The Ravens will attempt to get again on monitor after their epic collapse towards the Miami Dolphins. The New England Patriots aren’t the titanic opponent they have been a couple of years in the past, however they nonetheless have a stingy protection and the best coach of all time in Bill Belichick. Who has the benefit going into Week 3?
Ravens passing recreation vs. Patriots move protection
The Ravens wasted among the finest passing performances of Lamar Jackson’s profession (21 of 29, 318 yards, 3 TD) of their 42-38 loss to the Dolphins. Jackson benefited from a clear pocket created by the Ravens’ offensive line, and he was sharp on each timing and contact passes. His prime two targets, extensive receiver Rashod Bateman and tight finish Mark Andrews, each surpassed 100 yards towards Miami, and Bateman has established himself as a deep risk with landing catches of 55 and 75 yards within the first two weeks. The 2021 first-round draft choose is a chore for any cornerback to cowl due to his fast, clear releases from the road of scrimmage. Devin Duvernay, who cleared concussion protocol and returned to apply Friday, has emerged as an environment friendly No. 2 extensive receiver, with six catches on six targets within the first two video games. The Ravens additionally bought rookie tight finish Isaiah Likely going (4 catches on 5 targets, 43 yards) towards Miami after he was shut out in his debut. Through two video games, Jackson has taken two sacks for a mixed lack of 2 yards and thrown one interception, vital enhancements on his efficiency from 2021. He wore a padded sleeve on his proper elbow in apply Wednesday and was listed as a restricted participant however stated he’ll play Sunday.
The Patriots stated goodbye to their prime cornerback, J.C. Jackson, within the offseason, and incumbent starter Jalen Mills, who’s questionable with a hamstring harm, has performed poorly within the first two weeks. But Belichick normally finds a method. New England ranked second in move protection final season and ranks ninth to date this yr. The Patriots additionally misplaced to the Dolphins however carried out higher towards Tua Tagovailoa In Week 1 than the Ravens did in Week 2. They have blitzed on 30% of dropbacks, up from 23% final yr. Former Ravens outdoors linebacker Matthew Judon is off to a robust begin with two sacks and 5 quarterback hits. Defensive finish Deatrich Wise Jr. has additionally performed effectively.
EDGE: Ravens
Patriots passing recreation vs. Ravens move protection
It’s troublesome to say the Ravens have a bonus over any opponent after Tagovailoa’s passes sailed over their damaged coverages to the tune of 199 fourth-quarter yards. Patriots second-year quarterback Mac Jones is off to a gradual begin, with simply two landing passes and two interceptions. He ranks twenty sixth in ESPN’s complete QBR statistic. New England has invested closely in its extensive receivers and tight ends with combined outcomes to indicate for it. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers has been Jones’ prime goal this yr, with 13 catches for 150 yards, however he missed apply twice with a knee harm and is questionable to play. Tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry have mixed for simply 5 catches on 11 targets. Patriots blockers have achieved a great job retaining Jones clear.
The Ravens should hope their secondary is more healthy this week. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey performed effectively towards the Dolphins however is questionable to play with a groin harm. His companion, Marcus Peters, can be restricted, taking part in 44 of 71 defensive snaps in his first recreation again after lacking final season with a torn ACL. Brandon Stephens (quadriceps) didn’t play towards Miami however returned to apply Wednesday. Tagovailoa took benefit of rampant miscommunication within the Baltimore secondary, connecting with Tyreek Hill for 48- and 60-yard touchdowns because the Dolphins rallied from a three-touchdown deficit. The Ravens additionally struggled to create significant strain as their edge rushers, Odafe Oweh and Justin Houston, appeared to tire late within the recreation. It was an all-around catastrophe for a protection that completed final towards the move in 2021 however expects to do a lot better in 2022. On the intense facet, security Marcus Williams has three interceptions in his first two video games as a Raven.
EDGE: Even
Ravens operating recreation vs. Patriots run protection
Jackson was the Ravens’ operating recreation towards the Dolphins, with 119 yards on 9 carries, together with a 79-yard landing that put them up 35-14 on the finish of the third quarter. The landing, with Jackson exploding up the center as two different potential runners swept proper, was a reminder of offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s nifty play designs. But the Ravens have struggled mightily to squeeze manufacturing from operating backs Kenyan Drake, Mike Davis and Justice Hill, who mixed for 28 yards on 14 carries towards Miami. The Ravens’ incapability to transform in short-yardage conditions helped facilitate the Dolphins’ comeback. Coach John Harbaugh stated opponents have dedicated further man energy to stopping the operating assault however acknowledged his crew has to do higher. The return of No. 1 operating again, J.Okay. Dobbins, would assist, however Harbaugh stated he’s nonetheless week-to-week as he recovers from a severe knee harm.
The Patriots have restricted opponents to 156 dashing yards over the primary two weeks after rating twenty second towards the run final season. Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (12 tackles) has performed effectively, whereas former Ravens Lawrence Guy and Carl Davis stay contributors on the inside.
EDGE: Patriots
Patriots operating recreation vs. Ravens run protection
The Patriots stay a dedicated operating crew however have averaged simply 3.8 yards per carry, twenty second within the league. That’s not the fault of their lead runner, Damien Harris, who has 24 carries for 119 yards after he averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored 15 touchdowns final season.
The Ravens led the league in run protection final yr, and opponents have rushed simply 35 occasions towards them by way of two video games, however they’re permitting 4.8 yards per try. Defensive sort out Justin Madubuike and nostril sort out Michael Pierce have performed effectively. Veteran linebacker Josh Bynes has struggled, with two tackles in 69 defensive snaps, whereas fellow linebacker Patrick Queen has remained on the sector for each defensive play, incomes an honest run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus.
EDGE: Ravens
Ravens particular groups vs. Patriots particular groups
The Ravens completed first in Football Outsiders’ special-teams DVOA in 2021. All-Pro Justin Tucker made his solely field-goal try from 51 yards towards the Dolphins and is ideal on the season. Duvernay returned the opening kickoff 103 yards for a landing. Rookie Jordan Stout struggled in his second recreation, with a internet common of 36.5 yards on two punts.
The Patriots have all the time emphasised particular groups beneath Belichick however haven’t performed as much as their lofty requirements over the past two years. Kicker Nick Folk has made considered one of two makes an attempt this season. Three Patriots have averaged 28.3 yards on 4 mixed kickoff returns.
EDGE: Ravens
Ravens intangibles vs. Patriots intangibles
The Patriots aren’t the automated playoff crew they have been for therefore a few years with Tom Brady at quarterback. But Belichick has by no means been simple to outmaneuver, particularly at residence, the place the Patriots have had their method with the Ravens within the common season. They shut down Jackson in a 23-17 upset the final time the groups met in 2020, a recreation marred by heavy rain and wind.
Harbaugh, in the meantime, has to rally his crew from considered one of its most embarrassing residence defeats and hope his secondary is wholesome sufficient to carry a mediocre offense in examine. The Ravens will really feel urgency to not fall to 1-2 with the red-hot Buffalo Bills on their technique to Baltimore in Week 4.
EDGE: Patriots
Prediction
The Patriots should not have sufficient offensive weapons to maintain up with the type of efficiency Jackson delivered towards Miami. So the query is whether or not Belichick can devise a technique to throw off the Ravens quarterback. Another shootout can be a shock. The Baltimore protection will discover its footing sufficient to assist Jackson pull out a tricky street win. Ravens 27, Patriots 20.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com