Buckle up.
Regardless of period or data, the Patriots-Ravens rivalry delivers with out fail — no less than on the physicality entrance.
Slated as residence underdogs of their final matchup, the Pats punched their technique to a 23-17 upset in 2020. The 12 months earlier than, Baltimore blasted the then unbeaten Patriots 37-20 in primetime. Positioned once more as residence underdogs, the Pats acknowledge they’re in for a fistfight Sunday.
“They can really hit you on just about every play if you’re not careful,” Bill Belichick mentioned this week.
Coming off a win the place they actually ran the clock out on the Steelers, the Patriots seem primed to deliver the battle to Baltimore with their run recreation.
Beyond that, right here’s how Mac Jones and Co. can spring an upset of their residence opener:
1. Go lengthy
Until Baltimore patches up its move protection, the Patriots ought to assault the Ravens like each opponent to return earlier than them for the final 10-plus video games: deep.
Baltimore ranked lifeless final in move yards allowed final season, and surrendered touchdowns of 60 and 48 yards within the fourth quarter of its loss final week to the Dolphins. Nelson Agholor has confirmed he’s succesful 1-on-1 alongside the sideline, the place Ravens beginning cornerback Marcus Peters was victimized. Because Peters is a gambler, risking large performs whereas he jumps routes making an attempt for interceptions, the Pats ought to be capable of hit him with a double transfer.
Not to say, first-round rookie security Kyle Hamilton has already been overwhelmed for a landing, and fourth-round rookie nook Damarion Williams has surrendered two.
2. Run off-tackle
Like most Ravens defenses earlier than them, the 2022 unit begins with two stout defensive tackles within the center.
Veteran run-stuffer Michael Pierce re-signed with Baltimore this offseason, and he’s at the moment teaming with third-year breakout participant Justin Madubuike within the center. Madubuike is the Ravens’ highest-rated run-stuffer at Pro Football Focus. Outside, although, Baltimore needs to be inclined.
Second-year edge rusher Odafe Oweh has struggled mightily in opposition to the run, and 36-year-old defensive finish Calais Campbell will not be the game-wrecker he as soon as was. The Patriots’ speeding assault has thrived primarily by attacking the perimeter C and D gaps — the areas between the offensive sort out and tight finish and out of doors the tight finish — on performs like energy, counter and toss. Keep it up.
3. Get playmakers 1-on-1 in house
The Patriots protection has begun to ascertain itself as a high-floor unit in two methods: positive tackling and limiting explosive performs.
The Ravens have managed the other, getting blown aside downfield and whiffing extra usually that two different groups within the NFL.
Baltimore has recorded 17 missed tackles via two video games, and ranks because the sixth-worst tackling workforce within the league at PFF. Linebacker Patrick Queen (4 misses) is the highest wrongdoer, adopted by security Chuck Clark (three) after which seven completely different gamers every with two. Among these is one other linebacker, Josh Bynes, who’s performed simply 69 snaps to date.
Look for the Patriots to attempt to isolate Queen and Bynes, particularly in opposition to operating backs Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson and tight finish Jonnu Smith, their prime three leaders in missed tackles compelled. The quickest technique to low-cost yards — and probably — factors goes via these two linebackers.
Source: www.bostonherald.com