Next up : Patriots

[The_Patriot_Way]

I'm a little concerned by the fact that the Ravens have only beaten one quality team this year. Thankfully, Tom Brady has been looking a little Manning like in recent post-seasons.

 

I take issue with this statement. The Ray Lewis lead Ravens defense of old had always stiffled Brady's passing attack in ways other teams just never have. I don't think Tom's diminished stats recently in the playoffs have anything to do with it being the post-season, and have everything to do with the fact that he's been playing the Ravens.

 

In 2011 he dragged the 2nd worst defense in the NFL to within one minute from winning the Superbowl.

 

In 2012 we had the same trash defense but no Gronk.

 

In 2013 we didn't have anyone and he was throwing to Hooman and Mulligan.

 

I don't mean this to be smack talk, so please don't take it that way, but I don't think this Ravens defense is that Ravens defense. I expect Tom, Lafell, Edelman, Gronk, and Vareen to all have big games next weekend.

 

Congratulations on sending your arch rivals home. Bet that felt good since nobody gave you a snowballs chance in hell.

 

Pats will be ready for you.

[The_Patriot_Way]

lol @ January Joe.

 

I like it and well earned. Flacco is becoming a threat to Tom Brady's post season win record. I definitely see him passing Montana before it's all said and done.

[The_Patriot_Way]

I have a feeling Manning and Brady are going to keep playing for one more ring. They are both at that age now where if either of them gets one more ring, they would retire after winning the Super Bowl.

 

If Tom gets #4, believe this, he'll want #5.

[RavensFanInCA]

That's a lot of players you think are going to have a big game vs. us. How many points are you thinking?

 

Also, who's Vareen? Sounds like a RB the Patriots have, but I can't find him on the roster.

[harfordravenfan]

I'm not concerned at all. We're playing with house money and so far, so good.

Exactly how I'm looking at it. Season was a true struggle and even if we lost the game tonight I'd consider this a good season. But it gets sweeter & sweeter with each win

[The_Patriot_Way]

That's a lot of players you think are going to have a big game vs. us. How many points are you thinking?

 

Also, who's Vareen? Sounds like a RB the Patriots have, but I can't find him on the roster.

 

Well, let's consider what the Patriots have done this season. Until flying out to Lambeau field and losing a close game in the final minute, the Patriots didn't just defeat a gauntlet of division leaders - they absolutely annihilated them.

 

I saw a poster above claim the Steelers have a better offense than the Patriots. I'll have to disagree.

 

After the Kansas City debacle, the Patriots warpath consisted of the following:

 

Bengals 43-17

Buffalo (strong defense) 37-22

Bears 51-23

Broncos 43-21

Colts 42-20

Lions 34-9

 

I only mention the Bills because they were stout defensively, and the Bears because it was a 50 burger, but this is high end competition. This isn't a regular season Peyton Manning tour of NFL bottom feeders. These were division leaders that were outright annihilated.

 

We slowed down a little at the end, but those were on road games, @Green Bay, @San Diego, @NY Jets, and in week 17 we sat our starters.

 

Again, I don't want to be mistaken here for smack talk. I hate the Ravens sometimes, primarily because of my dislike for individual players, but I have a high level of respect for your team due to your uncanny ability over the last few years to make Tom Brady look average. That said, I just do not see this game being a real continuation of those gritty, gutsy battles we have had over the years. I expect the Patriots offense, defense, and special teams, to contribute to putting close to 40 points on the board, and I don't expect Flacco to be able to match it against our defense (Yup, after years of waiting, we finally freaking have one).

 

The last time I checked, the Patriots have the highest point differential in the 2014 NFL at +163.

 

We had a tough schedule this season and we crushed it.

 

This is the most talented, most healthy and most complete Patriot team that's taken the field in some time. It is easily our best shot at winning the ever so elusive 4th Lombardi since the 2007 18-1 team.

 

Nate Solder's performance is going to be one to watch. We were expecting him to be our next elite left tackle. He's sometimes underwhelmed. The Ravens front will definitely challenge our offensive line, which is potentially a weak spot for us (weeks #1~4 were something of a disaster)

 

Fans have a tendency to be very team centric, so maybe some of you aren't aware what the Patriots have done to high level competition this year. Something to consider when thinking about who you're up against.

