Ravens vs. Patriots Predictions: Ray Lewis and Co. Will Hinder Rob Gronkowski

The Baltimore Ravens defense is the only force on earth that even has a remote chance of stopping New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski.

They have the right personnel, they have the right mindset and they may be the only team in the NFL with the defensive firepower to match the offensive prowess the Patriots possess. 

It goes back to the age-old question of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object: Which will come out on top?

In this case, the analogy fits perfectly.

There is no doubt in my mind—nor should there be in anybody else's— that Gronkowski is the best tight end in football.

This is a tight end who puts up wide receiver numbers. He finished the regular season with 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns, and had an amazing 145-yard, three-touchdown performance last week against the Denver Broncos.

He's a beast on every level.

How do the Ravens stop a guy who has the size of an elite tight end at 6'6", 265 pounds, but also possesses the skills and athleticism of an elite wide receiver?

The Ravens have a few key weapons on defense they can use to hinder Gronkowski.

Ray Lewis/Linebackers

If you think Ray Lewis is old, I think you've really underestimated him. Even at 36 years old, he's still one of the premier defensive players in the game.

He's got an unlimited knowledge of football and is the Ravens' undisputed leader. Not only that, though, he's still physically able to stick with just about any offensive scheme that's thrown at him.

Lewis is great at playing the passing game, and he essentially takes away the middle of the field. 

Look for the Ravens to utilize Lewis on Gronkowski to take away anything he may have over the middle

He's physical enough to cause him trouble anywhere from the line of scrimmage to about 10 yards out. Lewis has excelled throughout his career at chipping tight ends and bumping them off their routes as well, so expect him to utilize that skill to get Gronkowski off his rhythm with Tom Brady.

Also look for Terrell Suggs to play a role here. He's known more for his pass-rushing abilities than anything, but if Gronkowski is lined up on his side, I wouldn't be surprised if the Ravens utilize Suggs to knock him around at the line of scrimmage or try to re-route him.

Ed Reed

There is no doubt in my mind that Ed Reed will play an integral role in stopping Gronkowski. He's one of the best ball hawks in the game ever. Period.

Cornerback Lardarius Webb should be able to match up well with Wes Welker or anything the Patriots have going deep, which will leave Reed free to focus on spying on Gronkowski.

If he gets past Lewis, Suggs and the linebacker corps, I expect that Reed will be right there on his tail and ready to disrupt anything that comes his way.

The best way to razzle a top-notch tight end is to get him at both levels. Take away his over-the-middle dump options, and then cover his deep routes.

The Ravens have the best one-two combination in the league with Lewis and Reed, and they should be able to give Gronkowski some problems.