Patriots - Ravens Keys, Who Has the Razor's Edge?

Ravens RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge New England
The Ravens have been one of the worst teams in the league at running the football in 2016. They’ve averaged only 89.7 yards per game which is 28^th in the league. But they’re getting better as their offensive line is getting healthy and back to being a cohesive unit again. In the last three games, their average is a much better 101 yards per game.

They’ll try to get Terrance West heavily involved as it will make their play-action game much more effective. West has rushed for 650 yards and five touchdowns. Kenneth Dixon is the change of pace, receiving back.

The Patriots have been good against the run allowing just 94.3 yards per game. Alan Branch and Malcom Brown have done a great job of stuffing the running game at the point of attack. In the past two games against the Jets and Rams, the Pats allowed just 100 yards combined on the ground.

Ravens WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge Baltimore
The Ravens have a good passing game and with Joe Flacco getting better protection now, they’re looking to improve even more down the stretch. Flacco has a trio of good targets with Mike Wallace, Steve Smith, and Dennis Pitta at tight end. The Ravens like to go vertical in their passing game and get big chunks down the field.

The Patriots may be without CB Eric Rowe in this one. Rowe took over the 2^nd CB role which allowed Logan Ryan to move into the slot where he’s more effective. This week, they may have to match Ryan up on Wallace with safety help and put Malcolm Butler on Smith. That scenario would put either Justin Coleman or rookie Cyrus Jones in the slot. Neither has been particularly good this season, so this will bear watching.

The key here, like for Brady is the protection for Flacco. He’s been poor when under pressure this season. And very good when given time. With a healthy O-Line, they should give him more time. It will be intriguing to see if Matt Patricia and Bill Belichick stay aggressive this week.

Special Teams- Razor’s Edge Baltimore
The Patriots special teams have been up and down all season. Last week they were up. Stephen Gostkowski made all four field goal attempts and both extra points and was the AFC STs Player of the Week. Ryan Allen has been solid with a 43.8-yard average and a 40.8-yard net in punting. The coverage units have been solid.

The Ravens have had the luxury of having the best kicker in the NFL in 2016. Justin Tucker hasn’t missed a field goal in his last 35 attempts dating back to last year and is perfect on extra points. Sam Koch has a 46.0-yard average in the punting game. Had Amendola been healthy, he could have been a factor in the return game but Jones, who has been shaky will likely get the call.

Next up, who wins and why…

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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