FOXBOROUGH — It was going to be tough enough beating the Ravens in the AFC Championship game. But two early injuries to the Patriots’ defense made the challenge that much greater.

Defensive tackle Kyle Love left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury, and did not return. Not long after, cornerback Aqib Talib left with a right thigh injury, and also did not return. Talib came back to the sideline, helmet off, trying to see if he was healthy enough to play. Not long after, he was seen sitting down, heavy coat draped over his uniform. His night was over.