Patriots - Ravens, Who Has the Razor's Edge, Key Matchups

[PatsFans.com Article]

Patriots - Ravens, Who Has the Razor's Edge, Key Matchups

Steve Balestrieri

After an outstanding 2014 season, Gronkowski is not only ready but rested, having gotten Week 17 off and after a two-week break, he will want to make his mark on this game

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[jmt57]

Here is another article on key matchups for this game, this one from Oliver Thomas (used to write for NEPatriotsDraft.com)

http://patriotsobserver.com/2015/01/08/eyeing-six-key-matchups-in-patriots-vs-ravens/

1. Steve Smith vs Darrelle Revis
2. Marshall Yanda vs Rob Ninkovich
3. Justin Forsett vs Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower
4. Terrell Suggs vs Nate Solder
5. Elvis Dumervil vs Sebastian Vollmer
6. Will Hill vs Rob Gronkowski

Hill vs. Gronkowski: There is a reason Rob Gronkowski was one of only two unanimous first-team All-Pro selections this year. The Patriots tight end dictated coverages and also found himself the recipient of 82 passes for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns in 15 games. His 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame will be a make-or-break test for Baltimore’s secondary, which has lost four cornerbacks – Jimmy Smith, Aaron Ross, Danny Gorrer and Asa Jackson – to injured reserve. But the greatest test for the Ravens won’t be on the outside; it will be where safety Will Hill resides. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound Hill brings size, physicality and range to Baltimore’s back end, both at the line and in centerfield. He has gone against the likes of the New Orleans Saints’ Jimmy Graham and the San Diego Chargers’ Antonio Gates, and he will now go against another tight end from the same tier. Fellow safety Matt Elam and rookie Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley could be in line to join him as reinforcements. Baltimore’s defense has limited opposing tight ends to five touchdowns on the season.​