Pre-Game Thread - Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots (1 Viewer)

[Jeff Pasquino]

 

[Raider Nation]

GO RAVENS!!!

 

[Routilla]

Ravens win.

 

[offdee]

This game is on Sunday (not Saturday)

 

[The Ref]

I agree. No chance the Patriots win this game..

:hidesintheweeds:

 

[Mike]

This looks like the toughest one to call. I haven't been very impressed with the Ravens this year. I'll back the Pats even with the loss of Welker.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The Ravens shot themselves in the foot so many times in close games this year against good teams, it is hard to not see them doing it again next week. This will probably be one of those games where you will get the sense that the Ravens outplayed the Patriots and maybe should have won, but New England will find a way to win.

 

[SierraKiloBravo]

I say NE wins this by 3 points or less.

 

[Father Guido Sarducci]

Both teams have been regular playoff participants over the past decade, both franchises have rings, but this is surprisingly their first playoff meeting which makes it the biggest game ever in the series between them. I think its the most interesting game in the first round.

 

[Ravens]

Should be an interesting game.

Welker's loss will have an impact as Ravens weak secondary has 1 less threat to cover.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

This isn't a good matchup for the Ravens. They'll have to play mistake-free, or close to it, to win. That said, the defense is playing better as a group (though the secondary is still frightening). I don't think the Pats will run much - Brady will probably throw 50 times, so I'm setting the over/under on Ravens PI calls at 5. It's essential that Flacco play well - he really needs to win a game like this where he's the reason. He still makes too many mistakes & that ain't gonna work against the Golden Boy at home in January.

First-cut prediction for me is Pats 31-17.

 

[FUBAR]

Both teams have been regular playoff participants over the past decade, both franchises have rings, but this is surprisingly their first playoff meeting which makes it the biggest game ever in the series between them. I think its the most interesting game in the first round.

and the loss of Welker provides Patriots fans their excuse.I'm going to say the Ravens win on an Ed Reed INT as Brady tries to force it to Moss in double coverage in the last few minutes.

 

[ChargersOH]

This isn't a good matchup for the Ravens. They'll have to play mistake-free, or close to it, to win. That said, the defense is playing better as a group (though the secondary is still frightening). I don't think the Pats will run much - Brady will probably throw 50 times, so I'm setting the over/under on Ravens PI calls at 5. It's essential that Flacco play well - he really needs to win a game like this where he's the reason. He still makes too many mistakes & that ain't gonna work against the Golden Boy at home in January.

The weather could be a factor. If it's nasty, I like the Ray Rice factor in ths game, as the vertical game will be less of an issue.This years incarnation of the Pats are a very beatable team. This is a game Baltimore could easily take, especially with Welker out.

 

[Bad_Mo]

Both teams have been regular playoff participants over the past decade, both franchises have rings, but this is surprisingly their first playoff meeting which makes it the biggest game ever in the series between them. I think its the most interesting game in the first round.

and the loss of Welker provides Patriots fans their excuse.I'm going to say the Ravens win on an Ed Reed INT as Brady tries to force it to Moss in double coverage in the last few minutes.

Call it what you will, but losing a guy that is the focal point of the offense doesn't bode well for any team.Edelman will step up and replace some of Welker's production. The kid can play.

 

[Bottomfeeder Sports]

Edelman will step up and replace some of Welker's production. The kid can play.

I'm too lazy to check (late for work really), but didn't Edelman do well in the first game against the Ravens?

 

[djcolts]

The Ravens shot themselves in the foot so many times in close games this year against good teams, it is hard to not see them doing it again next week. This will probably be one of those games where you will get the sense that the Ravens outplayed the Patriots and maybe should have won, but New England will find a way to win.

I pretty much agree with this. I think the Pats win by less than a TD.

 

[roadkill1292]

The Ravens were 2-7 against teams with winning records this year: they beat a banged up San Diego very early and a Roethlisberger-less Pittsburgh. That doesn't bode well for a duplication of last year's surprising run through the playoffs.

