How the Ravens can improve against the Patriots in Week 3

The Baltimore Ravens were in full control of their Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Heading into the second half, the Ravens defense had only allowed 166 total yards and just seven points.

Free agent addition Marcus Williams continued to impress, adding two interceptions in the first half against the Dolphins bringing his total to three for the season. The defense was on fire, and for three quarters, it looked as though they would keep Miami’s high-powered offense quiet.

The Ravens had a 21-point lead heading into the final quarter of the game, and they somehow managed to throw it away.

Allowing four touchdowns and 233 yards in one quarter is almost unheard of, let alone for a team that has championship aspirations with so much talent on that side of the ball. The Ravens just didn’t seem to have any answers for the Dolphins’ passing attack.

Miscommunication was the main issue for the Ravens. Most of those long passes to wide receiver Tyreek Hill, rookie safety Kyle Hamilton just seemed to take his eyes off the most dangerous player on the field. Cornerback Marcus Peters was only at fault for letting Hill run right passed him for one of their touchdowns.

What needs to change for the Ravens?

In the first half of the game, the Ravens defense was aggressive. They were getting pressure on the quarterback and making it very difficult. The Ravens will need to remain aggressive and continue bringing pressure. They can’t allow the New England Patriots to get into a rhythm.

The Patriots may not present the same explosive firepower that the Dolphins did, but they can beat you in other ways. And if the Ravens make the same mental errors they did last week, they could find themselves in trouble.

But if the Ravens are assignment-sound and communicate on defense, this should be a comfortable win.