By: Gabby DiPaula
The undefeated Patriots will face the 5-2 Ravens on Sunday Night Football. Usually the chatter is about the Patriots offense, well this season, it's about their defense.
During the offseason, they lost their top pass rusher Trey Flowers, who signed with the Detroit Lions, and then most recently traded Michael Bennett to the Cowboys. They lost their top pass rush and the guy that was supposed to replace him, however, on paper, the Patriots have the best defense through eight games this season. They have allowed an average of 7.6 points per game, are second in passing yards (148.8) and fourth in rushing yards allowed (85.2). They also lead the league in sacks (31). Linebacker Jamie Collins leads the team with sacks (6) and tackles (43). Safety Devin McCourty has five interceptions so far this season with a team that has a total of 19.
The Patriots have yet to face a quarterback like Lamar Jackson, though. The skills that he has is hard to prepare for when you don't have anyone to replicate it in practice.
"We don't have a guy," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said during a conference call on Tuesday when asked about how they replicate a guy like Jackson. "I don't know if anybody else in the league has a guy, either. He's a very talented player with a great skillset that's unique. So, that will be a big challenge for us to try to do that, no question."
The Patriots are 8-0 and allowed their first passing touchdown in Week 6 against the New York Giants.
"We'll see how good they are once we play them," Nick Boyle said. "I mean I don't think they've seen anything like our offense or like Lamar. They're a good team and we'll need to bring our 'A' game."
On the other side, however, the Ravens have had trouble getting the quarterback down. Through eight weeks, the Patriots have made 31 sacks, where the Ravens have made just 12. Pernell McPhee, who is now on IR, after being injured in the Seahawks game, had three sacks on the season. What will be the key to getting to Tom Brady?
"A lot of that comes from coverage working with our fronts," Michael Pierce said. "So he gets the ball out of his hands incredibly fast so when guys are covered, it forces him to hold the ball longer and then you'll have a chance to get to the quarterback but it all starts with beating the guy in front of you and then making sure you get there in time when he does have to hold the ball."
Ravens' 13-year veteran, Marshal Yanda, is pretty familiar with the Patriots. This will be Yanda's 10th time facing Tom Brady. The hype is there, but also letting teammates know staying focused this week is important.
"Don't overthink it. The devil is in the details. Do your job at a high level," he said. "Prepare as if it's Week 1. Things don’t change. The opponent doesn't change, as far as our preparation and having a great practice today. All those little things, just doing the little things really well is important. And not overthinking it, and just working hard every single day [is important>. Yes, they're the Patriots. Yes they're 8-0. Yes, they're playing really good football. But we want to take care of our part and our job."