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Three key matchups to watch as Patriots take on Ravens

By Fran Brown

Oct 24, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates his touchdown catch against the New York Jets in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates his touchdown catch against the New York Jets in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Key matchup: Patriots linebackers/safeties vs Ravens tight ends

Mark Andrews has become one of the best tight ends in the game and Jackson’s go-to receiver, especially after the trade of Hollywood Brown in the offseason. Last season, Andrews topped the 1,000-yard mark for the first time, as he was targeted a whopping 153 times in the passing game. Andrews is off to another good start in 2022, but the Ravens have also added talented rookie Isaiah Likely to the mix at the tight end position to provide a good one-two punch. After being shutout in the opener (despite four targets), Likely brought in four balls for 43 yards against the Dolphins.

This will be a tough matchup for a Patriots team that was victimized by Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth for a touchdown last week, especially if safety Kyle Dugger is unable to go. The good news is that safety Adrian Phillips was back after leaving week one’s loss, and Jabrill Peppers was able to fill in for Dugger, making two key plays against the Steelers. The linebackers also seemed up to the task as Mack Wilson Sr. is already paying dividends, making an athletic play against the pass to force an interception. This will be the biggest test by far for this unit in the young season.

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