Two weeks into the season, the Patriots are cruising along nicely on defense and looking to find some rhythm with their offense. A home game against the Ravens might be exactly what Mac Jones and the offense needs.
DEFENSE- The Patriots' defense has given up two touchdowns in two games. Conversely, the Ravens' defense gave up four touchdowns in their last quarter of football. All seven of the touchdowns the Ravens have given up this season have been passing touchdowns. While Mac Jones and his receivers are likely champing at the bit, they should probably not throw the ball in Marcus Williams' direction. In his first two games as a member of the Ravens he's had 3 interceptions and 3 pass deflections. Throughout his career Marcus has been Mr. Reliable as he's only given up 1.8 touchdowns per season and had a total of 9 penalties. Note to Mac, if Williams is lurking near Parker, don't do it.
As usual, Lamar Jackson is the Ravens' offense and the most important man to stop. Last week he ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins. Although he's shown that he can throw the ball, I am still most concerned with him using his legs to extend drives. Having matched up against him in practice when he was a Raven, Matthew Judon could have an inside track on bringing him down. While I would like to see Lamar wrapped up in red sleeves a time or two, I'll settle for not seeing Judon run past him in the backfield.
As usual, Lamar Jackson is the Ravens' offense and the most important man to stop. Last week he ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins. Although he's shown that he can throw the ball, I am still most concerned with him using his legs to extend drives. Having matched up against him in practice when he was a Raven, Matthew Judon could have an inside track on bringing him down. While I would like to see Lamar wrapped up in red sleeves a time or two, I'll settle for not seeing Judon run past him in the backfield.
SPECIAL TEAMS- The Patriots' return game has had some issues early this season. In my opinion, most of the problems have come from fielding punts which they should have been 10 yards away from. Luckily their indiscretions have not resulted in any catastrophic turnovers. Hopefully last week's close call is as disastrous as it gets. Since Harbaugh has been coaching the Ravens, they have been one of the best when it comes to returning kickoffs. Last week they continued their prowess by opening the game with Devin Duvernay running back a kickoff for a 103 yard score. That being said the plan for tomorrow best be for Jake Bailey to show some leg strength with his kickoffs by sending them through the endzone.
PATRIOTS' OFFENSE- Not having Jakobi Meyers available during the game could be a problem as he's been one of the most productive players on offense. Having the full week to prepare should make his potential absence not as bad as it could have been. While they've been relatively quiet during the first two games, this could be a big game for Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. The Ravens have not fared too well against tight ends recently.
PATRIOTS' OFFENSE- Not having Jakobi Meyers available during the game could be a problem as he's been one of the most productive players on offense. Having the full week to prepare should make his potential absence not as bad as it could have been. While they've been relatively quiet during the first two games, this could be a big game for Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. The Ravens have not fared too well against tight ends recently.
RANDOM STATISTICS- Jakobi Meyers is currently 25th all-time for receptions (181) and 30th for yards receiving (2,105). In the Mac Jones era, the Patriots are 7-1 when scoring 1st and 9-3 when leading at the half. The Patriots have benefitted from the 2nd least amount of penalty yards this season with 40. The Ravens are in the top ten with 132 yards going in their favor.
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