 

I read today that fewer than six teams in the NFL have beaten Tom Brady at the Razor, and one of them includes the Bills in week 17 of this season when we rested our started. The Ravens, however, have shown many times they're not intimidated and can come here and punch us in the mouth.

 

Anything is possible, and it could be another classic Ravens v Patriots slugfest, but this might also be the year Brady finally puts a heavy hurting on you.

 

I don't expect us to have a lot of success running the ball up the gut, but Vareen out of the backfield can potentially hurt you on 3rd down. I'm guessing the game plane this time around will be for Brady to air it out.

 

If the Ravens win this game I'll honestly be speechless. I'll drop my drink right on my carpet and stare at my television completely dumbfounded. I really just can't see it happening this time around, but it's the playoffs, you're playing with house money, we're expected to go to Arizona, and I'll be nervous despite everything.

[Ty745]

good w taking it to pitts burgh ravens. know next gme is not going be that easy non are. but if it wasnt for me tweetin to the ravens flacco need to do more listen nd less mouf'n back the coach or when I told joe he should throw hail mary passes on first down always I been teaching this team how to play discreet wit a statue of criterion ravens probabuly wouldn't got this far doing this without me. been since 2012 love the way the ravens play football but let me say im the reason why that joe flacco can throw the ball wit no int nd its on point and the reason why the ravens defense almost stop every play its a special way nd a secret I wont reveal it. joe kno he cant do this by himself sometimes the defense can. you guys know I put in effort predicting what would happened just saying if me nd flacco can negotiate somethin like he come to a rally downtown bmore nd I can meet him I make sure ravens get to the superbowl I just wanna lor appreciation.and talk next year plan to get to the superbowl or u can ignore me nd I laissez-faire nd we go to new England nd lose I want two more superbowls trust me I kno you guys do brother to brother just wanna a little appreciation

[JEEPercreepermd]

Well, let's consider what the Patriots have done this season. Until flying out to Lambeau field and losing a close game in the final minute, the Patriots didn't just defeat a gauntlet of division leaders - they absolutely annihilated them.

I saw a poster above claim the Steelers have a better offense than the Patriots. I'll have to disagree.

After the Kansas City debacle, the Patriots warpath consisted of the following:

Bengals 43-17

Buffalo (strong defense) 37-22

Bears 51-23

Broncos 43-21

Colts 42-20

Lions 34-9

I only mention the Bills because they were stout defensively, and the Bears because it was a 50 burger, but this is high end competition. This isn't a regular season Peyton Manning tour of NFL bottom feeders. These were division leaders that were outright annihilated.

We slowed down a little at the end, but those were on road games, @Green Bay, @San Diego, @NY Jets, and in week 17 we sat our starters.

Again, I don't want to be mistaken here for smack talk. I hate the Ravens sometimes, primarily because of my dislike for individual players, but I have a high level of respect for your team due to your uncanny ability over the last few years to make Tom Brady look average. That said, I just do not see this game being a real continuation of those gritty, gutsy battles we have had over the years. I expect the Patriots offense, defense, and special teams, to contribute to putting close to 40 points on the board, and I don't expect Flacco to be able to match it against our defense (Yup, after years of waiting, we finally freaking have one).

The last time I checked, the Patriots have the highest point differential in the 2014 NFL at +163.

We had a tough schedule this season and we crushed it.

This is the most talented, most healthy and most complete Patriot team that's taken the field in some time. It is easily our best shot at winning the ever so elusive 4th Lombardi since the 2007 18-1 team.

Nate Solder's performance is going to be one to watch. We were expecting him to be our next elite left tackle. He's sometimes underwhelmed. The Ravens front will definitely challenge our offensive line, which is potentially a weak spot for us (weeks #1~4 were something of a disaster)

Fans have a tendency to be very team centric, so maybe some of you aren't aware what the Patriots have done to high level competition this year. Something to consider when thinking about who you're up against.

I read today that fewer than six teams in the NFL have beaten Tom Brady at the Razor, and one of them includes the Bills in week 17 of this season when we rested our started. The Ravens, however, have shown many times they're not intimidated and can come here and punch us in the mouth.

