Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Here are 10 things I'm thinking about in anticipation of the New England vs. Baltimore game on Sunday in Foxboro.
1. Really, is there any way the Patriots can win this game?
Of course they can, but the Pats are going to have to play a near-flawless game to beat the Ravens (they are my Super Bowl pick this year, too). Obviously, easier said than done.
2. Give Bill Belichick two weeks to prepare for anyone, and I'm betting the Ravens are going to see some things the Pats haven't done yet this season. Bank on Joe Flacco making a mistake because he didn't see a particular coverage on film this year.
3. The fans will not be leaving this game early in the fourth quarter. Well, perhaps they may if it's a blowout. But if you can beat the traffic, why not? Brady should even understand that.
4. Tom Brady is going to have some trouble in the passing game. The Ravens ranked first in the NFL in third-down defense. Yes, they get off the field, while the New England defense ranks dead last. Brady and Co. will be frustrated at times in the this game.
5. Stop the run. I'm calling out the Patriots' front right now. If the Ravens keep picking up chunks of yardage on the ground, it's going to be a long game and the Ravens will just keep pounding the rock.
6. I'm not scared of Joe Flacco, but his weapons are pretty dangerous (Boldin, Housh, Heap, Mason, Rice). This game should come down to Flacco winning it.
7. Welcome back Deion Branch. Now do something on the field. If he's open, Brady will find him. But can he get open? I'm cautiously optimistic that Branch is a key piece to this offensive puzzle.
8. I just love the tight ends who can stretch a defense. The Pats have two great rookies in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. They will be feared for many years.
9. I'm really concerned about the New England defense. Even if the Pats stop Ray Rice on the ground, Flacco is solid enough and has enough playmakers that can make it a long day for the Pats' secondary. Boy, that secondary is soft and inexperienced, anyway. They better tighten it up ...and fast.
10. Who will win? Yes, I'm a Patriots fan and I'd love to pick them, but I can't. The Ravens are a premier team in the AFC, and the Pats are a notch below. I think Baltimore is all-around a better team and they'll hold down Brady and force field goals. And we all know what happens when you kick field goals: You lose. Plus, New England's defense is a work in progress, and the Ravens' physical brand of football will wear down the Pats.
Prediction: Ravens win, 24-16
