Line of Defense

The linebackers have a big challenge on their hands. Baltimore’s offensive line is big and physical with a run first mentality. The ground game, led by RBs Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, averaged 137.5 yards per game at a 4.7 yards per gain clip.

It’s going to be very important for the defense to stop the Ravens on the ground. As always, it is easier said than done when Rice averaged 5.7 yards per carry and McGahee 5.0.  But if the Pats can hold Baltimore to short gains on first and second downs, they can attack the Ravens’ pass protection.

Baltimore gave up 36 sacks in 2009. But what sets off alarms is in the last four games, QB Joe Flacco was dropped 10 times in the last three games, eight in the last two.

Now I’m not comparing New England’s meager pass rush to either Pittsburgh’s (47 sacks) or Oakland’s (37) as the Pats finished with 31 sacks, just below the NFL’s Mendoza Line in that category by my standards. But a few players are getting hot at the right time.

Leading the way is prodigal son Tully Banta-Cain with 10 sacks, 4.5 in his last three games. If Baltimore turns their attention to TBC on passing downs, New England can capitalize on the shift by attacking the line elsewhere. Derrick Burgess has a sack in three of his last four games. And Gary Guyton chipped in with 1.5 within the last three games.

A disclaimer: Two of the last three opponents didn’t have strong offensive lines. Buffalo’s O-line (46) was in disarray from day one, starting with the decision to trade LT Jason Peters. By the time New England came to town, they were breaking in OG Ritchie Incognito, just signed after being released by St. Louis and only a few practices with the Bills under his belt. It’s no surprise the Patriots finished with six sacks that afternoon.

Jacksonville was the only team to start two rookie offensive tackles all season long in Eben Britton and Eugene Monroe. The experience of getting thrown into the fire may benefit them in the long run, but in 2009 they were the bookends for an O-line that gave up 44 sacks.

But when the Pats had to deal with an elite offense like Houston (25 sacks allowed), they came away with just one sack. Fortunately Baltimore’s line isn’t as good.

Luck is when opportunity and preparedness intersect. Sunday could be a lucky day for New England’s pass rush.