New England Patriots: 3 X-Factors in Matchup vs. Ravens
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The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens will link up this Saturday at Gillette Stadium in a postseason showdown. The right to advance to the AFC Championship game will be on the line.
As these familiar foes get set to square off in their fourth elimination game in the last six seasons, it’s worth highlighting some key matchups, because both rosters have significantly changed since the sides last met.
Without further adieu, here are three x-factors within the game, that I feel the Patriots must get a great performance from, in order to advance past the Ravens.
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1. Bryan Stork
Stork, the team’s rookie center, has been a pleasant surprise this season. Since being thrust into the lineup early on in the year, Stork has served as a stabilizing force in the middle, allowing veterans Ryan Wendell and Dan Connolly to flank him at the guard spots.
Stork will be called upon to deter the 340-pound defensive tackle, Haloti Ngata, of Baltimore. Ngata has a motor and is very difficult to slow down. Keeping him at bay is key if the Patriots hope to control the line scrimmage. Connolly’s return from injury will also serve as a major boost alongside Stork.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has a bevy of burners at his disposal, and especially on the outside. Steve Smith and Torrey Smith are both dangerous aerial threats. Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner will likely draw matchups opposite the duo. So where does that leave McCourty?
McCourty has to assist with providing help defense down the field considering Flacco is not afraid to bomb the rock deep. The Smith’s can seriously run with tremendous speed. Look for McCourty to influence Flacco’s decisions with the football with his positioning. Flacco’s willingness to go for home runs will surely test Revis and Browner, opening up a chance for McCourty to make plays on the football.
Edelman will likely find himself matched up in a lot of favorable spots, considering Rob Gronkowski will draw much of the attention. The Ravens secondary isn’t the most talented bunch, therefore Edelman will be a guy Tom Brady looks to feed along with Gronkowski.
Baltimore’s secondary will be forced to tackle well or else Edelman will really burn them by turning short passes into long gains. Also, Edelman’s return to full health, will surely spark the offense.