Marquise Brown expected to play against Patriots

By Austin Medina  

The Ravens bye week could not have come at a better time. Although 5-2, the Ravens have experienced a number of injuries on both sides of the ball.

One prominent injury has been Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. An ankle injury has kept Brown out of the past two games.

Before the injury, Brown splashed on the scene with a huge Week 1 performance in Miami. He caught four catches for 147 yards along with two touchdowns. In the four games after, Brown reeled in 17 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown.

Ravens' receivers coach David Culley told reporters earlier this week that he expects Brown to be back to form when he returns against the Patriots.

Ravens WR coach David Culley on Hollywood Brown, who is expected to return from ankle injury after bye: "When he comes back and comes back healthy, he'll be just where he was before. I don't see any slow-down in him at all."

The Ravens offense has remained strong in Brown's absence, but there matchup is not against an ordinary defense.

The #Ravens are one of the best teams in man coverage!The addition of Marcus Peters only adds to their success! #RavensFlock--: https://t.co/zFH3gJjnsD pic.twitter.com/EOewy6fdTR

Although the Ravens rank 3rd in man coverage, the Patriots rank first in the league. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has made his living on taking away top priorities for opposing offenses. Belichick may look to load the box with eight men and man cover the Ravens receivers.

If this formula turns out true, the Ravens will need Brown to use his speed to force safety help and free up the running lanes.

With the game nine days away, Brown and the Ravens anticipate to be fully healthy for a potential playoff matchup with New England.