Anything is possible, and it could be another classic Ravens v Patriots slugfest, but this might also be the year Brady finally puts a heavy hurting on you.

I don't expect us to have a lot of success running the ball up the gut, but Vareen out of the backfield can potentially hurt you on 3rd down. I'm guessing the game plane this time around will be for Brady to air it out.

If the Ravens win this game I'll honestly be speechless. I'll drop my drink right on my carpet and stare at my television completely dumbfounded. I really just can't see it happening this time around, but it's the playoffs, you're playing with house money, we're expected to go to Arizona, and I'll be nervous despite everything.

Prepare to be bent over on your carpet, buddy.

Don't make the mistake of playing the ..we beat x and y teams by 50, so we can beat YOU by 50...Doesn't work like that.

Honestly, your post's general overtone SCREAMS typical arrogant Patriots fans, which is why most of us here can't stand your team and your fellow typical arrogant Patriots fans.

I really could care less who they beat..congrats, they destroyed Buffalo..be proud..I guess..

Your secondary is good, but front 7 is average..and facing Forsett, who has the highest YPC this year. Don't take this game lightly, this is a Ravens team that probably would have run away with the AFCN had the secondary not been so decimated by injuries early in the year.

Also forgot to mention. .you can talk about beating the Lions and Bears all you want buto you guys beat the JETS by a combined. .3 points this year.

[TDubbs]

 

Nate Solder's performance is going to be one to watch. We were expecting him to be our next elite left tackle. He's sometimes underwhelmed. The Ravens front will definitely challenge our offensive line, which is potentially a weak spot for us (weeks #1~4 were something of a disaster)

 

 

This is where the game will be won; NE's Oline vs. our Dline. If our pass rush plays the way it just did it will be a long day for Brady, who is not nearly as elusive to sack as Ben. If we can't get to #12 consistently, he'll most likely tear up our secondary and it will be a shootout. 

[Ravenslifer]

This will be a tougher matchup than people think - the Pats' defense is the typical underrated one of years' past.  They've allowed a lot of yards, not a lot of points (like our defense, actually, which isn't a surprise given Pees is the Pats' former DC).  Offensively it's pretty even, too - they were 4th in scoring, but we were 8th (and Pittsburgh was actually 7th).  And they have 2 very good corners in Revis and Browner - it's different than in years' past where their defensive backfield was basically swiss cheese.  Where they may be exploited is their run defense, although it was still top 10 this year.  They've lost to some scrubs, but they've also beaten some of the top teams in the NFL pretty convincingly.  IMO this is the best Pats' team we've faced so far in the playoffs.  But Joe likes Foxborough, and Pees has found a way to get to Brady in the past.  I think they're the better team on paper, but in the playoffs that doesn't always matter - we just have to find a way to get them to make mistakes and keep from making them ourselves.

[beanfigger]

I'm not gonna quote that long post, but I'll respond. The Patriots have played extraordinary this season for a very long stretch. You used point differential, and I wonder if you've checked the Ravens for that stat. We also are over +100 there, in spite of six losses. The Patriots should be expected to win, and I'm not saying differently, but you stopped the recap of your scores about a few weeks before the end of the season. If we get Patriots vs Colts effort, we're in trouble. However, if we get the team that squeaked past the Jets by one point in a game that still mattered, it's a different story.

[Chicknwsl]

Anyone going to the game?

[edgarallensuggs]

very impressed with kubiak's play calling last night. about time we get aggressive on o. love the bootleg/playaction calls. on the other side of the ball our secondary did a decent job eliminating the big play, although keeping brown out of the equation is a tall task. now we have to focus on the gronk. sizzle has to get in his ear and get him off his game. im dreading the zone blitz with Upshaw covering the flat though

[Alaska Alaska!]

How do we stop Gronk? He's not human....he's just not..

[3-4ravdef509]

Well, let's consider what the Patriots have done this season. Until flying out to Lambeau field and losing a close game in the final minute, the Patriots didn't just defeat a gauntlet of division leaders - they absolutely annihilated them.

 

I saw a poster above claim the Steelers have a better offense than the Patriots. I'll have to disagree.

