AFC Championship Game 2012: Why the Patriots Are a Lock to Beat the Ravens

It's Tom Brady time again.

The New England quarterback, who is 4-1 in the AFC Championship Game (2-0 at home), prepares for another battle with the Super Bowl on the line. However, Baltimore, owners of the best defense in the AFC, stand in his way.

Joe Flacco versus Tom Brady for the Super Bowl.

Now, we've seen some people express optimism for the Ravens: That they can shut down Brady and score just enough points to win and advance to the Super Bowl.

But look into the game further and you see Baltimore has no chance.

The last time these two met in the playoffs, Baltimore stomped New England, but that was because of a horrible game from Brady and the Pats defense. The last time these two met, New England fought off Baltimore 23-20.

That was a stronger Ravens team and a weaker Patriots team.

This year, Brady threw for 5,235 yards and 39 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions, and if you include the playoffs, those numbers go up to 5,598, 45 and 13.

And Flacco? 3,786, 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions (including playoffs).

Sure, New England has one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, but when you look at Baltimore's offensive line, which completely broke down against Houston, and New England's defensive line, which dominated Denver, it's an unfriendly matchup for the Ravens.

How about stopping Brady?

Baltimore's defense is great, but Arian Foster shredded the run defense last week, which opens up a window for BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead.

And don't forget about the passing game with Welker, Hernandez, Branch and The Gronk.

Rob Gronkowski has set records for receiving touchdowns for a tight end with 17 on the season and 20 including the playoffs. He also has a rushing touchdown, which adds up to 21 touchdowns in 17 games.

Gronk has incredible hands, a size advantage over almost any cornerback and three other great targets for Brady.

Aaron Hernandez has good hands, and he has the explosiveness and speed to turn any play into a big play. If you combine a tight end with great size and magnetic hands with a tight end with speed and tackle-breaking ability (which Gronkowski has as well), you have something not to be messed with.

That something not to be messed with is the New England Patriots.

Maybe the Ravens have the edge on defense, but when you consider the Patriots amazing offense, that all gets cancelled out. It comes down to the offense and while Flacco may be 5-3 in the playoffs, he doesn't have the skills and experience that Brady does.

When it comes down to tight ends, Baltimore doesn't come close. Receivers? Torrey Smith did nothing against the Texans and Anquan Boldin is aging. Wes Welker leads the team in receptions and he and Deion Branch are always a threat.

Ray Rice gives the Ravens the edge running the ball, but New England's D-line dominated Denver and shouldn't let Rice run all over them.

We've all seen Baltimore go on the road and lay an egg. How do you explain road losses to San Diego, Tennessee, Jacksonville and Seattle? If the Ravens hadn't gotten just a touch of luck, they might have fallen to Houston.

That kind of performance will never work against the Patriots.

For the first time in four years, Brady Time is Super Bowl Time.