Maybe the week two Jets game was like a flash forward of this game against Baltimore.
Obviously the Ravens’ defense will play much like Gang Green’s crew that kept the Patriots offense out of the endzone. Baltimore will rely on many of the principles taught by Cocky Green Giant, with a few twists naturally.
New York is built strong up the middle with the help of a couple of Baltimore transplants. ILB Bart Scott took his business elsewhere to get out of ILB Ray Lewis’ shadow. S Jim Leonhard pairs with another Pro Bowl-caliber safety, exchanging Ed Reed for Kerry Rhodes.
Losing quality players on one side of the ball oftentimes cripples the unit. So far, Baltimore’s defense is down from first overall last year to seventh this year, meaning there’s more to the defense than the losses.
Much of what the Jets did originated from Baltimore so expect to see a lot of the same tactics. Overload blitzes? They got them in bushels. One-on-one coverage on the receivers? You know it. A potent offense?
Say what?
As good as the Ravens defense has been, the offense, led by second year QB Joe Flacco is grabbing headlines. He quickly advanced from caretaker to playmaker, spreading the ball around and throwing downfield. Not your average Joe has 10 completions of 20+ yards and averages 25 yards per touchdown pass.
Flacco is fifth in passer rating and is tied for fourth in touchdown passes with six. He’s outplayed beloved QB Tom Brady this year, and it’s not even close.
I’d say a few words about the Ravens rush offense, but if I keep this up, I might start believing the Patriots have no chance against the Ravens.
Tthe truth is, I think the Patriots have a very good chance against the Ravens. They’ve seen them before.
A few things I’m looking for:
Moss One-on-one: It was a challenge Randy failed against the Jets. He can’t wait to get another shot at CB Darrell Revis. This game will be a perfect warm-up for the November rematch.
Go Big or Go Home: Baltimore has a dozen plays of 20 yards or more, but gave up just as many defensively through the air. Though New England’s defense allowed eight plays of 20 yards or more through the air, they can attack the Ravens secondary.
A Nose for the Zone: Even at 6-4 345, the Ravens will drop DE/NT Haloti Ngata into coverage in zone blitzes because he’s so athletic. He has three career interceptions, so it’s not a gimmick.
Head coach showed he still has it when it comes to bewildering young passers, as he had Atlanta’s Matt Ryan puzzled. Similar Jedi mind tricks help the Patriots edge the Ravens as the offense keeps last week’s momentum going.
Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com.