 

After the Kansas City debacle, the Patriots warpath consisted of the following:

 

Bengals 43-17

Buffalo (strong defense) 37-22

Bears 51-23

Broncos 43-21

Colts 42-20

Lions 34-9

 

I only mention the Bills because they were stout defensively, and the Bears because it was a 50 burger, but this is high end competition. This isn't a regular season Peyton Manning tour of NFL bottom feeders. These were division leaders that were outright annihilated.

 

We slowed down a little at the end, but those were on road games, @Green Bay, @San Diego, @NY Jets, and in week 17 we sat our starters.

 

Again, I don't want to be mistaken here for smack talk. I hate the Ravens sometimes, primarily because of my dislike for individual players, but I have a high level of respect for your team due to your uncanny ability over the last few years to make Tom Brady look average. That said, I just do not see this game being a real continuation of those gritty, gutsy battles we have had over the years. I expect the Patriots offense, defense, and special teams, to contribute to putting close to 40 points on the board, and I don't expect Flacco to be able to match it against our defense (Yup, after years of waiting, we finally freaking have one).

 

The last time I checked, the Patriots have the highest point differential in the 2014 NFL at +163.

 

We had a tough schedule this season and we crushed it.

 

This is the most talented, most healthy and most complete Patriot team that's taken the field in some time. It is easily our best shot at winning the ever so elusive 4th Lombardi since the 2007 18-1 team.

 

Nate Solder's performance is going to be one to watch. We were expecting him to be our next elite left tackle. He's sometimes underwhelmed. The Ravens front will definitely challenge our offensive line, which is potentially a weak spot for us (weeks #1~4 were something of a disaster)

 

Fans have a tendency to be very team centric, so maybe some of you aren't aware what the Patriots have done to high level competition this year. Something to consider when thinking about who you're up against.

 

I read today that fewer than six teams in the NFL have beaten Tom Brady at the Razor, and one of them includes the Bills in week 17 of this season when we rested our started. The Ravens, however, have shown many times they're not intimidated and can come here and punch us in the mouth.

 

Anything is possible, and it could be another classic Ravens v Patriots slugfest, but this might also be the year Brady finally puts a heavy hurting on you.

 

I don't expect us to have a lot of success running the ball up the gut, but Vareen out of the backfield can potentially hurt you on 3rd down. I'm guessing the game plane this time around will be for Brady to air it out.

 

If the Ravens win this game I'll honestly be speechless. I'll drop my drink right on my carpet and stare at my television completely dumbfounded. I really just can't see it happening this time around, but it's the playoffs, you're playing with house money, we're expected to go to Arizona, and I'll be nervous despite everything.

 

First of all, I think it's pretty foolish to expect a blowout win over a battle tested Ravens on the road in the playoffs. History doesn't favor you on that one, no matter how good your team looked this year.

 

This is a game of matchups, so let's explore them.

 

Patriots Receivers vs. Ravens Secondary: This is one matchup that'll determine much of the game. I'd have to say the edge goes to Brady statistically at the end of the day but when it really matters in the endzone, as the Steelers found out last night we have an excellent red zone d. We give you all that underneath stuff and let you get to our 30, where it becomes harder to get behind us, and then the playbook opens up for us and shrinks for you, and we have the front seven to contain the rushing attack and the pass rush to force Brady to go through his progressions quickly, as Brady isn't nearly as mobile as Big Ben so he won't be able to extend plays like Ben did. Gronk vs. Will Hill and D. Smith will be the matchup to watch in the red zone, and they did a good job at limiting Grahm earlier in the year. I expect plenty of yardage for Brady, but points will be at a premium of decoding our red zone d.

 

Torrey Smith vs. Browner. I expect Revis to be on Steve Smith all day, as it'd be foolish to allow Steve Smith to take over this game. Torrey has been an X factor for us on offense all year and in our last playoff run. If Torrey gets going it really opens up our offense. 

 

Our run game will also be crucial to establish as you see how it opens up our play action passing to our tight ends.

 

So this game in my mind will be very close. Turnovers will likely be the separating factor.

[beanfigger]

How do we stop Gronk? He's not human....he's just not..

