New England Patriots: Week 9 roadmap to the Baltimore Ravens
Players to watch
The New England Patriots need someone to step up on offense besides Julian Edelman and James White.
With N’Keal Harry possibly activated for this game, he is a new option for Tom Brady. But this is a game in which Mohamed Sanu is going to have to come up big against a Baltimore Ravens secondary led by the very physical Earl Thomas III.
Tight end Ben Watson, who is familiar with the Ravens system, is also a player to watch in the Patriots’ offense. Running back Sony Michel will also be looked upon to take some of the pressure off Brady.
For the Ravens, Lamar Jackson running the ball is the main focus. On pace for over 1,000 yards rushing, the Patriots defense has to be weary of plays designed for Jackson to run. While Mark Ingram II is also a focal point rushing the ball, tight end Mark Andrews is a player to watch in the passing game.
So far this season, the big tight end has 36 receptions for 449 yards. Other than him, wide receiver Marquise Brown is capable of stretching the field. This will certainly be a big overall challenge for the New England Patriots defense.
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Prediction
With just about everyone outside of New England expecting the Baltimore Ravens to hand the defending Super Bowl champions their first loss of the season, this will be a game the Patriots prove they are legit defensively. Bill Belichick solves Lamar Jackson in this one as the Pats win 31-16 over the Ravens.