‘‘Baltimore’s always been a tough team for us,’’ he said. ‘‘Even when we play our best they’re a tough team for us and they play very well.’’

The momentum began to shift Sunday when Brady mismanaged the clock and the Patriots settled for a field goal on the last play before intermission. In the second half, Joe Flacco threw touchdown passes on three of Baltimore’s first four possessions and New England lost two interceptions and one fumble on three of its last four.

At the most critical time, Brady and his teammates collapsed.

But ‘‘there were a lot of positives from this football team,’’ Belichick said. ‘‘We wouldn’t have gotten to where we were without a lot of good, consistent performances from a lot of people.’’

More of them on Sunday might have sent the Patriots back to the Super Bowl.

‘‘A season that’s very much alive and with great hopes and expectations and energy suddenly crashes and it’s over,’’ Belichick said. ‘‘That’s where we are today. It’s stopped. It’s over. We’re onto next year.’’

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