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Breaking down the Ravens-Patriots matchups

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January 21, 2012|By Greg A. Bedard

The battles between Terrell Suggs, left, and Matt Light, and between Ray… (Suggs, Brady: Getty Images;…)

Who has the edge? What players will be most important in Sunday’s playoff game? NFL writer Greg A. Bedard examines how the teams will line up.

KEY MATCHUPS

Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs vs. Patriots LT Matt Light

Suggs is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year after a season in which he had 14 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. And he might do his best work against the run. “He does a terrific job in all phases of the game,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “He’s a strong run player, probably doesn’t get enough credit for that, he causes a lot of negative plays in the running game.” Light has been outstanding this season. He’s only allowed four sacks and has been his best against the best. Light has held such top pass rushers as Tamba Hali (Chiefs), Trent Cole (Eagles), Dwight Freeney (Colts), Brian Orakpo (Redskins), and Elvis Dumervil (Broncos) without a sack.

Scout’s take: “This is the key matchup because if the Patriots are able to run their no-huddle effectively, then the Ravens won’t be able to scheme pressure. That would leave Suggs to do it all himself because I’m sure the Patriots will double [Haloti] Ngata after what he did to them last year [two sacks]. Light has surprised me. He’s done a real nice job.”

Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez vs. Ravens CB Jimmy Smith

Hernandez (6 feet 1 inch, 245 pounds, 4.64 in the 40-yard dash) has averaged 15.2 yards per reception in the last five games with three touchdowns, as he and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski have become the focal point of the Patriots’ passing attack. The Patriots like to get Hernandez in the open field against man-coverage teams, and the Ravens will likely take that approach. Hernandez had four catches for 61 yards against the Ravens in his fifth career NFL game in 2010. Smith, a rookie, is a close physical match (6-2, 210, 4.42). After not playing much early, he has been getting more playing time the last third of the season. He’s a great athlete but prone to coverage mistakes.

Scout’s take: “You certainly can’t sit back in zone against [Tom] Brady very often, so the Ravens are going to look to match up like the Jets have. It’s the same scheme. Those tight ends are rolling right now. I wouldn’t let Hernandez breathe. The Patriots know this, so you’ll see Hernandez come out of the backfield. That’s a different problem. But at some point he’ll split out, and Smith is the guy I would pick.”

POSITIONAL MATCHUPS:

QUARTERBACKS

Patriots: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett

Ravens: Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor.