Ravens Vs Patriots: Containing TE Aaron Hernandez Key To Baltimore Win

We've all seen the headlines coming out of New England over the past few weeks regarding the trade of WR Randy Moss back to the Minnesota Vikings and the alleged verbal altercations between Moss and star QB Tom Brady (which turned out to be true). 

Lucky for the Patriots, they used their recent bye week to put all the negative spin behind them.

However, any momentum the Patriots (3-1) had going into the bye will soon be tested when they face the Baltimore Ravens (4-1) at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.  Kickoff is set for 1 PM, and the weather calls for clear skies and temperatures in the 60's—a picture-perfect day for football.

The Ravens are coming off a big win over the Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, 31-17.  Denver QB Kyle Orton was supposed to pick apart Baltimore's top-ranked defense, giving the Ravens their biggest test of the season to date.  But Orton failed to do anything until the game was all but decided late in the third quarter.

As for New England, the complete demolition of the Miami Dolphins came at the hands of the Patriots special teams in Week Four, down in Miami.  The 41-14 win was not only impressive, but in fact historic. 

The Patriots became the first team in NFL history to score a touchdown five different ways—running, passing, a blocked field goal, returning a kickoff and an interception for a touchdown.

That same scenario is unlikely to play out this Sunday, so New England will have to find other ways to beat Baltimore's third-ranked defense (second against the pass).

The last time these two teams met in Foxboro, the Patriots were thumped 33-14 in the 2009 AFC Wild Card round of the playoffs.  Ravens RB Ray Rice broke the game open early, helping to put the Ravens up 24-0 by the end of the first quarter.  Ravens QB Joe Flacco and Tom Brady both failed to post a quarterback rating higher than 50 in that contest.

So what can we expect to see this Sunday when the Ravens travel to Foxboro?

With the departure of All-Pro receiver Randy Moss, the Patriots plan to use more of a two tight end set.  Rookie TE Aaron Hernandez could present matchup problems for the Ravens, especially across the middle of the field.  Hernandez is an excellent pass-catching tight end who can stretch the field just like your typical wide receiver.

Through four games, Hernandez leads all New England receivers with 240 yards in receptions.

Hernandez will likely see coverage from CB Lardarius Webb or CB Chris Carr—although there's a height disadvantage with Carr going up against Hernandez.  Carr has also drawn some criticism after last week's performance, allowing Broncos WR Brandon Lloyd to amass 135 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

If the Ravens can find a way to cover Hernandez, it could be a long day for Brady and company. 

Don't expect much out of newly-acquired Patriots WR Deion Branch in this matchup.  Branch was the Super Bowl MVP back in 2005, New England's last appearance in the big game.  However, his four years with the Seattle Seahawks left a lot to be desired.

Even though Branch has displayed great chemistry with Brady in the past, you have to figure the playbook will be limited to a few select plays in his first appearance.

Patriots WR Brandon Tate could see an expanded role in the passing game while Branch gets re-acclimated with his teammates once again.  While Tate is no Randy Moss, he's still a player to watch in this matchup. 

He can stretch the field with electrifying speed in the passing game, and has already proven to be a standout player on special teams.

There's no doubt Baltimore will pay close attention to how he's used during Sunday's game.

Writer's Opinion

Taking into consideration the ease with which the Ravens disposed of the Broncos, Baltimore could be in for equal success against a Patriots team that's a near carbon copy of Denver.  Both teams have top-flight offenses, but lack any sort of rushing attack.

New England's defense is young and well-coached, but ranks 29th overall in the NFL—28th against the pass.  Both of these statistics are troubling for the Patriots, especially when they're facing a Ravens team that's firing on all cylinders at the moment.

Flacco could easily exploit this young secondary, but head coach John Harbaugh will likely call a balanced game when it comes to the choice of run versus pass.

Ray Rice is 100 percent healthy from his knee contusion, and he's finally running like he did for the majority of the 2009 season.  Don't be surprised if Rice surpasses 150 yards on the day and adds a touchdown to his stats.

Coach Harbaugh stated this week that Rice will see more touches near the goal line, making him into the all-down back he was featured to be in his rookie season.

If Baltimore's defense neutralizes Aaron Hernandez, the Ravens will once again put immense pressure on Brady to look in different directions, possibly baiting him into a few ill-advised throws. 

For some reason, the Ravens secondary gives Brady the jitters.  It's not unreasonable to believe Brady might be in for a two interception day.

I don't think this is a game the Ravens run away with early.  However, they should maintain a solid lead throughout the duration of the contest to notch their second-consecutive win over the Patriots.

Final Score:  Ravens 31, Patriots 13