Patriots’ Glaring Weakness Faces Ravens’ Red Flag In Week 16 Matchup

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel made his concerns about the team’s red-zone defense known following the group’s Week 15 loss vs. the Buffalo Bills.

The Patriots’ league-worst defense inside the 20-yard line would seem to have a great shot at getting back on track in Week 16 against John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens.

“Weakness vs. weakness in the red zone: Patriots defense ranks last in the NFL in TD percentage allowed (75%) while the Ravens’ offense is 31st (44%),” ESPN’s Mike Reiss posted on Bluesky.

Weakness vs. weakness in the red zone: Patriots defense ranks last in the NFL in TD percentage allowed (75%) while the Ravens' offense is 31st (44%).

— Mike Reiss (@mikereiss.bsky.social) 2025-12-18T14:14:09.836Z

The Ravens have one of the most potent rushing attacks, spearheaded by two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and two-time rushing champion Derrick Henry.

Jackson missed three games earlier this season due to injury though and hasn’t been as dynamic since his return.

The 28-year-old went five straight games with a completion percentage under 60% from Weeks 10 to 14, recording just three total touchdowns against four interceptions and four fumbles during the stretch. Jackson bounced back in Week 15, tossing two touchdown passes in a win, though he also had one interception and only attempted 12 passes.

New England would clinch its first playoff berth in four years with a win vs. Baltimore on “Sunday Night Football.”