goheels22002

All this focus on stopping Ray Rice misses the Patriots' accomplishments in the running game this year.

The Ravens rushed for 1,996 yards this year with a 4.35 yards/carry while the Patriots rushed for 1,764 yards for a 4.03 yards/carry. Not that big a difference.

Both teams pass more than they run the ball (a surprise to me) with the run/pass ratios not all that far apart. Patriots run the ball 42% of the time vs the Ravens who run the ball 46% of the time.

Over 16 games of the regular season, the Patriots averaged 110 yards per game on the ground compared to the Ravens' 124.

In some ways, the Patriots defense has it easier. They know that Ray Rice is The Man to stop as the leading rusher and receiver. The Ravens have to worry about a multi-headed beast in both the rushing and passing games.

It is reassuring to look at the Patriots rushing statistics to see more balance with the passing game than we might think, and a potent enough running attack to move the chains with nearly the same effciency as the Ravens.

Patriot_in_NY

Put a spy on him all game.

He's best spreading out to corners and having Spikes (or even Chung) spy him all game should serve to limit breakaway runs. He'll get his yds, we just have to limit them to 3-5 yarders instead of 8-12.

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patsfaninpa

Hloti Ngata and Terrence Cody are two space-eaters up front. Huge ILB's in Ray Lewis and Johnson. We won't be able to run at them early in the game. As the game wears on and we go to hurry up. Cody will tire out and we might be able to run Woodhead some. But, don't expect too much running the ball.

VJCPatriot

The Ravens strength is stopping the run, but I don't think you can succeed against that D by being one dimensional. That plays into their hands. You've still got to keep them honest. But find creative ways to run the ball. For example using Hernandez in a double or triple TE formation like we did last week. Using Woodhead on draws, etc. I am wondering if we will go more to the screen game to use the Ravens' aggression against them. If they get burned a couple of times early this will slow them by half a step as they will take the time to read and react instead of just attacking downhill all the time.

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Brady_to_Moss

Pats only need run to set up PA IMO


Please please no ridley...i just don't trust him with ball yet...BJGE has a much better chance of NOT fumbling...

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cstjohn17

The Ravens won't even try to stop the run.

Expect the Ravens to be in a nickel formation more than 70% of the snaps.

Basically they will dare the Patriots to run, just like teams used to do against the Colts. Even with extra DBs the Patriots offense will be pass heavy.

RavensFanHere

The Pats don't want to run the ball in this matchup. If the Ravens can force NE into running into Ngata and co that becomes a clear advantage for them.

patsfaninpa

I look at their def. front like the Vikings back 5-6 years ago. Had both Williams at DT. Just a tough run defense. Tops in the league at the time. Why beat your head against the wall? Brady came out throwing on that Monday night game and we got an early lead. I'd like to see that instead of 2 runs no yards , 7yd pass on 3rd and 10 punt for the 1st quarter. Attack.

rojo8401

The Ravens are certainly capable of shutting down the running game of any team.

I have no idea what the Pats will do but I suspect they will try to run early to get the o line settled in.

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VJCPatriot

If you read what I typed, I never said 'beat your head against a wall', I said keep them honest and find creative ways to run and attack that will make the defense hesitate. If you become completely one dimensional then the DL just pins back their ears and goes after Brady. There must still be a THREAT of a run in order to allow the offense to operate optimally and to set up some credible play action.

I expect the Pats first possession to be scripted. And we will see a mix of run and pass. It is true that when OL get to run block they settle in faster because they get the chance to be the aggressors. And that carries over in their attitude. That being said, pass protection will be a huge key for us. I trust Brady to make the proper reads and adjustments. I am anxious to see what wrinkles we pull out to counter the Ravens aggressive defense.

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