The Patriots are following up their biggest game of the season last week with another challenge against the Ravens that could finally determine their postseason fate. After failing to win the AFC East with a win over the Bills, they can secure a spot in the playoffs by beating the Ravens on Sunday night, but it depends on which version of the Patriots shows up.
The team we saw in the first half last week must be the one that plays the entire game in Baltimore, especially if they want to be considered a legitimate threat come the postseason. They've shown glimpses of just that, as head coach John Harbaugh pointed out to reporters this week, yet they haven't managed to maintain that level of production throughout an entire game.
Regardless, the Ravens are preparing for all versions of the Patriots, especially after seeing them put up 21 unanswered points in the first half last week.
Harbaugh pointed out that they are a big-play team, mentioning TreVeyon Henderson's speed and Drake Maye's impressive abilities, and we'll need to see all of that if they hope to steal a win in Baltimore in primetime.
John Harbaugh knows what the Patriots' offense is capable of, and it's important we see that this week vs. the Ravens
The Patriots' offense looked locked and loaded in the first half last week, putting up 21 points quickly, with Maye running into the end zone for two scores himself.
Topping it off was a 52-yard run by Henderson, breaking tackles left and right and boosting his Offensive Player of the Year candidacy and showing the Ravens' defense what they're in for, which is exactly what he accomplished based on Harbaugh's comments.
"Big plays is the biggest thing when you look at their offense. They've just had a bunch of big plays [and] big runs. They have a rookie running back [in TreVeyon Henderson] that's fast and explosive. Boy, you better have your angle set up on him.
They're physical, obviously, and [Drake] Maye's made some nice throws, and sometimes he runs around, but he's made some big throws and play actions and things like that. [They are] a big-play offense that can run the ball. That's a combination that you have to be concerned about."
The Patriots are going to be facing one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson, so that will be a tough test for their defense, but they can bring the same energy by allowing Maye to use his legs, as well, which worked impressively well against Buffalo last week.
The same can be said about utilizing Henderson more, as seen again with another standout performance against the Bills, and forcing the Ravens' defense to be prepared for anything.
We need to see more of those explosive plays if the Patriots want a chance against a tough AFC contender, and keep their one-game lead over the Bills in the division and the conference.
If Josh McDaniels can replicate what they did in the first half of last week's game while also incorporating Stefon Diggs more into the game plan, the Patriots can get a win. There's a reason Harbaugh mentioned their rookie RB and quarterback, along with their big plays, and they need to incorporate all of it to seal their postseason fate.