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The Patriots will look to bounce back on Sunday Night Foitball when they take on the Baltimore Ravens. It is a must win for both teams and Baltimore is a notoriously tough place to play.
We will once again get a good idea of just how legitimate this Patriots team is.
Matchups are key when playing this Ravens team. Despite how inconsistent they have been all season long, they are tough to match up against..
Here are five matchups that could determine the outcome of this game.
Harold Landry vs. Roger Rosengarten: A match up the Patriots need to win. They need to effectively rush Lamar Jackson but they also need to kept him in check as a runner and not let him extend plays. Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson will play a big part of that. They must have an effective but responsible rush plan this week.
K’Lavon Chaisson vs. Ronnie Stanley: One of the biggest matchups of the night. The Patriots need to get consistent pressure on Jackson and the way to do that is to sugar rush Jackson and not allow him to get into space and run. Chaisson has the length and the short area quickness to get to Jackson and effect him as a passer but also stack blocks and disengage. He will need to play well tonight.
Hunter Henry vs. Kyle Hamilton: Hamilton is one of the best defensive players in the NFL and an eraser. He can match up in man coverage and take away any tight end in the league. The Patriots are going to have to move Henry around and stack him if they want to give him free releases and get him open.
Stefon Diggs vs. Marlon Humphrey: This is a match up that could have a big impact on this game, especially in the red zone. Humphrey has struggled this season in downfield coverage. If the Ravens force the match up, the Patriots have to take advantage inside the 30 and get Diggs on him one on one on seam routes, slot fades, corner routes and post corner routes. Diggs could have a big game tonight.
Patriots front 7 vs. Derrick Henry: With Robert Spillane out once again, the Patriots defense will have their hands full with an opposing team’s rushing attack. The problem is, this week you’re going up against Derrick Henry, arguably the most physical back in the league. Henry hasn’t had a great season but with the Patriots run defense struggling of late, he could end up having a huge game tonight.