Two options. Bracket coverage and force the others to beat you, or just keep him in front of you and play zone to eliminate everyone else. The latter could lead to big numbers for Gronk, but that's fine as long as the stats don't include a bunch of TDs it's fine. Brown went for over 100 last night, but it didn't make much of a difference.

[K-Dog]

How do we stop Gronk? He's not human....he's just not..

When he is not looking, tie his shoes laces together in a really big tight knott.

[Guest patriot lifer]

This game, I see the defense shining and Joe catching his stride. Brady has root feet and wull struggle with the pressure we bring. Should be interesting though. I see Aiken getting more reps this game and trying to avoid Revis. The TES should get more action as well.

 

The NEP have been weaker against heavy front 7's.  The offensive line of the Pats has struggled against these types of teams (see the two Jets match-ups).  In addition, the Pats offense in general has been streaky and inconsistent.  For example, against Miami, they scored only 1 offensive TD in the first half, which was the result of great field position from a turnover.  However, in the second half of the Miami game, they scored 4 TDs.

 

Expect the NEP offense to be inconsistent and the defense to be consistently good. 

[Alaska Alaska!]

Two options. Bracket coverage and force the others to beat you, or just keep him in front of you and play zone to eliminate everyone else. The latter could lead to big numbers for Gronk, but that's fine as long as the stats don't include a bunch of TDs it's fine. Brown went for over 100 last night, but it didn't make much of a difference.

I love how the Ravens pretty much destroyed Megatron last year on MNF.  Our DBs smashed his body into pieces.  I remember at one point after one of our guy's tackled him, the camera zoomed into CJ's face while he was on the ground. The guy was wailing in agony.  He wasn't injured, but that hit was no joke for him.  We need to hit Gronk like that.  If we don't do that, that guy's gonna be a problem. 

[GrimCoconut]

Patriots front seven is actually pretty good. I think Wilfork, Chris Jones make a really good team. Still mad we didn't pick him up when the Texans cut him. They also have Chandler Jones and Ayers, who are both two very talented pass rushers. I have to say they have decent MLB play but Collins is a good player, make no mistake there. Then their secondary is also really talented. I'd expect Torrey to be covered by Browner with Revis on Sr. It could go either way, though. Also, don't forget McCourty who's a beast of a FS.

I think their weakness is on offense, despite it actually being good. Tom is working with a rather lackluster WR corps, though he still has Gronkowski and that's an x factor. Their OL has holes, however, so if we can exploit them we can win.

I ultimately think we'll turn the ball over in this game. I don't feel good about Joe going without a turnover here when he's facing this kind of secondary. Hopefully we limit the turnovers to one. This game is certainly in our grasp though. I do think we present the toughest matchup for the Patriots of any team left.

[Guest patriot lifer]

Prepare to be bent over on your carpet, buddy.

Don't make the mistake of playing the ..we beat x and y teams by 50, so we can beat YOU by 50...Doesn't work like that.

Honestly, your post's general overtone SCREAMS typical arrogant Patriots fans, which is why most of us here can't stand your team and your fellow typical arrogant Patriots fans.

I really could care less who they beat..congrats, they destroyed Buffalo..be proud..I guess..

Your secondary is good, but front 7 is average..and facing Forsett, who has the highest YPC this year. Don't take this game lightly, this is a Ravens team that probably would have run away with the AFCN had the secondary not been so decimated by injuries early in the year.

Also forgot to mention. .you can talk about beating the Lions and Bears all you want buto you guys beat the JETS by a combined. .3 points this year.

 

Regarding the claim that Pats fans are arrogant and the general "disrespect card."  If you refer to the PatsFans.com thread on the upcoming match-up, then you'd see that there is a lot of respect for the Ravens team.  Of course, this isn't 100% of the fanbase, but many fans expect a very difficult match-up.

 

Honestly, if there's any "disrespect card" to speak of, then it comes down to specific fans for both the Ravens and the NEP--including yourself.

[codizzle]

How do we stop Gronk? He's not human....he's just not..

Take out the batteries?

