Ravens @ Pats

Obviously, this weekend's game is huge. Win and advance, or lose and go home. Simple. As plain as we can make it sound though, this game will be anything but easy. As much as I hate to admit it, the Ravens are a good team. Though I dislike most of them, they're a talented team. With a defense that's known for their gritty, borderline-dirty playing style, and an offense that really comes alive in the post-season, Baltimore pretty much always gives us some trouble. 

As for the upper hand...
I'm not sure there's really an underdog in this game. It's an even mix of people who say Baltimore is the underdog, and those who say New England is the underdog. I think both teams take whatever negatives, whatever reasons they "won't win" that have been dished out this week, and use them as motivation. Do I think Suggs and Flacco and Steve Smith are tired of hearing about how they've struggled against above .500 teams this season? Yep. Do I think Brady and the Pats are tired of hearing about Baltimore having their number in the playoffs? Absolutely. I can't wait to see how this fuels the Patriots, tomorrow afternoon. 

I do believe that Baltimore will give us everything they've got. And I absolutely believe we do the very same. It'll be a hard fought game and I'd almost guarantee that we're all tempted to throw something at our TVs at least four times on Saturday. But that's okay, just get the win. Even though we beat them in Baltimore last season, we still want revenge for the embarrassing loss in the AFCCG, two years ago. In my mind, that was supposed to be our year. But apparently not, because we did not show up to play. If I remember correctly, we were shutout in the second half. Unacceptable. And something that can't happen again on Saturday night. 

Suggs, one of my least favorite players in the entire league, always plays us with a vengeance. I guess he's still jealous of Brady, who knows. Personally, I'm hoping that our offensive line makes him a non-factor this time around. No one wants to hear him running his mouth after the game, no matter the outcome.  

Since our offense has struggled in recent weeks, I hope this game turns out much like the game against Cinci. We came out on fire, scored a touchdown on the opening drive and hardly slowed down the entire game; defense was incredible that night. AJ Green had a nice mini-vacation on Revis Island, Andy Dalton was frustrated, we did pretty well stopping the run, and Browner wasn't even active. LOVED IT. Oh yeah, and we hadn't "released the beast (Jonas Gray)", yet, and Blount was still in Pittsburgh. Imagine all these 'forces' working together against Baltimore. Again, I'm not saying we're going to win, I'm not saying the Ravens will win, I'm not saying this will be an easy win for either team. I'm just excited. Revis, Brady, Belichick, as well as the rest of the team, are hungry for a win. The win. 

Pep talks

Defense, don't underestimate Joe Flacco. Limit Baltimore's deep ball and get physical. Offense, come out firing on all cylinders, from start to finish. Go no huddle and show no mercy. If at any point we get behind (which I hope we don't), don't stress, don't rush it. We know how to play from behind. Stay focused, stay calm. Remember, this is our house.

As always, GO PATRIOTS.