Many New England Patriots haters argued that the team had the weakest schedule and had yet to face a worthy opponent. That changed Monday night when they faced the number one defense in the Baltimore Ravens. They aced that test, and they WILL win the Super Bowl.
The top-ranked Baltimore Ravens defense waltzed into Gillete Stadium for a Monday Night Football clash with the New England Patriots, and they left with a loss. The Patriots and Tom Brady handled the pressure of the night with ease, cruising to a 30-23 win that never really felt that close. The New England offense torched Baltimore for over 400 yards, and four touchdowns. Head Coach Bill Belichick was pleased with his team’s win.
"“Ravens are a good team. They’re tough, they do a lot of things well,” Bill Belichick said. “We just did a few things a little better tonight. We’ll take it.”"
Making things even better? The Patriots proved that they can play with some key contributors out. Tight end Martellus Bennett perfectly replaced Rob Gronkowski as he wrestled a touchdown reception out of the arms of a Raven’s defensive back. Malcolm Mitchell stepped up as a number three receiver in Danny Amendola‘s absence.
Using the replacements, New England forced Baltimore to suffer through their worst statistical outing of the year. The Ravens entered Monday night allowing just 17.3 points and 296.1 yards per game, but the Patriots blew that all away. They gained 496 total yards, their second-highest total of the season, including 406 passing yards for Tom Brady. The Patriots also converted on 8 of 16 third downs.
The Patriots actually should have scored more, but Brady made a rare mistake in throwing an endzone interception.
"“There were some plays I wish we all would’ve had back. They’re a competitive team, they force you into some errors.”"
Monday night proved the Patriots are the best team in the NFL, and they should be the Super Bowl champions come February 5th.
The Defense Can Play at an Elite Level
The Patriots defense played one of their best games on Monday against a team that had been rolling. They allowed 23 points, but 14 of those were given up on a short field following special teams fumbles.
After Cyrus Jones muffed on a punt, the Ravens were set up inside the five yard line. They recieved a short field on the next series as well after a Matthew Slater return fumble. So, if you take away those situations, the Ravens would have totalled just 9 points, all field goals. Malcolm Butler showed why he is the top corner on the team, and the line finally got some pressure up front.
The run defense was stellar most of the game, including Malcolm Brown stuffing Kenneth Dixon for a loss and a safety. The Ravens are not one of the top tier offenses in the NFL, but New England showed they can shut down a smart QB. Logan Ryan was also consistent over the course of the game, as he was in on a number of tackles and pass deflections.
The defense may be on the rise towards the tail end of the season, and that will be huge for the Patriots in the playoffs. The Raiders, Chiefs, Broncos, and Steelers are all likely playoff matchups in the AFC, and only Pittsburgh has a strong offense.
Martellus Bennett is a Star TE in his Own Right
The Patriots needed Bennett to step up in Rob Gronkowski’s absence, and for the time being he has. In Monday night’s win, the tight end caught all four balls thrown his way for 70 yards.
His biggest play came on a touchdown catch that he wrestled out of the arms of the Baltimore Ravens. On the year, Bennett has amassed 5 scores. He has shown that he is a star TE in his own right, and is another weapon that defenses must plan for.
While he’s no Gronk, Marty can still stretch the field. His blocking has improved every week and he is also contributing in the running game.
Expect the Patriots to look to target Bennett even more over the next few games and through the playoffs.
Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell Can Stretch the Field
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The Patriots have struggled to draft wide receivers for years. Malcolm Mitchell may be the one that changes that. In recent weeks, Mitchell has seen an increase in the number of targets he receives from Brady per game. In Monday’s win he 4 catches for 41 yards and a score.
Those numbers alone do not tell the whole story however. Mitchell has shown that he is quick enough to work downfield, and has made some great grabs. With Danny Amendola out, and a plethora of “slot” guys, Mitchell may be the one that can consistently get deep.
Now, Chris Hogan has also somewhat broken the slot mold and has shown he can get downfield. Against the Ravens, Hogan made the same read as TB12 and broke off a route in favor of a deep post. With no safety help over the top, Hogan was able to haul in a 70 yard touchdown grab. It is another case of the Patriots finding treasures in other team’s trash.
Hogan racked up 129 yards while introducing himself to in the national spotlight. With Mitchell, Hogan, and Julian Edelman, Tom Brady should have plenty of receiver help to win another Super Bowl title.
James White Has Become the Player We All Expected
In 2016, James White has rushed for just 132 yards. His biggest contribution has come in the passing game, where he’s caught 50 balls for 474 yards and 4 touchdowns. White has essentially made Dion Lewis obsolete, as he’s played at a high level even after Lewis returned from injury. The back broke free for a 61 yard catch and run against the Ravens, his longest of the year. Near the goal line, he’s a pass catching threat out of the backfield on a swing route. With Blount and White both in the game, the Patriots have an advantage. Defenses will need to choose betweening shutting down the pass or the power one yard run from Blount.
LeGarrette Blount Force Trauma
LeGarrette Blount is having the best season of his career in 2016. On the year so far he’s rushed for 1,029 yards and tied the franchise record with 14 touchdowns. Blount’s had three games without a score, but has also had three multi-score games, including three against the Seahawks.
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If Blount can hold up throughout the playoffs, he will be a weapon that the Patriots can utilize in run friendly situations. He aids in running out the clock, and is able to gain first downs in those situations as well.