[football knowledge]

Patriots front seven is actually pretty good. I think Wilfork, Chris Jones make a really good team. Still mad we didn't pick him up when the Texans cut him. They also have Chandler Jones and Ayers, who are both two very talented pass rushers. I have to say they have decent MLB play but Collins is a good player, make no mistake there. Then their secondary is also really talented. I'd expect Torrey to be covered by Browner with Revis on Sr. It could go either way, though. Also, don't forget McCourty who's a beast of a FS.

I think their weakness is on offense, despite it actually being good. Tom is working with a rather lackluster WR corps, though he still has Gronkowski and that's an x factor. Their OL has holes, however, so if we can exploit them we can win.

I ultimately think we'll turn the ball over in this game. I don't feel good about Joe going without a turnover here when he's facing this kind of secondary. Hopefully we limit the turnovers to one. This game is certainly in our grasp though. I do think we present the toughest matchup for the Patriots of any team left.

You are underestimate the receiving corps that New England has.. Edelman missed the last two games but he has 972 yards and is top 10 in receptions again for the second year and Brandon LaFell the outside threat has 951 yards and 7 TDs .. Additionally, Shane Vereen is top 10 in runningbacks in regards to receptions/receiving and can provide matchup problems for linebackers as well as safeties down field.. he has had some receptions for deep which are rare for running backs.  Danny Amendola (he is fully healthy) has come on strong as of late as well and has made some big time 3rd down receptions and huge in the return game. Additionally, new tightend Tim Wright is very consistent, specifically in the redzone with 6 touchdowns and most of them being in the red-area.  Because of that, New England is able to run the two TE sets because you have a great TE and a very good TE behind him.. and both are extremely athletic and provide matchup problems.  And the only thing about pressure, one thing Brady does well and has been doing this season (he is sacked less than Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning this season) are checkdowns and screens to Shane Vereen and other backs.. very effective in that area.  And two outstanding power running backs in Jonas Gray and LeGarrette Blount who combine between last season and this season broke 5 consecutive franchise running records between those two seasons.  The Patriots offense is a lot more complete than what people think and 4th in scoring.  Gronk is not the only weapon, and for those who say that their receivers don't scare anyone, LaFell and Edelman have been beating one on one coverage the last 8 or 9 weeks.  And the last game vs Baltimore, there was no Gronk or Wright, or LaFell for that matter .. it was Amendola and Edelman down field.  Will be a tough task for anyone to go into New England with a win because this New England team is healthy, has a healthy Gronk, getting healthy on the Oline as oppose to the last 3 weeks and have an outstanding defense for the first time in years.

[A Fish Called Yanda]

Regarding the claim that Pats fans are arrogant and the general "disrespect card."  If you refer to the PatsFans.com thread on the upcoming match-up, then you'd see that there is a lot of respect for the Ravens team.  Of course, this isn't 100% of the fanbase, but many fans expect a very difficult match-up.

 

Honestly, if there's any "disrespect card" to speak of, then it comes down to specific fans for both the Ravens and the NEP--including yourself.

 

Oh look, another Patsie has joined our forum.  Welcome!

 

I was just looking @ PatsFans reading the Ravens Steelers thread, and while you guys are appropriately worried about facing us, all I see if complete disrespect and trash talk from most of your fans.

[A Fish Called Yanda]

Jeez, there are more Patriots fans in this thread than Ravens fans at this point.

[Ozzsome]

I am so much looking forward to the match up of Will Hill vs. Gronkowski. Hill blanked Jimmy Graham earlier in the year and I really hope he can do the same against Gronk.

Will be fun to watch those two square off

[ravensdfan]

Jeez, there are more Patriots fans in this thread than Ravens fans at this point.

This happens every time we play the Patriots. It's like an invasion.

[Moderator 3]

Jeez, there are more Patriots fans in this thread than Ravens fans at this point.

As long as they abide by our rules and stay away from smack, that's fine. If they cross the line, just report the post. We have a magic button to deal with it.

Funny enough, we've probably banned more Patriots fans than any other group over the years (though the 49ers run a close second).

[A Fish Called Yanda]

This happens every time we play the Patriots. It's like an invasion.

 

Kind of like that time I came down with an unfortunate case of lice...

[ravensdfan]

Kind of like that time I came down with an unfortunate case of lice...

lmbo

 

yeah exactly like that