quarter with an ankle injury.
UP NEXT
Ravens: Host the Eagles Sunday in their final home game of the regular season.
Patriots: Play two of their final three on the road, beginning Sunday with a trip to Denver.
