Ravens-Patriots matchups

January 20, 2012|Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

Quarterbacks

PATRIOTS: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett. RAVENS: Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor. As personal statistics go, no opponent has given Brady more trouble than the Ravens. Including the playoff game after the 2009 season, in five starts against Baltimore, Brady has completed 55.9 percent of his passes with six touchdowns, six interceptions, 6.09 yards per attempt, and a rating of 71.4. But in the most important statistic, Brady is 4-1 against the Ravens, and 15-5 overall in the playoffs. Flacco is 5-3 in the playoffs, completing 53.1 percent of his passes, with 5.81 yards per attempt, six touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a rating of 66.2. In the 2010 matchup with the Patriots, Flacco completed 77.1 percent of his passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns with a rating of 119.3. Edge: Patriots.

Running backs

PATRIOTS: Stevan Ridley, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Lousaka Polite, Kevin Faulk, Shane Vereen. RAVENS: Ray Rice, Vonta Leach, Ricky Williams, Anthony Allen.

Ridley’s second fumble in as many games (one lost) has put his role into question. The Patriots place a high value on ball security, and in Green-Ellis they have a back who has never fumbled. Woodhead played a big role in the 2010 meeting with 63 yards on 11 carries and 52 yards on five catches. He also was exceptional at blitz pickup. Rice is one of the game’s best, both rushing and receiving — he led the Ravens at both — as he posted an NFL-high 2,068 yards from scrimmage, was second with 1,364 rushing yards, and tied for third with 12 rushing touchdowns. He has averaged 116.7 yards in three games against the Patriots, though 83 came on the first play of the playoff game. Leach is the best fullback in the game and new to this rivalry. Williams, the longtime Dolphin, will get his touches relieving Rice. Edge: Ravens.

Receivers

PATRIOTS: Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Deion Branch, Chad Ochocinco, Tiquan Underwood, Julian Edelman, Matthew Slater. RAVENS: Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Lee Evans, Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta, Tandon Doss, LaQuan Williams, Kris Williams.