Patriots – Ravens Keys, Who Has the Razor’s Edge?
Winslow Townson - USA TODAY Sports
Patriots RBs vs Ravens Front Seven – Razor’s Edge Baltimore
The Patriots rush offense is going against the best rush defense in the league in Baltimore who allow only 73.8. Baltimore’s front seven is big, physical, and aggressive and can stuff the run easily.
Much like the Jets game, the Patriots CAN run but it is going to be very difficult this week. They’re going to have to mix things up and try to keep the Ravens defense off-balance. The addition of Dion Lewis will help things in this regard as they can show pass and try to hit on some quick hitters to get to the second level. Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams will be a big test for the Pats David Andrews and Joe Thuney. They may opt to try the right side behind Shaq Mason and Marcus Cannon.
This won’t be a big day for carries by LeGarrette Blount. Blount leads the league in rushing touchdowns with 13 but Baltimore has allowed only four in 2016.
Patriots WRs vs Ravens Secondary – Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots and Tom Brady will try to replace Rob Gronkowski in their passing offense by going more to Julian Edelman and spreading the ball around to a variety of other receivers. In one way of looking at things, the Baltimore defense under Dean Pees won’t have the luxury of knowing how they’ll try to attack. Danny Amendola will miss this one as well with an ankle sprain.
The Ravens play a lot of zone on early downs and do a great job of taking away the middle of the field. They’re aggressive and blitz especially up the A-gaps on obvious passing downs. With Elvis Dumervil back, their pass rush now has bookend good rushers. Terrell Suggs leads the team with eight sacks.
Look for Brady to get the running backs, James White, and Lewis more involved in the passing game. The Ravens will try to chip them on their way out of the backfield to slow their routes and give the edge rushers more time to get after Brady. Brady will have to be aware where safety Eric Weddle and LB C.J. Mosley are and look them off. They are the ballhawks with three interceptions a piece.
Next up the Baltimore offense:
Posted Under: Patriots Commentary
Tags: 2016 NFL Season Baltimore Ravens Bill Belichick C.J. Mosley Chris Hogan Danny Amendola Dennis Pitta Dion Lewis Dont'a Hightower Jabaal Sheard Joe Flacco Julian Edelman Kenneth Dixon LaGarrette Blount Malcolm Butler Martellus Bennett Miami Dolphins Mike Wallace New England Patriots NFL Patriots Patriots edge rushers predictions Rob Gronkowski Rob Ninkovich Steve Smith Terrance West Terrell Suggs Timmy Jernigan Tom Brady Trey Flowers
