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Predictions: New England Patriots Will Advance Past Baltimore Ravens

By Frank OLaughlin

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Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots will battle the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the right to play in the AFC Championship game.

These two foes are very familar with one another as plenty of drama has always accompanied the rivalry. The Patriots last lost to the Ravens in the 2012 championship game. They’ll be seeking revenge when they take to the field and many feel they’ll knock off the Ravens to avenge that putrid defeat.

With kick off only hours away, we here at Chowder and Champions took our best shot at predicting the game.

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Matthew Rewinski’s prediction

Nobody in New England’s afraid of a 2-foot blizzard (“Guess we’ll just fire up the snowblower tomorrow!”), but everyone seems to be terrified of this Baltimore Ravens squad. Is it that Terrell Suggs goes full WWF mode about Tom Brady whenever someone sticks a microphone in his face? (Or that he seems to think using his wife as a punching bag is no big deal?) Is it that we have to watch Ray Lewis pontificate on the ethereal intricacies of a zone blitz every Monday Night Football game? Is it running back Justin Forsett’s breakout season? Is it Baltimore defensive coordinator Dean Pees’ extensive stint on the Patriots defensive staff? Is it the black pants? This fear makes less sense than calculus when this year’s Ravens and Patriots squads are assessed realistically. Past teams, even recent past teams, are never, ever, ever an indicator of current success. Just ask Duke’s basketball team from last year.

I’ve rambled on this week’s matchup at length already, and the Ravens are dangerous to New England for one reason and one reason only: a pass rush that threatens to batter through the Patriots’ jigsaw offensive line. Betcha nobody was ever so excited to see Patriots guard Dan Connolly come back into action, right? Fortunately, his return gives New England the O-line lineup that allowed the Patriots to kick off their 10-1 “We’re on to (insert unfortunate opponent here)” scorched-earth streak earlier. Baltimore rookie linebacker C.J. Mosley has proven to be well worthy of his first-round draft spot, and the Ravens’ D-line of Suggs/Ngata/Dumervil and a couple others needs no introduction. There could be an awful lot of dink-and-dunk football on the offensive side of the ball.

Defensively, New England should be set for anything Baltimore throws their way, literally and figuratively. For all of his success this year, Ravens leading rusher Justin Forsett isn’t that big of a guy (NFL.com lists him at 5’8’’, 197lbs), and it’s not unreasonable to think that with a healthy Chandler Jones, and a rotation that includes part-timers like Akeem Ayers and Alan Branch, containing the run game might not be as hard as it was, say, when Ray Rice was wreaking havoc on New England in his prime. Tell you what – If the Ravens want to try the deep ball, let ‘em. Throwing a long bomb against a well-coached, veteran team like this year’s Patriots is pick-your-poison anyway.

If it seems like we say the same thing a lot, it’s because we probably do. Keep Brady vertical and clean, keep the pass defense airtight, and tire Baltimore’s defense out with a varied offensive game, and the game is winnable.

Final Score: Patriots 23, Ravens 20

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Frank O’Laughlin’s prediction

As these two teams link up for their fourth playoff game in six years, one would think the familiarity and history between the two sides will play a role in the game. I personally see the Patriots walking away with a blowout win, contrary to what we’ve seen in the past.

The Patriots hold a distinct advantage in almost all aspects of play. Two areas where I see playing a determining factor are the passing game and pass coverage.

When looking over Baltimore’s defensive depth chart, not one player strikes fear in my eyes and certainly not the eyes of monster pass-catcher Rob Gronkowski. With Julian Edelman‘s return to the lineup, the Ravens will have to pick their poison. If they double team Gronk, then Edelman will roam free, and vice versa. I foresee Gronk demolishing the lacking Baltimore secondary all while Tom Brady has himself a vintage showing.

On the flip side of the ball, Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner will have their way with Torrey Smith and Steve Smith. Steve has just three catches in his career when matched up against Revis. Enough said in regards to that. Browner will jam Torrey at the line, making getting a clean release an absolute nightmare. Devin McCourty will thus be able to ball-hawk. If Revis and Browner succeed at doing just that, the Patriots pass rushers will torture Joe Flacco.

Also the return of Dan Connolly to the offensive line should solidify the unit. They’ll face a stout Ravens pass rush. We’ve seen the offensive line thrive throughout the season when at full health. It appears as if the group will be back together in this one.

Final Score: Patriots 34, Ravens 17

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