Official website of the New England Patriots
Players to Watch: Patriots vs. Ravens
Patriots.com's Mike Dussault shares his players to watch ahead of the Patriots matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.


Cam Newton, QB: Newton finally came through in the clutch against the Jets, putting together an excellent fourth quarter that saw the Patriots come from behind to break their losing streak. Can Newton continue to build on that performance? He'll face his toughest test yet in a stout Ravens defense that doesn't give up much.

Jakobi Meyers, WR: Meyers continued his breakout streak against the Jets, grabbing 12 catches for 169 yards. Baltimore's secondary will provide a new challenge for Meyers, who should draw the bulk of the attention from the Ravens secondary, including cornerback Marcus Peters. If the Patriots are to get around Baltimore's stifling run defense, they'll need Meyers to continue to get open.

Adrian Phillips, S/LB: Phillips was a key piece for the Chargers in defending Lamar Jackson in recent seasons and figures to hold a similar role for the Patriots. His speed in the middle of the field will be vital to keeping Jackson from getting the edge and picking up big gains. He just might be the key defender for the Patriots in this one.

Byron Cowart, DT: With Lawrence Guy's status uncertain, Cowart becomes the most experienced defensive lineman and someone the Patriots will need to play his best game of the season. Getting Guy back would be a huge boost, but the Ravens will target the Patriots run defense early and often and Cowart will play a key role no matter what if they're to avoid getting run all over.

John Simon, DE: Simon is a vital edge defender for the Patriots run defense and will be heavily counted on against the Ravens. If Jackson is able to break contain it will mean huge chunk plays for the Ravens. The Pats will need Simon to set the tone up front and keep Jackson from getting around the edge.

Lamar Jackson, QB: The reigning 2019 MVP isn't having quite the same dominant season that he had last year, but he's still every bit the explosive threat that he was and can score from any spot on the field. Jackson leads the team in rushing, but has seen a drop in his passing efficiency this season. Still one of the most exciting players in the league, the Patriots will have their hands full with Jackson as they try to keep him in the pocket.

Marquise Brown, WR: Brown leads the Ravens in receptions with 30 catches and is an explosive downfield threat. The Ravens will take a long look at the Jets downfield passing success against New England and hope to use Brown to attack them in a similar way. Allowing quick, long scores will be the quickest way for the Patriots lose control of the game.

Chuck Clark, S: Clark is a physical tone setter for the Ravens defense playing a versatile role from his safety position. He'll line up in multiple spots and will be Baltimore's key piece to defend Cam Newton and the Patriots new-look attack.

Patrick Queen, LB: The rookie linebacker was a favorite of many Patriots draft pundits and has immediately stepped in to lead the team in tackles while also picking up two sacks. Queen's speed and range will be vital for the Ravens to shut down the Patriots ground attack, but New England could look also to attack the aggressive rookie.

Mark Andrews, TE: The tight ends are heavily involved in Baltimore's offense, led by Andrews and Nick Boyle. They'll line up in a variety of places and will provide a unique challenge for the Patriots defense to contend with. Andrews is second on the Ravens with 26 catches on 44 targets and leads the team with five touchdown catches.