New England Patriots: 5 observations from beatdown in Baltimore
5. Boogeymen not so scary
The New England Patriots defense knew Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and the running attack was going to be a problem and they couldn’t do anything about it to start the game.
In jumping out to a quick 17-point lead, the Ravens moved the ball at will on the Patriots defense by gashing them on the ground for near 150 yards going into the second quarter. Devin McCourty and crew did eventually settle down and hold the Ravens during the middle part of the game, but the quick start was too much to overcome.
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"“I think overall it was their whole offense,” McCourty said following the game, via Patriots.com. “We knew they had one of the best running attacks in the NFL. They were really able to run the ball, and I think because we struggled to stop the run, that pretty much gave them control of the game. Possessions, down and distance; they got to be comfortable all game. We got them in a couple third-and-longs, and we were able to get off the field, but for the majority of the game, they were able to play on their terms.”"
Overall, the Ravens finished the game with 210 yards rushing. Mark Ingram II accounted for 115 of those yards while Lamar Jackson ran for 61 yards including two touchdowns.
While the rush defense was considered a vulnerability coming into the game, it will certainly be a focal point as the team goes into their bye week. It is not a personnel issue, it is more scheme and players staying in their gaps.
Those things will be corrected by Bill Belichick and this defense will certainly work on being better with nearly two weeks to let this loss soak in. A humbling loss indeed for Devin McCourty, Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, Stephon Gilmore and the crew.