Gameday: Ravens @ New England

This morning I was watching ESPN’s NFL Match-up, and they had interesting things to say about the Patriots.

Showing the game footage of last-week, the hosts broke-down how New England was utilizing a traditional power-set offense of two TE’s, and a FB last week.

Going into this game, I have thought that the strategy of the Patriots would be to spread Baltimore out with 4 WR’s. I have been envisioning the Ravens bringing pressure, and Brady dumping it underneath to Welker (if he is available), and taking shots down the field to Moss.

If New England insists on using a more traditional formation, and attempts to run to the ball 20-25 times today, I really like Baltimore’s chances of escaping Foxboro with a victory.

The Ravens not allowing a 100-yard rusher in 38 consecutive games speaks for itself. The other benefit of the Ravens facing a team in a traditional set-offense, is that it allows the Ravens to stay in their own heavy-set of 7 Defensive Lineman and Linebackers.

Going against Brady’s quick release, and 3 former Pro Bowl players on the Patriot offensive-line, it is imperative that the Ravens get pressure. If Baltimore does not have to utilize their nickle, and dime-packages, the chances of generating a pass-rush increase.

Beyond the starters of Pryce, Gregg, and Ngata; I am really hoping to see Bannan, Edwards, and either Talavou or McKinney get extended run.

Myself and others have talked about Paul Kruger being deactivated so far to start this season, and how we want to see him get a chance to rush the QB. That said, the rookie defensive player I am looking for to step-up today is CB Lardarius Webb. Webb has had the opportunity to return a few kicks, but has not made much of an impact in the Secondary as of yet.

If the Patriots come out and spread the field today, I think it is Webb that needs to receive the playing-time as a counter.

5 Final Pre-game Thoughts:

1) The Ravens went to the AFC Championship Game last-year, and have started 3-0 this year. They are on top of most of the Power Rankings from the national web-sites. Still, this is a statement game. While there would be no shame in losing to the Patriots, a loss would have consequences. First and foremost, it could mean the Ravens might have to return to Foxboro in the play-offs. Secondly, it could take the air out of all the feel good stories that currently exist for the team. If the Ravens win, Baltimore ends the first quarter of the season with huge road-victories over both San Diego, and New England.

2) If Vince Wilfork can not go today for the Patriots, New England is going to have a miserable day dealing with the Ravens offensive-line, and rushing-attack. Behind Pryce is one of their 2009 2nd-round picks Ron Brace, who can likely help, but has to be a drop-off from Wilfork.

3) I am interested to see how many passes Flacco gets today. Against KC, and Cleveland at-home, Flacco had 43, and 35 passes respectively. At San Diego, Flacco had 26. If Flacco finishes with 25 pass-attempts or so today, perhaps that says something about the Ravens game-plan on the road against a good-team.

4) I want to see Mark Clayton get involved more this week. He has been held to 4 combined catches the past two-games. Can we have a Demetrius Williams sighting this week? I think there are holes in the Patriot secondary which can be exposed. Looking forward to seeing more of the two TE sets with Heap, and Smith today.

5) This should be a game late. If it comes down to a pressure-kick on the road, can Hauschka handle that pressure?

All summer, and before the season I predicted the Ravens to lose today in New England. When I do my Weekly NFL picks, I use my preseason Ravens picks for those games. So, I am not going to change my pick now. I feel on the road against the Patriots, that the Pats deserve the respect of being favored.

Still, as game-time nears, I feel great about the Ravens chances today, and leaving New England with a win, and another statement-made.