The Patriots and Ravens have met often in recent years, including a long list of postseason battles and key regular season matchups.
Baltimore is a team that's proven its ability to travel to Gillette Stadium and not only give New England a tough fight, but walk away a winner.
John Harbaugh's team will be looking to do just that once again on Monday Night Football as the Ravens come to town very much in the playoff mix, rebounding from a tough stretch in the middle of the season.
The Boston Globe assess that the Patriots are running into a red hot Ravens squad to kick off the final month of regular season football. The Globe Patriots notebook looks at how Kyle Van Noy has been working his way into the mix on the New England defense.
The Boston Herald says the Ravens offense will be a big test for the Patriots defense. The Herald focuses on how Tom Brady’s ability to avoid interceptions is just one of the many ways he separates himself from other NFL quarterbacks. The Herald breaks down how the Patriots defense has made opposing passers shine this season. The Herald notes that rising radio star Rich Keefe, who hosts pre- and post-game shows on Patriots.com radio, got a full-time gig in the afternoons on WEEI.
The Providence Journal says NFL defenses are having trouble dealing with New England’s committee of running backs. The ProJo also notes that the Patriots depth at receiver is going to be tested on the stretch run toward the postseason.
ESPNBoston.com says that dating back to 2007, the rivalry between the Patriots and the Ravens has been one of the NFL’s best. ESPNBoston.com notes that despite issues regarding wide receiver depth, the team brought in just one player for a workout at the position this week. ESPNBoston.com notes that the Patriots are rising up the rankings in recent weeks as the team has gotten back to forcing turnovers. ESPNBoston.com says the Patriots could be “forced into a move” at the wide receiver position given Danny Amendola's ankle injury.
WEEI.com declares that the Patriots are equipped to deal with life without Rob Gronkowski, but it will take some time. WEEI.com offers up five things you need to know about the Ravens heading into the bit AFC battle.
CSNNE.com says that the Ravens are indeed the Patriots most bitter rival. CSNNE.com also has Belichick explaining how New England goes about matching up in the secondary. CSNNE.com notes that Belichick has good things to say about his practice squad receivers, guys who could be in line for a call up to the active roster. The site also looks at Van Noy’s evolving role on defense.
NFL.com details how the Patriots and Raiders can clinch playoff spots with this weekend's action.
USA Today puts the Patriots at No. 3 in its weekly power rankings.
