The Ravens will attempt to get again on observe after their epic collapse towards the Miami Dolphins. The New England Patriots aren’t the titanic opponent they have been just a few years in the past, however they nonetheless have a stingy protection and the best coach of all time in Invoice Belichick. Who has the benefit going into Week 3?
Ravens passing recreation vs. Patriots move protection
The Ravens wasted top-of-the-line passing performances of Lamar Jackson’s profession (21 of 29, 318 yards, 3 TD) of their 42-38 loss to the Dolphins. Jackson benefited from a clear pocket created by the Ravens’ offensive line, and he was sharp on each timing and contact passes. His prime two targets, vast receiver Rashod Bateman and tight finish Mark Andrews, each surpassed 100 yards towards Miami, and Bateman has established himself as a deep risk with landing catches of 55 and 75 yards within the first two weeks. The 2021 first-round draft choose is a chore for any cornerback to cowl due to his fast, clear releases from the road of scrimmage. The Ravens must hope Devin Duvernay recovers rapidly from the concussion he suffered towards the Dolphins, as a result of he has emerged as an environment friendly No. 2 vast receiver, with six catches on six targets within the first two video games. The Ravens additionally received rookie tight finish Isaiah Possible going (4 catches on 5 targets, 43 yards) towards Miami after he was shut out in his debut. By two video games, Jackson has taken two sacks for a mixed lack of 2 yards and thrown one interception, vital enhancements on his efficiency from 2021. He wore a padded sleeve on his proper elbow in observe Wednesday and was listed as a restricted participant however mentioned he'll play Sunday.
The Patriots mentioned goodbye to their prime cornerback, J.C. Jackson, within the offseason, and incumbent starter Jalen Mills has performed poorly within the first two weeks. However Belichick often finds a approach. New England ranked second in move protection final season and ranks ninth thus far this 12 months. The Patriots additionally misplaced to the Dolphins however carried out higher towards Tua Tagovailoa In Week 1 than the Ravens did in Week 2. They've blitzed on 30% of dropbacks, up from 23% final 12 months. Former Ravens exterior linebacker Matthew Judon is off to a robust begin with two sacks and 5 quarterback hits. Defensive finish Deatrich Sensible Jr. has additionally performed effectively.
EDGE: Ravens
Patriots passing recreation vs. Ravens move protection
It’s tough to say the Ravens have a bonus over any opponent after Tagovailoa’s passes sailed over their damaged coverages to the tune of 199 fourth-quarter yards. Patriots second-year quarterback Mac Jones is off to a gradual begin, with simply two landing passes and two interceptions. He ranks twenty sixth in ESPN’s complete QBR statistic. New England has invested closely in its vast receivers and tight ends with combined outcomes to point out for it. Large receiver Jakobi Meyers has been Jones’ prime goal this 12 months, with 13 catches for 150 yards, however he missed observe Wednesday with a knee harm. Tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry have mixed for simply 5 catches on 11 targets. Patriots blockers have performed a very good job retaining Jones clear.
The Ravens must hope their secondary is more healthy this week. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey performed effectively towards the Dolphins however was restricted by a groin harm. His companion, Marcus Peters, was additionally restricted, enjoying 44 of 71 defensive snaps in his first recreation again after lacking final season with a torn ACL. Brandon Stephens (quadriceps) didn't play towards Miami however returned to observe Wednesday. Tagovailoa took benefit of rampant miscommunication within the Baltimore secondary, connecting with Tyreek Hill for 48- and 60-yard touchdowns because the Dolphins rallied from a three-touchdown deficit. The Ravens additionally struggled to create significant strain as their edge rushers, Odafe Oweh and Justin Houston, appeared to tire late within the recreation. It was an all-around catastrophe for a protection that completed final towards the move in 2021 however expects to do significantly better in 2022. On the intense aspect, security Marcus Williams has three interceptions in his first two video games as a Raven.
EDGE: Even
Ravens working recreation vs. Patriots run protection
Jackson was the Ravens’ working recreation towards the Dolphins, with 119 yards on 9 carries, together with a 79-yard landing that put them up 35-14 on the finish of the third quarter. The landing, with Jackson exploding up the center as two different potential runners swept proper, was a reminder of offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s nifty play designs. However the Ravens have struggled mightily to squeeze manufacturing from working backs Kenyan Drake, Mike Davis and Justice Hill, who mixed for 28 yards on 14 carries towards Miami. The Ravens’ incapacity to transform in short-yardage conditions helped facilitate the Dolphins’ comeback. Coach John Harbaugh mentioned opponents have dedicated further man energy to stopping the working assault however acknowledged his workforce has to do higher. The return of No. 1 working again, J.Okay. Dobbins, would assist, however Harbaugh mentioned he’s nonetheless week-to-week as he recovers from a severe knee harm.
The Patriots have restricted opponents to 156 dashing yards over the primary two weeks after rating twenty second towards the run final season. Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (12 tackles) has performed effectively, whereas former Ravens Lawrence Man and Carl Davis stay contributors on the inside.
EDGE: Patriots
Patriots working recreation vs. Ravens run protection
The Patriots stay a dedicated working workforce however have averaged simply 3.8 yards per carry, twenty second within the league. That’s not the fault of their lead runner, Damien Harris, who has 24 carries for 119 yards after he averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored 15 touchdowns final season.
The Ravens led the league in run protection final 12 months, and opponents have rushed simply 35 occasions towards them via two video games, however they're permitting 4.8 yards per try. Defensive deal with Justin Madubuike and nostril deal with Michael Pierce have performed effectively. Veteran linebacker Josh Bynes has struggled, with two tackles in 69 defensive snaps, whereas fellow linebacker Patrick Queen has remained on the sector for each defensive play, incomes an honest run-defense grade from Professional Soccer Focus.
EDGE: Ravens
Ravens particular groups vs. Patriots particular groups
The Ravens completed first in Soccer Outsiders’ special-teams DVOA in 2021. All-Professional Justin Tucker made his solely field-goal try from 51 yards towards the Dolphins and is ideal on the season. Duvernay returned the opening kickoff 103 yards for a landing. Rookie Jordan Stout struggled in his second recreation, with a internet common of 36.5 yards on two punts.
The Patriots have all the time emphasised particular groups below Belichick however haven't performed as much as their lofty requirements over the past two years. Kicker Nick People has made one in every of two makes an attempt this season. Three Patriots have averaged 28.3 yards on 4 mixed kickoff returns.
EDGE: Ravens
Ravens intangibles vs. Patriots intangibles
The Patriots aren’t the automated playoff workforce they have been for therefore a few years with Tom Brady at quarterback. However Belichick has by no means been straightforward to outmaneuver, particularly at dwelling, the place the Patriots have had their approach with the Ravens within the common season. They shut down Jackson in a 23-17 upset the final time the groups met in 2020, a recreation marred by heavy rain and wind.
Harbaugh, in the meantime, has to rally his workforce from one in every of its most embarrassing dwelling defeats and hope his secondary is wholesome sufficient to carry a mediocre offense in test. The Ravens will really feel urgency to not fall to 1-2 with the red-hot Buffalo Payments on their option to Baltimore in Week 4.
EDGE: Patriots
Prediction
The Patriots would not have sufficient offensive weapons to maintain up with the type of efficiency Jackson delivered towards Miami. So the query is whether or not Belichick can devise a option to throw off the Ravens quarterback. One other shootout can be a shock. The Baltimore protection will discover its footing sufficient to assist Jackson pull out a tricky highway win. Ravens 27, Patriots 20.
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