Thus, despite what the Pats defense did last week to Tebow, it isn't at the Ravens' level. It was however, a strong showing against an average offense whose only strength is a running game, which the Pats defensive front has been good at containing throughout the year (for the most part), no matter who the opponent is. Brady's only real chance at getting an off-game from the Ravens defense is to run the mostly successful no-huddle offense in certain spots during the game. It will tire out the D-line for sure, and may even prevent some Ravens player substitutions to get fresh legs.
But it doesn't always work. And if the Ravens get pressure on Brady, which they definitely will, since they can't possibly go another week without sacking a QB at least once (having not done that to Yates last Sunday), that could spell trouble for the Pats offense and even force costly turnovers in what I expect to be a close, low-scoring game where the first team to 20 points wins.
The other threat to the Patriots advancing to their first Super Bowl game in four years is Ray Rice, the best all-around running back in the league, who can run for 20 yards one play, and catch a game-changing 20-yard pass on the next. In addition, the Pats can't sleep on wide receivers like Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith, who each caught over 50 passes and racked up over 800 receiving yards this season. Giving up big plays to any of these guys, which the Pats' secondary does on a regular basis, could be very costly in a tight game. Then again, the same could be said if the Baltimore defense gives up big plays to the likes of Gronk, Welker, or Hernandez.
Having said that, in keeping with my superstition of picking against the (Pats) team I root for, let me just say that history (from two playoffs ago) looks like it will repeat itself Sunday. So let's just leave it at that.
Article comments
1 - shark
i will b there as i was in 2009 it is diff team pats 31-17