Now, they did play New England, Indianapolis and Minnesota very close and it's not inconceivable that they could get a couple of big runs against the Pats, but their inconsistent passing game, proclivity for killer penalties and still underperforming secondary points toward Mr. Belichick finding a way to get more points on the board. Pats in a close one that will leave Ratbird fans gnashing their teeth in anguish yet again.

 

[Ned]

Edelman will step up and replace some of Welker's production. The kid can play.

I'm too lazy to check (late for work really), but didn't Edelman do well in the first game against the Ravens?

Week 4 was when Welker came back (he went 6/48/0). Edelman's big week was week 2 vs. NYJ (8/98/0).

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Rooting for the Ravens big here.

 

[Spike]

Rooting for the Pats but figure there is no way the Ravens don't win by at least 10 points.

 

[gianmarco]

I think Flacco is easily the key to this game. He plays well and I think Ravens will win. If not, then they're toast.

 

[Team Smokin']

Flacco scares me...nuff said.

 

[Stillers Jr.]

Obviously not a fan of either team so this one's tough...

I like the Ravens to win this on the legs of Ray Rice, not so much the arm of Flacco.

The Raven Def, while not elite, is capable enough. Couple that with no Welker, no real NE running threat, a triple covered Moss...and a dinged Tommy B...not lookin so hot for the Pats.

Take the Ravens +4 to the bank.

Ravens - 27

Pats - 20

 

[zoonation]

Funny how the people picking the Ravens ignore the most poignant post in this thread highlighting their record against teams with a winning record. 2-7 people. The Ravens are pretenders.

 

[The_Man]

Funny how the people picking the Ravens ignore the most poignant post in this thread highlighting their record against teams with a winning record. 2-7 people. The Ravens are pretenders.

Of their 7 losses, 5 were bascially coin flip games, as were 2 of their wins (SD and Pitt). They missed a last second FG at Minnesota that would have won the game. They threw a pick in FG range in the last 2:00 of a 2-point loss to Indy. They dropped a fourth down pass that would have given them a first down at the Patriots 5, with 40 seconds to go in a 6-point loss. Cincy beat them on a last second TD, etc. So they were 2-5 in tossup games. Maybe that shows they just don't have what it takes to win the close ones. But I think it's more of a coinflip thing, and maybe they're due to have a break go their way.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Funny how the people picking the Ravens ignore the most poignant post in this thread highlighting their record against teams with a winning record. 2-7 people. The Ravens are pretenders.

One thing that has not been mentioned is NE's home record - 8 & 0

 

[ravnzfan]

Funny how the people picking the Ravens ignore the most poignant post in this thread highlighting their record against teams with a winning record. 2-7 people. The Ravens are pretenders.

they played and lost to 5 of the 8-1st place teams, giving them all a handfulI have a problem with "pretenders"...while I felt the Steelers were a better team this year over all, the Ravens certainly didn't give it up to Oak, Clev + KC---so there were a bunch of 'pretenders', as you call themin the end, they are their own worst enemy--it isn't so much that "the teams w/winning records kicked their a-$$"...generally speaking, them missing a FG or taking yet another penalty knocking them out of FG range or having several TD's called back due to penalties away from the play has been more their demisein then end, I'm pleased they are 1 of 6 teams from last years playoffs repeating, and that they did not lose 1 game "they shouldn't have"...alot teams home this weekend wish they could say the same, but took it in the shorts against someone they simply should have flat out beaten5-2 road playoff record is in our favor---our record vs NE isn't (0-6 maybe?), so something's gotta giveif the # of penalties stays under 5 1/2, they have a shot...9-115 and NE wins pulling awaykeep your head in the game fellas, and we live to see another day!

