Lets start by saying the Ravens know how to slow down the pats. Since 07 they have met 4 times. Yes the Pats won 3 of those but all 3 win came by 1 score. And 3 of 4 of those games the Ravens actually accumulated more total yards of offense than the Pats. In all 4 of these match ups the Ravens held Tom Brady to less than 275 passing yards.
Ravens are that type of football team built to knock off a team like the Pats. We already saw the Saints and PAckers, similar teams like the Pats beaten due to good defense and forcing turnovers. in the p[layoffs there is always a game you have to win by grinding it out, and getting dirty. The Pats have proved they struggling in these type of games. The last 3 playoff games they've lost it has been by physical smashing mouth teams that play hard nose, nasty defense. The Ravens fit this bill.
We have already seen the Pats get slowed down by similar teams with good D's such as Steelers, Giants, Cowboys(when they were good). All of a sudden the Pats play 10 games in a row against .500 or worse teams and the preception is that they are unstoppable. I can assure you a great D, and a good team like Baltimore will make this a war like they always do against the Pats. You actually might be shocked that the Pats will look out of sync and overhwhelmed at times in this games because its been so long since we have even seen the Pats play a team with a defense anywhere close to Baltimore.
Baltimore will also be able to move the ball on offense. The Pats D seemingly better isn't. Joe Flacco while not a great QB, is good enough to do damage against this soft pass defense. I expect Joe to play well and not turn the ball over.
This week the Pats play a tough team for the first time in months. A team that gets extra motivation every time they play New England. The proof is in the recent match ups. Ray Lewis and Ed reed will have this team extra inspired. Could be both of their last games. Ravens 7-0 vs playoff teams, battle tested. If you still think this will be a blow out it it might be. But not by the team you expect.