Baltimore Ravens a Familiar Foe for New England Patriots in Playoffs

The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens have tilted lances three times in the postseason during the last half-decade and will do battle again Saturday at Foxborough in the AFC divisional round. The Ravens have stayed on their horse more often than not.

Some version of the Patriots has lost two playoff games to the Ravens in the last five years. That team doesn't exist anymore. The flaws? Tended to. The strengths? Added to.

Here is how the Patriots teams differ from the last two losses.

2009 AFC Wild Card Game (Ravens 33, Patriots 14)

What Happened

The Ravens dominated behind Ray Rice and their rushing game, gaining 234 yards on the ground. Four Patriots turnovers—including three interceptions thrown by Tom Brady—were the catalyst to the 33-14 road victory, despite Joe Flacco only throwing for 34 yards.

Kevin Faulk, Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor took snaps at running back that day. New England only gained 64 yards on the ground as it was playing catch-up for the majority of the day, and its running backs couldn't break through the Ravens defense that was led by Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

Wes Welker missed the game due to a season-ending injury suffered in Week 17.

What Changed

Rice is not on an NFL roster anymore. While Justin Forsett has certainly filled in well, the majority of the Ravens offense is predicated on feeding the ball deep to Torrey Smith and Steve Smith. Their strength lines up perfectly with the strength of New England's. The Ravens may be forced into running the ball, with Darrelle Revis and company locking down the deep receivers.

The Patriots' running game is far more diverse, with Jonas Gray, LeGarrette Blount and Shane Vereen all filling distinct roles for New England. Lewis and Reed are not in uniform anymore. C.J. Mosley has played well in his absence, but he doesn't have the instincts and experience playing against a Brady-led offense.

Instead of Julian Edelman being a fill-in, he is now the most reliable receiver on the Patriots offense.

2012 AFC Championship Game (Ravens 28, Patriots 13)

What Happened

Gail Burton/Associated Press

Brady passed for 324 yards, but he needed 54 attempts to get there and threw two interceptions in the process. Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Lloyd combined for 24 of the 29 New England receptions. The Ravens defensive backs—led by Reed, Bernard Pollard and Cary Williams—were able to shut down the hosts throughout the second half.

Anquan Boldin and Dennis Pitta combined for three touchdowns. They were uncoverable when it counted, leading to clutch conversions and scores. Kyle Arrington, Marquice Cole and Alfonzo Dennard just couldn't get it done.

What Changed

Rob Gronkowski's presence can't be understated. He was unavailable—or in college—for the last two losses, allowing the Ravens to focus on the run and the outside receivers. His ability to draw defenders wherever he roams will open up lanes in the running game and provide space to receivers such as Edelman and Brandon LaFell.

While Hernandez isn't on the team anymore, Tim Wright provides a threat as a second tight end.

Boldin and Pitta are gone, but Steve Smith, Torrey Smith and Owen Daniels have perhaps upgraded the group. The Patriots, however, have done some upgrading of their own. Arrington is now in his natural slot position, flanked by Revis and Brandon Browner. Devin McCourty has blossomed into a top-flight safety, while Pat Chung, Duron Harmon and Tavon Wilson have all found their niche.

What Lies Ahead

Bill Belichick has learned from his mistakes. He has a healthy Gronkowski and a rebuilt defense ready to erase the bad taste from his mouth regarding these two playoff losses at home.

While it won't be easy, expect the Patriots to overcome their past failures and emerge victorious Saturday.