 

[pats3in4]

The Pats gameplans have been much better at home than on the road. At home, the Pats call a balanced game, use play action and generally keep the opposing D guessing. On the road, the Pats have gone shotgun-heavy, often with empty backfields, clearly tipping off the D what was coming and putting Brady is some tough spots. With this game in Foxboro, I'm expecting the Pats to bring their A game...plan and beat the Ravens in a close one.

I think defensively, the Pats focus on Mason, put TE stopper McGowan on Heap and will take their chances in single coverage everywhere else. With Wilfork and Warren back, the run D will be much better than what they showed in Houston. If the Pats can force the game into Flacco's hands and make him win by throwing to guys other than Mason and Heap (and Rice...see if ILB Guyton can keep up with him), then more power to the Ravens if they win that way.

 

[David Yudkin]

Funny how the people picking the Ravens ignore the most poignant post in this thread highlighting their record against teams with a winning record. 2-7 people. The Ravens are pretenders.

Of their 7 losses, 5 were bascially coin flip games, as were 2 of their wins (SD and Pitt). They missed a last second FG at Minnesota that would have won the game. They threw a pick in FG range in the last 2:00 of a 2-point loss to Indy. They dropped a fourth down pass that would have given them a first down at the Patriots 5, with 40 seconds to go in a 6-point loss. Cincy beat them on a last second TD, etc. So they were 2-5 in tossup games. Maybe that shows they just don't have what it takes to win the close ones. But I think it's more of a coinflip thing, and maybe they're due to have a break go their way.

You can say the same about the Pats. 5 of their 6 losses (all on the road BTW) were nail biters lost in the last minutes and were one possession games. Their record was 10-6 but they had a chance to be 15-1 if they could hold the lead in the 4th quarter.Lost @ NYJ by 7 with the ball and couldn't score after leading 9-3 at the halfLost @ DEN by 3 in OT after leading by 10 at the halfLost @ IND by 1 and the infamous 4th and 2 after leading by 17 in the 4thLost @ MIA by 1 after leading 21-10 in the 2nd halfLost @ HOU by 7 after leading by 14 in the 4thIf the Pats could simply stop turning the ball over in the 2nd half and get a defensive stop at the end of the game, the loss of Welker won't impact them as much as some people may think.

 

[jonessed]

Funny how the people picking the Ravens ignore the most poignant post in this thread highlighting their record against teams with a winning record. 2-7 people. The Ravens are pretenders.

Of their 7 losses, 5 were bascially coin flip games, as were 2 of their wins (SD and Pitt). They missed a last second FG at Minnesota that would have won the game. They threw a pick in FG range in the last 2:00 of a 2-point loss to Indy. They dropped a fourth down pass that would have given them a first down at the Patriots 5, with 40 seconds to go in a 6-point loss. Cincy beat them on a last second TD, etc. So they were 2-5 in tossup games. Maybe that shows they just don't have what it takes to win the close ones. But I think it's more of a coinflip thing, and maybe they're due to have a break go their way.

You can say the same about the Pats. 5 of their 6 losses (all on the road BTW) were nail biters lost in the last minutes and were one possession games. Their record was 10-6 but they had a chance to be 15-1 if they could hold the lead in the 4th quarter.Lost @ NYJ by 7 with the ball and couldn't score after leading 9-3 at the halfLost @ DEN by 3 in OT after leading by 10 at the halfLost @ IND by 1 and the infamous 4th and 2 after leading by 17 in the 4thLost @ MIA by 1 after leading 21-10 in the 2nd halfLost @ HOU by 7 after leading by 14 in the 4thIf the Pats could simply stop turning the ball over in the 2nd half and get a defensive stop at the end of the game, the loss of Welker won't impact them as much as some people may think.

They lost games late because their secondary sucks and they have little to no pass rush. Baltimore lost many of its close games because they made mental mistakes. I don't know if one is better or worse than the other, but the Pats problems stopping late drives are always going to be there. They simply don't have the personnel.

