After boldly predicting a first half rout of the Cardinals by the Patriots, I somehow managed to, both, jinx the team and Aaron Hernandez by writing: “I don’t expect the Cardinals/Pats game will be particularly interesting after the first half. Of course, now that I’ve written that last sentence we may be in big trouble. Three weeks ago, I told my girlfriends that I’d never broken a bone, and now I’m watching game two with a walking boot on my right foot!”
Aaron, welcome to the walking boot club.
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While the game has long been recapped and dissected through the various media outlets already, as Coach B would tell us, it’s time to look ahead. The players don’t know this but the official name to the upcoming Ravens/Patriots Sunday night matchup is “The Battle of the Blobs: A House Divided.” Those who have read my previous posts know that my husband is a Ravens fan. He and his friends put Eagles and Raiders fans to shame in their inability to function like civil humans during a football game. In normal circumstances, against almost any other opponent, the Patriots would be a great pick for this weekend. They almost never lose two games in a row. This time is different. Ten reasons Patriots fans should be concerned:
- The Ravens are tough to beat at home. I’ve been to M&T Bank Stadium and it’s a sea of purple-chested fans hopped up on pre-game Natty Boh consumed on the Purple Patio at Mother’s. Do not underestimate the energy in the stadium, particularly if the Orioles also sweep the Red Sox this weekend.
- The Ravens have revenge on their birdbrains. The combination of “The Drop” and “The Kick” provides a lot of locker room momentum over an eight month period.
- Bernard Pollard aka the Boston Massacrer. We’ve already lost Hernandez. Having BP on the field terrifies me.
- Contrary to some of the pieces I’ve written earlier this season, the Patriots seem to be going the way of the Red Sox, with locker room drama the hot topic over schematics. Is Wes being sat so Belichick can see what Edelman has for next year? Is Wes being set up for a trade? Did Bill “accidentally” bump into Wes in the cafeteria on Tuesday? Sounds like Bobby V has been giving pre-game speeches in Foxboro.
- Joe Flacco, after playing well in week one, has has his Elite QB status temporarily revoked after going 8 for 25 in the second half last weekend against the Eagles. He’s got something to prove, and if he truly is elite, he’ll outplay Brady like he did in the AFC Championship game last season.
- Even without Terrell Suggs the Ravens defense is still the Ravens defense. Ed Reed almost passed out after his interception of Andy Dalton in week one, but he still almost had a pick six and set the NFL record for interception return yards. Not bad for an old geezer.
- The Patriots defense looks good but this is their first challenge against a real offense with both a passing game and a top running back in Ray Rice.
- The offense without Aaron Hernandez feels out of sync, the way it did without Gronk at the end of last season. I love Branch coming back because he knows the system so well, but when their other signing is a guy with bum knees it makes me a little nervous.
- We’re still dealing with replacement refs so anything goes.
- My husband is due for a good gloat.
The Patriots can win on Sunday night but their defense has to continue to improve. For the first time in quite a while, the offense has to actually play up to the level of the defense.
Photo by: Erica Blob
Love the article. Glad the Ravens won. I’m one of the few Ravens fan that like to watch Brady and the boys when they aren’t playing the Ravens! It’s like the man I love (Ravens) against the high school boy I use to like (Pats)