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3 ways the Baltimore Ravens can beat the New England Patriots

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with Marshal Yanda #73 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 20, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with Marshal Yanda #73 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 20, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

2. Being the more physical team:

The Ravens already know how to beat the Patriots. It’s something they’ve done a few times in the John Harbaugh era. It’s always about being the more physical and dominant team. The Ravens know that they have to punch the Patriots early and that they can’t back down. The offensive line has to set the tone for this game. They may be the most important position group this weekend. The Cleveland Browns made a lot of mistakes against the Patriots, however they were able to run the football well.

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Nick Chubb had 131 rushing yards and a touchdown last week. The Browns had one running back handle most of the running game, while the Ravens have three main rushing attacks. They have Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards at the running back position and they have Lamar Jackson at quarterback. The Ravens are averaging 204.1 yards per game on the ground. If the Ravens can get 170 rushing yards or more, the Patriots could be in trouble.

The Patriots defense has been able to dominate because when they get to third down, their excellent secondary clamps down. The Patriots have been playing the kind of football they are comfortable with against teams they should always beat easily. The Ravens could bully them around. The Ravens offense can dictate how this game is going to be played.

Defensively the Ravens have to make the Patriots one dimensional. When the Patriots can run the ball, they are a much more dangerous team. That being said, the Patriots have had trouble on the ground. Sony Michel, their leading running back, has an average of 3.3 yards per carry. The Ravens have to stop the run and make Tom Brady uncomfortable in the pocket. The Ravens have to lock down on the Patriots receivers and Don Martindale has to make sure that Brady always has to deal with pressure coming up the middle of the offensive line. If the Ravens can be the aggressor in this game, they can win.

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