 

[David Yudkin]

Funny how the people picking the Ravens ignore the most poignant post in this thread highlighting their record against teams with a winning record. 2-7 people. The Ravens are pretenders.

Of their 7 losses, 5 were bascially coin flip games, as were 2 of their wins (SD and Pitt). They missed a last second FG at Minnesota that would have won the game. They threw a pick in FG range in the last 2:00 of a 2-point loss to Indy. They dropped a fourth down pass that would have given them a first down at the Patriots 5, with 40 seconds to go in a 6-point loss. Cincy beat them on a last second TD, etc. So they were 2-5 in tossup games. Maybe that shows they just don't have what it takes to win the close ones. But I think it's more of a coinflip thing, and maybe they're due to have a break go their way.

You can say the same about the Pats. 5 of their 6 losses (all on the road BTW) were nail biters lost in the last minutes and were one possession games. Their record was 10-6 but they had a chance to be 15-1 if they could hold the lead in the 4th quarter.Lost @ NYJ by 7 with the ball and couldn't score after leading 9-3 at the halfLost @ DEN by 3 in OT after leading by 10 at the halfLost @ IND by 1 and the infamous 4th and 2 after leading by 17 in the 4thLost @ MIA by 1 after leading 21-10 in the 2nd halfLost @ HOU by 7 after leading by 14 in the 4thIf the Pats could simply stop turning the ball over in the 2nd half and get a defensive stop at the end of the game, the loss of Welker won't impact them as much as some people may think.

They lost games late because their secondary sucks and they have little to no pass rush. Baltimore lost many of its close games because they made mental mistakes. I don't know if one is better or worse than the other, but the Pats problems stopping late drives are always going to be there. They simply don't have the personnel.

While I agree that the Pats defense late in games has not been great, it's not all their fault. The Pats offense in the 4th quarter has been horrible. Many games all they needed was a short drive to take time off the clock but they could not get a first down and either 1) punted after a 3 and out, 2) gone for it on 4th down and failed to convert, or 3) turned the ball over.Here were their points scored by quarter over the course of the season: 99-176-70-75. They have not been able to do much at all on offense in the second half. They were shutout in the 4th quarter 6 times and held without a 4th quarter TD 3 other times.The defense is far from being as terrible as people make it out to be. They ranked 5th in fewest points allowed. As far as sacks go, they had one fewer sack than the Ravens did this year.What's interesting is that this year's Pats are similar to prior year's Pats for roughly 55 minutes a game. But the offense can't sustain late game drives or get any points to put games out of reach and the defense can't get off the field, gets tired, and gives up points late in the game.I don't know how difficult is for a team to get one more first down or make one defensive stop in the last few minutes a game, because if NE could have done that this year they would have had a similar record to the Colts or Chargers.

 

[Gopher State]

N.E. wins 21-17, Ray Rice fumbles in last 4 minutes of the game, sealing the deal for New England.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Here were their points scored by quarter over the course of the season: 99-176-70-75. They have not been able to do much at all on offense in the second half. They were shutout in the 4th quarter 6 times and held without a 4th quarter TD 3 other times.

I don't have the Ravens' points-by-quarter handy but I'd bet it's as lopsided the other way. They've had an awful time scoring early in most games.

 

[David Yudkin]

Here were their points scored by quarter over the course of the season: 99-176-70-75. They have not been able to do much at all on offense in the second half. They were shutout in the 4th quarter 6 times and held without a 4th quarter TD 3 other times.

I don't have the Ravens' points-by-quarter handy but I'd bet it's as lopsided the other way. They've had an awful time scoring early in most games.

Ravens score by quarter . . .77 81 123 107

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Here were their points scored by quarter over the course of the season: 99-176-70-75. They have not been able to do much at all on offense in the second half. They were shutout in the 4th quarter 6 times and held without a 4th quarter TD 3 other times.

