A Ravens and Patriots match-up has been on the minds of both teams’ fans since the beginning of the season, mainly because of the

expectations of each of these organizations. The Patriots, with the return of QB Tom Brady, have been ecstatic about their chances of returning to 2007 form when there were less than a minute away from another Superbowl victory. While the defense has been somewhat disappointing, the fact is that New England’s pass defense is still in the top tier of NFL teams. It goes to show that, even with the loss of several impact starters, a Bill Belichick-run team still demands respect and endless preparation.

On the other side of the ball, the Ravens have seen a rejuvenated offense behind Joe Flacco. This game against the Patriots pits them against their first real challenge, and will force Flacco to perform at the top of his game to have any chance at winning the game. The Ravens’ defense has also been undermined by previous years’ success, but fans are hoping that last weeks domination of a pitiful Browns’ team will jump start the imposing presence that Baltimore has prided itself on.

Both teams have their fair share of veteran presence on the roster, so one would have to assume that these teams are well aware of the circumstances and the impact that this game holds for both teams. For New England, the goal is to keep up with the New York Jets, who have played their way into first place in the AFC East. For Baltimore, merely winning a game against a formidable opponent such as the Patriots would do wonders for the reputation of the team, not to mention support the confidence even further that this team is an AFC favorite.

Ravens’ fans are excited to see Flacco’s ability to throw the ball against a defense that ranks 6th in the NFL. The Patriots defense is averaging 173 yards allowed per game, and are allowing less than 17 points per contest. Whether or not those averages are due to the fact that New England has faced offenses like Buffalo and the Jets, numbers can’t be argued with. Baltimore’s challenge is still a huge hurdle that has not yet been faced this season. With no disrespect to Kansas City, San Diego, and Cleveland, the Patriots are at a different level in terms of an NFL opponent. This is a team that has heard words like “dynasty” tossed around more than once over the past several years. Despite their struggle to get moving at the pace that Patriots’ fans have been used to, it’s hard to think that New England isn’t a sleeping dog, waiting to be awakened when the moment is right.

Tom Brady is also a hard player to look past, just because his production has been less than average so far this year. Brady is a veteran, and the true leader of his team; The Ravens’ defense has a true challenge ahead of them. Allowing Brady to put up numbers that Philip Rivers was capable of will not end in the same way that the game against the Chargers did. However, Baltimore has its own leaders on the defensive side of the ball, and if you think that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed don’t realize how dangerous Brady is, then you aren’t a Ravens’ fan. The Ravens will be ready to play, no doubt about it.

The best way to think of this game is to imagine two trains headed full speed, barreling toward each other. Neither of these teams is going to give because it’s not in their nature to do so. With the AFC favorite crown on the line, Baltimore and New England are in this one for the long run, and will be throwing punches for 60 minutes. Expect a good defensive match-up, but also a flash of offensive firepower from both sides. It’s too bad one of these teams has to end the week with a loss,  because everybody knows how much work and preparation has been put in to get ready for this game.

Prediction:

Ravens 24, Patriots 20

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