Fansided

NFL Playoffs: X-Factors, red flags for each team

By Jeffery Reynolds

Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 9
Next
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Championship banners hang at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills in the second. Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Championship banners hang at Gillette Stadium as the New England Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills in the second. Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots X Factor: A championship caliber defense

The Patriots have appeared in five Super Bowls under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, but it’s been a dozen years since they won one. When the Patriots were at their unbeatable, dynastic best, the formula was simple: dominate on defense, rely on the running game and squeeze the life out of your opponents. Throw in a few magical game winning drives from Tom Brady and they were untouchable, especially on the biggest of stages.

Their recent inability to close the deal has been directly related to the quality of the defense they’ve put on the field. Despite eye-popping, record-breaking offensive production, the Patriots have come up short since 2004.

The drought could end this year – if it does, the defense will again be the reason.

While they rank near the top in overall defense, the Patriots have given up their share of yards. That’s a little misleading, however, as teams are often forced to play catchup after falling behind big.What’s really telling is the points allowed by New England.

The Patriots have given up more than 24 points only three times all season. Over the second half of the season, while facing many of the top offenses in the league, they’ve given up an average of 17 points per game. The secondary is stout, and with a healthy Vince Wilfork plugging up the middle of the line, opposing teams are often forced to abandon the run.

The offense remains elite. A stout running game and  Tom Brady throwing a healthy Rob Gronkowski give the Pats the ability to shred opposing defenses. If the Ravens are unable to penetrate the Patriot defense in response, it could be a very long day for Baltimore.

New England Patriots Red Flag: pass protection

In past playoff failures, the Patriots have sputtered on offense as opposing defenses tee off in the pass rush. The Ravens just got done turning Ben Roethlisberger and his improved offensive line into roadkill.

If they hope to advance, they are going to have to contain interior pressure from Haloti Ngata and outside pressure from Elvis Dumerville and Terrell Suggs, while accounting for the exotic blitz packages that will be thrown at them by their former defensive coordinator, Dean Pees, who is now in charge of the game plan to shut down Tom Brady.

The Patriots have only given up 21 sacks this season, keeping Tom Brady clean and giving him a secure pocket from which to work. Will we see a repeat of the Giants dismantling of the Patriots offense in their two Super Bowl matchups, or will New England find a way to keep Brady clean against a withering pass rush?

Next: Can Carolina find a way to silence the Seattle crowd and stun the defending champs?

Home/Baltimore Ravens