AFC Championship 2012 Predictions
Patriots: 13-3 regular season record
Offense: not quite record setting, but obviously explosive. Its unusual for 2 of the top 3 receivers on a team to be tight ends, but they have everything else you expect from a dominant offense. Amazing quarterback and receivers, above average offensive line, and a solid enough running game to keep you honest.
Defense: ranking is terrible in yardage given up. When playing the Broncos, you have to wonder if the Broncos can keep up in a shootout. Do I need to keep going? They are healthy finally, and Brandon Spikes and Patrick Chung are playing well. Belichick is a genius, so maybe they can play well enough to get to the promised land.
Playoffs: Had the #1 seed and the bye. Had the good fortune of Denver upsetting Pittsburgh and therefore an easy win in the divisional round. Have yet to be tested, have seen the other two offenses capable of keeping up with them knocked out.
Ravens: 12-4 regular season record
Offense: solid on offense, but probably short of their potential. Flacco is still inconsistent at quarterback. They have yet to provide him with top tier receiving threats and their pass catchers seem to always battle injury. Ray Rice is fantastic, but their entire running game tends to be mediocre several games a year. They also tend to go away from Rice unless they have a lead. It’s never a good plan to go away from your best playmaker on offense.
Defense: phenomenal on defense, usually. They have an incredible defensive line, the best in football with Ngata and Suggs, along with the young guys contributing. They have the best safety in history still playing at a high level. Ray Lewis still hits hard and is the spiritual leader. More vulnerable than in the past because they have inconsistent cornerback play.
Playoffs: Enjoyed a first round bye, and then a game against Houston and their third string quarterback in round two. I missed most of this game because of church. However, I saw the last 8 or so minutes and saw a typical end to a Ravens’ game. It was close until the end, and Houston had the ball and was driving when the game got to the 2 minute warning. Ray Lewis stuffed a running play for a loss, and then Ed Reed intercepted a throw that would have put Houston inside the 5 yard line.
How it will go:
#1 Patriots vs. #2 Ravens
Pass defense: Edge, Ravens
Run defense: Edge, Ravens
Patriots: 13-3 regular season record
Pressure: Edge, Ravens
Special teams: Edge, Patriots
Pass offense: Edge, Patriots
Rush offense: Edge, Ravens
Protection: Clear edge, Patriots
Quarterback: Clear edge, Patriots
Coaching: Slight edge, Patriots
If the Ravens win…they win the turnover battle and get points from someone other than their offense. They also will need to control time of possession and limit the amount of times Brady has the ball.
If the Patriots win…The game turns into a battle of the offenses and the Patriots are given the chance to win with their superior offense. They need to control the tempo of the game and not have it turn into a physical battle.
Surprise level at an upset? Minor. The Ravens are the more complete team and if they control the flow and style of the game, they will win. However, the Patriots are playing so well offensively right now the Ravens may not keep up.
Prediction: Ravens win a physical, hard fought game 23 to 17.
Ravens vs Patriots Game Online Here!
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