Baltimore Ravens 4 keys on offense vs. Patriots

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) prepares to throw to ball for a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens looked downright impressive in their 30-17 dismantling of the rival Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, as the Steelers mess of a secondary had no answers for wily veteran Steve Smith, who went over the century mark for the first time since Week 6. Meanwhile, playoff hero Joe Flacco had a clean, efficient game, and the Ravens defense managed to frustrate Ben Roethlisberger into two interceptions, which were huge in game that did not include elite RB Le’Veon Bell.

Although the Ravens have had plenty of historical success against the New England Patriots in the playoffs, this year’s version of the Pats present a tougher test for the Ravens, particularly when looking at Baltimore’s passing attack. The Ravens are used to facing a Pats team with a secondary that would make the Steelers DBs look elite by comparison, but they’ll no longer get to tee off of the likes of Steve Gregory and the outside-CB version of Kyle Arrington. Instead, the Ravens will have to face Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, and the new-and-improved Patrick Chung as the trio around elite FS Devin McCourty.

Below are five keys to victory for the Ravens when they face the Patriots tomorrow evening in frigid Foxboro.

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