Watching the last Ravens game last December, a few things noticed:
Baltimore can collapse the pocket against NE's inconsistent interior OL. A spread offense with quicker tempo offense should negate the rush, and Blount will have chances for his (suddenly) patented cut-back runs.
On defense, Pats' DL is much more improved (no Branch nor Wilfork last year). Add Arrington to the secondary depth and they have a chance to keep Baltimore under 20.
Of course, no turnovers is a must in any playoff game, but I'm feeling rationally confident against this irrationally scary Ravens team.
- Flacco was hurt (knee) and it affected the passing game
- Even with a healthier secondary, the middle zones can definitely be exploited
- No Gronk for the Pats, but a fully healthy Edelman more than made up the gap
- A veteran like Blount can cut across the over-pursuit by the DL and have big gains
- Having Revis should effectively cancel out one of the Smith
- Lack of TE (hobbled Pitta) production was a big factor, especially for a Kubiak offense
- Ravens was playing a critical game at home, fighting for a playoff spot. Yet the Patriots outplayed them on pretty much all phases of the game
Baltimore can collapse the pocket against NE's inconsistent interior OL. A spread offense with quicker tempo offense should negate the rush, and Blount will have chances for his (suddenly) patented cut-back runs.
On defense, Pats' DL is much more improved (no Branch nor Wilfork last year). Add Arrington to the secondary depth and they have a chance to keep Baltimore under 20.
Of course, no turnovers is a must in any playoff game, but I'm feeling rationally confident against this irrationally scary Ravens team.