I re-watched the Ravens-Broncos game in hopes of getting a better sense of what to expect, but I think it's really hard because it was a game with so many mistakes on both sides, not just the obvious ones (TWO special teams touchdowns given up by the Ravens, a horrendous fumbled snap) but lots of wide receiver drops and stupid penalties. Of course, as we know, the Broncos, in the end, made more.
I did, though, see three things to worry me.
Torry Smith (obv.) Clearly, if the Patriots can't defend him better than the Broncos did or they did last time it could be a long afternoon. But I didn't see the Broncos get real pressure on Flacco except a couple of times when they flushed him from the pocket and forced him to throw it away. That's supposed to be a pretty good pass rush. Unless the Patriots can do better it could get tough. And then there's Rice. When I watched the game live he didn't seem that effective to me -- Caldwell seemed to be running him up the middle for a couple of yards on first down and it was predictable. I only noticed how dangerous he was in the second half on looking again.
On the other hand, I can't believe that the Patriots receivers will drop as many balls as the Broncos did or have a running game that isn't more effective. If they can get the hurry-up going, watch out old men!
Bottom line. If they had the Gronk I'd be pretty confident. As it is, I'm optimistic. And, let's face it, if they can't handle the Ravens what chance do they have against San Francisco (or Atlanta)?
Go Pats!
