Gut Check: Who wins and what's the game changing play?

[JSn]

Alright, this isn't for a predict the score contest or a proof of your kingship of Homerville. Tell me who your gut tells you wins this game and predict the game-breaking play/player.

My gut tells me (and it MUST have a big brain...) the Pats win in a game that isn't as close as the final score suggests.

The gamebreaker is an INT or Fumble Recovery to the house by Brandon M.

Anyone else want to post some wild guesses? We've seen enough stat-based predictions for this week, imo.

 

[patsox23]

Pats win by 9 and the game-changing play is a forced fumble sack by Pryor.

 

[Liverpool_Patriot]

I've gotta feeling that we will win and I'm usually a pessimist

I'll say that Brady drives the team down 60 yards in the final minute to set up a Gostkowski field goal. :singing:

 

[QB12]

Pats win 24-21 in a game that is as close as the score indicates.

In the 4th, with Baltimore trying to tie it up or take the lead, McGowan blindsides Flacco, jarring the ball loose. Patriots recover, and run out the clock to preserve the win.

Preview of AFC Championship.

QB12

 

[PatriotsInGA]

Pats-24
Ravens-10

Big play: Brady to Moss for 75 yards in the third to take a 17-10 lead.

 

[QB12]

The gamebreaker is an INT or Fumble Recovery to the house by Brandon M.

McGowan or Merriweather?

QB12

 

[RoughingthePasser]

jsn....i actually agree with you.

I think our offense will have a steady and productive game all 4 quarters.
I wouldn't be suprised with 4 TD's maybe 1TD from a TO.

I think our secondary will get a TO and maybe STeams will....who knows...but it will be an awesome game....very physical and we'll see some game changing plays from our defense.

This is their chance to shoe the birds how it's done....then on to the SB to finish our business with the Giants. jk

I love our defense...its time to kick it up a notch.

 

[BradfordPatsFan]

Patriots 23-19

With the Ravens driving for a chance to tie in the middle of the fourth quarter, Guyton stuffs McGahee 3rd and 1 forcing the Ravens to settle for a fg.

Brady and co. run out the clock.

 

[JSn]

McGowan or Merriweather?

QB12

Crap. ya caught me. I wanted to keep my options open. I suspect there's a friendly competition between The Hit Stick and Ball-Chowin' McGowan.

 

[flynismo]

I've gotta feeling that we will win and I'm usually a pessimist

I'll say that Brady drives the team down 60 yards in the final minute to set up a Gostkowski field goal. :singing:

That's actually my biggest fear about this game. We lost a couple last year in just that fashion.

 

[mayoclinic]

I believe there may be more than one game breaking play - more like a 5 minute breakdown by one team or the othe that blows the game open. For example (example chosen to favor Pats, of course):

- Ravens stop Pats but get called for a penalty that makes it 4th and 1
- Pats go for it on 4th down and convert
- Brady hits Moss for a TD on the next play
- Ravens come back and are driving but Flacco throws an INT on the next series for a TD by Meriweather. 14 point swing.

Just an example. And it could easily go the other way.

 

[farn]

I'll go NE, I guess... but - obvious, I know - a win on Sunday would go a long way in believing this team can really make a big time push.

Anyhoo, NE by 9 or 10 pts. Sanders recovers a fumble, maybe inside the Pats' redzone and TFB drives it all the way down for the score. Maybe A. Thomas creates it... the whole : stick it to your former team trick.

 

[IcyPatriot]

Sammy Morris imitates Darren Sproles and has big gains from short passes on the right.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Crap. ya caught me. I wanted to keep my options open. I suspect there's a friendly competition between The Hit Stick and Ball-Chowin' McGowan.

Ball-Chowin'....? Hell of a nickname, hahaha.

The usual performers will all have to play well to win, but a couple good, undervalued guys that I think might remind everyone that they're good are Sanders and Maroney.

 

[Fencer]

Backbreaker -- long pass from Brady to one of Aiken or Galloway.

 

[fair catch fryar]

Julian Edelman or possibly, Wes Welker returns a 90+ yard kickoff for a touchdown at the start of the 2nd half.

 

[Patspsycho]

Ravens DC calls timeout on 4th and 10 with 1:59 left. History repeats.

 

[wdkantro2]

I think this is going to be a game that tells everyone that the Pats have a defense for the first time since 2004. Offense will be OK, will put up 17-28 I think, but the defense is going to be as good as last week with one more turnover than last week.

 

[Uncle Meat]

I have no idea what is going to happen since I've never seen the 2009 matchup between these two teams. I think the whole game hinges upon how the Patriot defense handles the Raven offense, actually, which is a switch from the past when talking about the Ravens. I think the Patriots are going to have get an early lead, stop the Ravens' rushing attack, and therefore making them one dimensional...although, that's not even a slam-dunk now that they have Flacco.

I do think this is one of the best games of the week, though. Whoever wins the turnover battle should win. I think this game could go either way, which is why I won't touch it on a gamble.

The only thing I ask is the game changing play NOT be a penalty. That's always the worst.

I think the game changing play WON'T be a run by New England. I think this game is on Brady and the big play is on him. I don't trust the Patriots' new D or running attack to believe otherwise at this point. Meanwhile, I think the Ravens have the potential to make the game changing play on either side of the ball, including either rushing or passing on offense...of course, anything can happen on Special Teams, but you can't depend on that.

I'll definitely be a game to watch.

 

[Feep50]

I dunno what the game changing play might be, but I do know this is a pivotal game with the Jest down in NO and hopefully losing to the Saints.

I like the idea of a late drive and Gost kicking the game winner field goal late scenario..... Go Pats!