Patriots’ Glaring Weakness Faces Ravens’ Red Flag In Week 16 Matchup
Something has to give on Sunday night
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.
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.”
