By Austin Medina
All of the talk since Week 1 has been about the New England defense. The Pats lead the NFL in multiple defensive categories including third-down conversion, yards per game allowed, and turnover differential.
The Ravens, who historically have hung their hat on their defense, will look to match New England this Sunday.
Against the elite tandem of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the Ravens know that Sunday is a huge opportunity to put the league on notice.
The undefeated Patriots have destroyed ordinary teams left and right so far but this Ravens team is anything but ordinary.
Ravens TE Nick Boyle on Patriots defense: "We’ll see how good they are once we play them. I don’t think they’ve seen anyone like our offense or like Lamar. They’re a good team and we’ll need to bring our ‘A’ game."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley)
October 30, 2019 Boyle has a point. Although undefeated and statistically excellent, the Patriots have not faced great offense. A long list of quarterbacks faced so far include second year players such as Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, and Sam Darnold. Additionally, the Pats have faced journeymen quarterbacks such as Ryan Fitzpatrick, rookie Daniel Jones, and current free agent Luke Falk.
Lamar Jackson, as well as the diverse Ravens offense, will certainly be a different test for New England. In general, the Ravens will pose a different test not just offensively, but defensively as well.
The Ravens defense has shown produced extremely better since their 40-25 loss to the Browns in Week 4. Defensive tackle Brandon Williams, who didn’t play against Cleveland, will be ready for the challenge Sunday.
Ravens DL Brandon William's on the importance of pressuring Tom Brady. "He's the head of the snake. In order to kill the snake, you gotta get the head." #Patriots
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi)
October 31, 2019 The Patriots will look to run the football and keep the unorthodox Jackson off the field. Williams will make an impact against the rush and look to force Brady into third and longs.
An interesting tidbit to look for in Sunday’s game is how Belichick and the defense approach Jackson. New England leads the league with plays under man coverage. Jackson and the Ravens have converted at their best against man coverage.
Sunday night will show a battle of two strong defenses with two quarterbacks- one rich in history and one rich in potential- looking to make a statement in 2019.
