New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens in Foxborough… How many times have you not heard that phrase in a playoff game full of twists or even in a confrontation with the face of decision? This Sunday (15), for week 10, on Sunday Night Football, at 10:20 pm, the two teams will face each other again at Gillette Stadium, but the atmosphere is quite different.
The Ravens are at the top of the NFL, being one of the candidates for the Super Bowl this season, having a campaign with six wins and only two losses. On the other hand, the Pats have suffered in the first season without Tom Brady, with a record of just three wins and five losses.
Despite the Patriots’ bad year, there are interesting narratives in Sunday Night Football. It will be Lamar Jackson’s first meeting with Cam Newton, two quarterbacks of similar styles, with both starting their teams. In 2018, Jackson’s first year in the NFL, the Ravens lost to Newton’s Carolina Panthers, but the number 8 was a reserve, entering sporadic snaps in the duel.
Despite being efficient in the air, with good control of the pocket, Jackson and Newton also do damage with their legs, stressing the defenses to defend the good weapons that quarterbacks have in their arsenal.
Jackson holds the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in an NFL season, with 1206 rushing yards in 2019. Newton also holds a record of his own, the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season: 14 in 2011.
Although the two athletes are similar in terms of their talent for gaining yards with their legs, their running style is completely different. The Super-Cam does more damage running between tackles, on power plays, taking advantage of blocks and battling with linebackers for yards. Lamar, on the other hand, makes most of his runs looking to the side of the field, where he usually has more space and fights for yards with an opposing defensive back.
Seeing how the two talents command their attacks in front of good defenses will be one of the privileges of Sunday Night Football. Baltimore looking to stay on course for the postseason and New England looking for a turnaround in the disappointing 2020 season.
Bet
According to the Football Power Index, ESPN’s projection engine, balance will be the hallmark of the duel. The Ravens, even away from home, are more likely to win the match: 66.5%. The New England Patriots have a 33.3% chance of winning.
game sheet
New England Patriots x Baltimore Ravens
NFL week 10
Data: Domingo (15), 22h20
Local: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Where to watch: ESPN, ESPN Play, and NFL Game Pass
