Lack of pass rush...

The only reason I can explain what may have been the Patriots 2nd worst defensive playoff performance during the Belichick era, thankfully saved by an all-time Brady playoff performance and a signature game clinching turnover in the end.

Is the a major concern going forward?

I wouldn't be worried. D played better in the 2nd half.

Yeah. Seems like Flacco had time for those long throws.
Don't know why there were not as much blitzes on Flacco.

Is it an issue? I say - YES!

I think the return of Chandler Jones took some of the pass rushing plays away from Akeem Ayers. I could be wrong but I didn't see Ayers rush as many times today as I saw before .

Not too worried.

Ravens have a great offensive line that really helps Flacco put up the numbers he does in the postseason.

Furthermore, the Ravens did a great job play-calling with their run/pass mix and bootlegs etc. that really kept the Patriots defense guessing.

I thought they really picked it up in the second half once the rust was knocked off. They only allowed 10 points in the second half (although their streak of not allowing a touchdown in the second half came to an end... lamentably).

I dont pretend to know even a fraction of the game that the coaching staff does, but I sure would like to see Collins unleashed in a pass rushing role... just once.... How bout a preseason game Bill?

Where is Ayers????

Will the officials call holding again in the postseason? I noticed Collins being literally wrestled to the ground and Jones being bearhugged from behind.

The OT/pass rusher battles went to the OTs on both sides of the ball, and I suspect the lack of flags played a strong role.

Watching this game reminded me of Packers game. Flacco, like Rodgers had a lot of time to throw. Annoyed me. But the d line getting pushed backwards over and over on running plays was disturbing.

Slagathor said:

Watching this game reminded me of Packers game. Flacco, like Rodgers had a lot of time to throw. Annoyed me. But the d line getting pushed backwards over and over on running plays was disturbing.

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I was vexed by this too, but feel a combination of rust and top notch Ravens line were the culprits here.

I do not think they will look as bad going forward, and, they are fortunate to have this on tape so they can correct the issues. Ravens did a great job getting the running back to the edges while cutting the pursuit of the defensive lineman with their interior lineman.

Every time I watched Chandler he was using a bull rush or rip technique. He needs to use a little more in his arsenal.

Can't we just enjoy this for 24 hours Mr pessimistic? You're living up to your name here.

MrNathanDrake said:

Where is Ayers????

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When Jones came back he is now only a rotational guy.

We are going to need to get pressure on Manning next week. Can't have another week of no pressure but i am sure they will find a package and manning will crap his pants

I would be more concerned with the lack of run game then pressure right now IMO

We need to get Ayers more involved. This pass rush simply isn't getting it done.

Ninko g

Brady_to_Moss said:

When Jones came back he is now only a rotational guy.

We are going to need to get pressure on Manning next week. Can't have another week of no pressure but i am sure they will find a package and manning will crap his pants

I would be more concerned with the lack of run game then pressure right now IMO

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I thought we'd see Jones rushing from inside, with Ayers coming in to rush from the outside, at least on 3rd downs.

I'm pretty sure they were rushing 4 most of the game, and were trying to hold gap integrity b/c BB respects Flacco's movement a lot. Against a good OL like the Ravens, that's going to be a 4-5 second pass rush. We don't have a JJ Watt back there that can do it alone.

MrNathanDrake said:

Where is Ayers????

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Agree. Chandler made it abundantly clear that he should still be in the tub.

New England Pride said:

Can't we just enjoy this for 24 hours Mr pessimistic? You're living up to your name here.

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It wouldn't be the first time...

for starters if they are only going to rush 3 vs a team that only has 2 WR's and leave big holes in zone coverage then they need to find a way to get Ayers and jones on the field at the same time. when they started bringing 4 and 5 in the 2th half they got two INT's

this is not a rant its just my opinion a win is a win in the playoffs and I am happy to get passed the ravens but I don't get why you spend almost 20 million on man CB's and then play bend but don't break defense for a whole half of playoff football you have to get to the QB in todays NFL and I don't get why they wait a whole half to change things if your down by 14 in the first QT and cant stop the QB bring some blitz you keep doing that you could find your self down by 4 TD's going into a half next time