Did The Ravens Set The Blueprint On How To Shut The Patriots Defense?

Parnell Saint Preux
Nov 4 · 2 min read

Leading into “Sunday Night Football” between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens, the Patriots were recognized as the best defense in the NFL. The game plan in the game was neutralizing Lamar Jackson’s running ability and making him throw from the pocket.

Unfortunately for New England, that wasn’t the case. Ravens won the game 37–20, giving the reigning Super Bowl champions their first loss of the season.

There was nothing that the Patriots can do to stop the running duo between Jackson and Mark Ingram. Ingram had 15 rushes for 115 yards, including a 53-yard run at the beginning of the second quarter. Meanwhile, Jackson added two rushing touchdowns and one on the air. Throughout the night, Ravens had 210 yards on the ground, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

It was the first time this year the Patriots defense got exposed. Previously, they held opponents to 7.6 points points per game. Throughout the game, they gave up some explosive plays from Ingram. Patriots gave up 155 rushing yards in the first half. More importantly, they had four penalties which helped Baltimore gain first downs.

Baltimore showed everyone if you can run, milk the clock, and finally keep Tom Brady on the sideline, the likelihood is that you win. Regardless of who is playing quarterback, as long as you have a competent quarterback with the combination of a running game and defense, it will make New England look vulnerable. One perfect example is the AFC championship between the Ravens and Patriots back in 2013.

Considering the fact that the Patriots loss, it will be interesting to see how things will transpire in the AFC as the year proceeds. Kansas City is coming off a great victory against Minnesota without Patrick Mahomes, followed by Deshaun Watson leading the Houston Texans by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Patriots will try to regroup as they head for their bye week and later travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11. As for Baltimore, they will go on the road to challenge the Cincinnati Bengals.

Parnell Saint Preux

Written by

Sports Writer/Blogger. Someone who has a tremendous passion about the world of sports. Huge Starbucks guy, sneaker head and Italian/Mexican are my favorite food

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