3 Reasons The Baltimore Ravens Can Beat The New England Patriots
By Joe Schiller
![Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (L) shakes hand with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (R) after their 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (L) shakes hand with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (R) after their 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Febonybird-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F12-2F8324105-john-harbaugh-bill-belichick-nfl-divisional-round-baltimore-ravens-new-england-patriots-850x560-0e9dc302335caecdebab805898664f0e6356266a90e067e8a2faa8b112288d90.jpg)
An Elite Kicker
You may argue that Joe Flacco is not an elite quarterback, but there is no question that Justin Tucker is an elite kicker. He is cocky and knows he is good.
The 5th year pro has not missed a single field goal this season and has never missed an extra point in his career. With recent rule changes, the extra point is not a gimme and field goals are a luxury.
Tucker is not just automatic in short yardage, but from all distances. Against the Bengals alone he hit from 52, 54, and from 57. I’m convinced that he could make it from 70 if the John Harbaugh gave him the chance.
While the offense seems to be back on track, they cannot score a touchdown on every drive. There are going to be times when the Ravens will have to settle for field goals. In a game against Tom Brady and company, every point matters. The Patriots offense can put up points in the blink of an eye. I expect this game to be a close one and it could come down to a field goal or extra point.
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In the past, Tucker has put the team on his back and won games when the offense hasn’t produced. The Ravens should not settle for the field goals Monday, but if that have to then they are in good hands.