I don't have the Ravens' points-by-quarter handy but I'd bet it's as lopsided the other way. They've had an awful time scoring early in most games.

Ravens score by quarter . . .77 81 123 107

So give the points in the first half & take them in the second.

 

[Workhorse]

Here were their points scored by quarter over the course of the season: 99-176-70-75. They have not been able to do much at all on offense in the second half. They were shutout in the 4th quarter 6 times and held without a 4th quarter TD 3 other times.

I don't have the Ravens' points-by-quarter handy but I'd bet it's as lopsided the other way. They've had an awful time scoring early in most games.

Ravens score by quarter . . .77 81 123 107

So give the points in the first half & take them in the second.

That alone is a good sign for the Patriots and a bad sign for the Ravens. Baltimore is at their best when they take a lead and allow their defense to pin their ears back and go after the quarterback on defense, and play keep away running the ball on offense. They get into trouble when they fall behind and play catch up.

 

[David Yudkin]

Ravens offense on the road

24 31 61 45

Ravens defense on the road

50 61 23 32

Pats offense at home

44 116 39 51

Pats defense at home

27 28 24 24 (No quarter with more than 7 points allowed)

On a per game basis

Ravens Offense 3 3 7 6 = 19

Pats Defense 3 3 3 3 3 = 12

Average 15.5 points

Pats Offense 6 14 3 7 = 30

Ravens Defense 6 8 3 3 = 20

Average 25 points

 

[zoobird]

N.E. wins 21-17, Ray Rice fumbles in last 4 minutes of the game, sealing the deal for New England.

Maybe then he'd realize how I felt losing out on over $1,000 of prizes because he couldn't get a single one of Baltimore's 3 rushing touchdowns last week!

 

[ravnzfan]

Ravens offense on the road24 31 61 45Ravens defense on the road50 61 23 32Pats offense at home44 116 39 51Pats defense at home27 28 24 24 (No quarter with more than 7 points allowed)On a per game basisRavens Offense 3 3 7 6 = 19Pats Defense 3 3 3 3 3 = 12Average 15.5 pointsPats Offense 6 14 3 7 = 30Ravens Defense 6 8 3 3 = 20Average 25 points

so you offering Ravens +9 1/2, under/over 40.5?

 

[Wilbur Wood]

I heard on the radio a little while ago that Randy Moss has missed practice and seen limping around the facility the past 2 days.

Any insight from locals?

 

[David Yudkin]

Moss's absence not injury related

January, 8, 2010 Jan 8 3:14PM ET

By Mike Reiss

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Friday that receiver Randy Moss's absence from practice earlier in the day was not injury related.

Moss has been practicing twice a week, with Wednesday his usual day off. But having practiced Wednesday and Thursday this week, Moss was apparently given Friday off.

 

[Homer]

NE (especially at home) has been by FAR the more dominant team this year. Balto cant stop the pass. Only an idiot would bet the Ravens.

But, then again, only idiots bet, period?

 

[msommer]

If Randy Moss decides to take this game off the Pats are in trouble. Sam Aiken, Matt Slater is not going to scare the Ravens, and even less than Julian Edelman. I don't think he will take the game off though unless he really is injured.

I think this will be vintage Brady against a not so young and dominant Ravens defense.

Can the Pats' defense contain Ray Rice and Joe Flacco. They are more likely to sell out against the run and try to pressure Flacco with exotics.

It should be interesting but I think Belichick/Brady wins this one.

 

[phthalatemagic]

When you know which plays are comin'

It can make a coach look cunnin'

and make an average quarterback look elite

 

[timschochet]

I really detest both of these teams. Can we have a scoreless tie?

 

[Clifton]

34-10 Pats

 

[IDrinkyourMilkshake]

Welker brought out to fire up the Pats

 

[lyon812]

Go Ray Rivce!

edit: Apparently so excited by his TD I'm adding letters to his name.

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

Really?

 

[parasaurolophus]

uhhh...wow. Nice start.