5 questions and answers about Patriots vs. Ravens

For a short while in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the rivalry between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens was one of the fiercest in all of football. However, in the years since both teams have changed dramatically and their meetings both in the regular season and the playoffs have become scarce.

On Sunday night, we will get to see another such meeting. To find out more about the Patriots’ Week 16 opponent, we spoke with Nikhil Mehta of Pats Pulpit’s sister site Baltimore Beatdown, the SB Nation community for all things Ravens.

Here is what he told us about the upcoming game and opponent.

1. Lamar Jackson has battled multiple lower-body injuries this season. Have these affected his play or the way he’s been deployed?

Jackson’s multiple injuries have greatly affected his play this season. He has started to look more like his usual self in the past few games, but for a large portion of the season, Jackson has been a shell of the player we have become accustomed to watching. His mobility took a major hit, which has lead more sacks since he has been unable to avoid defenders and extend plays like normal, as well as far fewer designed runs compared to previous seasons. Jackson is currently set to finish with by far the least rushing yards he has had in a season.

2. Has anyone managed to slow down the Ravens’ run game with Jackson and Derrick Henry in the backfield? If so, how can the Patriots replicate that formula?

As mentioned above, the Ravens have not used as many designed quarterback runs, which has reduced the threat of Jackson’s legs. As a result, opposing defenses can focus on Henry, specifically with backside defenders crashing down the line of scrimmage to slow him up. The Browns, Lions, and Texans all did this effectively by playing aggressive, downhill football. That only works if, as has been the case for much of the season, the Ravens’ passing offense is not on point. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has also pivoted away from the run game multiple times this season despite favorable matchups. In the last few weeks, he’s been willing to stick with it well into the second half regardless of the score. While early success against the Ravens might reduce their run rate, the Patriots will need to hang tough in the second half when punishing runs from Henry can hurt even more. 

Ultimately, it’s all about winning early downs. If the Patriots can force incompletions and short gains on first and second down, the Ravens will be forced into more pure dropback situations that turns their dynamic offense into a one-dimensional one. That will allow the Patriots’ pass rushers to tee off against an offensive line that has faltered in pass protection many times this season, and it will also take away the most consistent part of Baltimore’s offense.

3. What’s contributed to the Ravens’ impressive defensive turnaround? How will they replace CB Chidobe Awuzie?

Multiple factors have contributed to Baltimore’s defensive turnaround this season. The biggest change has been the deployment of Kyle Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage, whether that be as a slot defender or as a dimeback. The Ravens trading for safety Alohi Gilman from the Chargers gave the defense the personnel needed to allow Hamilton to move around while maintaining quality play on the backend of the defense alongside rookie Malaki Starks. Trading for Dre’Mont Jones has been another major factor for the defense as the veteran has provided a nice boost to what was a desperately lacking pass rush.

4. Who’s one under-the-radar Ravens player Patriots fans should know on both sides of the ball?

I am not sure if Keaton Mitchell qualifies as ‘under-the-radar’ anymore; if so, he is the one to watch. Otherwise, I’d look at second-year running back Rasheen Ali, who has largely taken over Justice Hill’s role as the Ravens’ third-down back. Ali has been solid in pass protection and flashed as a receiver with reliable hands and explosive burst to quickly get upfield. Jackson seems to trust him, too; he changed a play at the line of scrimmage against the Bengals that resulted in a 30-yard catch-and-run score for Ali and found him on multiple other occasions as an outlet underneath. 

On defense, second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa could step into a big role with Chidobe Awuzie out. Tampa was pegged as a potential starter entering the offseason but was quickly bumped down the depth chart by the signings of Awuzie and Jaire Alexander. Alexander’s injury issues and eventual departure kept Tampa as the third outside cornerback for much of the year, and he has held up well when asked to play. He will have a tough task against Drake Maye on Sunday, but his awareness and skills at the catch point could be a factor.

5. What are three quick keys to the Patriots pulling off a road upset and avoiding their second straight loss? 

1. Be opportunistic. The Ravens have a horrible habit of committing turnovers at the worst moments, often because of bad ball security. The Patriots have to take advantage of those opportunities on both sides of the ball: on defense by forcing turnovers and on offense by converting them into consistent points. Baltimore’s defense has largely stood firm in the red zone after turnovers, but they have struggled to hold up for an entire game without support from their offense.

2. Protect the ball. In that same vein, the Ravens post-bye success has come on the back of their defense, and specifically, their timely takeaways. If the Patriots can force the Ravens offense to generate their yardage/points without help from turnovers and field position, they will have a much easier time containing Jackson and Co.

3. Play harder, for longer. This is a classic Mike Vrabel ethos, and it is one that applies best to the Ravens. Baltimore has consistently been on the wrong side of time-of-possession and play-count disparities, and though that did not hurt them last week, it has in several other games. In the second half, the Patriots need to maintain their physicality and keep bringing the fight to what will probably be a tired Ravens defense.