Welcome to the latest edition of 5 Questions. This is a collaboration between SB Nation and other sites to preview upcoming Ravens matchups. Tayor Kyles of Pats Pulpit will be answering Baltimore Beatdown’s Week 16 questions. This week the Ravens play the New England Patriots.
1. Mike Vrabel’s brand of football has been brought to New England. What are the differences between this year’s team and last year’s under Jerod Mayo? Are there any similarities with Bill Belichick’s regime as well?
Jerod Mayo was unprepared to take on the role of coach. He brought more empathy than his predecessor. Mike Vrabel took a similar approach to building relationships. He also brought experience, vision and a hands on approach that were all lacking in the late season. The team has become more cohesive and resilient, and is closer both on and off the pitch than any time in my three years as a beat cop.
Vrabel has a much friendlier personality than Bill Belichick. He also has an impressive understanding of the game, and can coach at any position. Vrabel’s versatility, toughness and awareness as a football player has carried over into his coaching. It is evident in the way his team functions.
2. How has Eli Wolf’s strategy of building the Patriots’ roster differed from previous teams? And how has this been reflected on the field so far this season.
Eliot Wolf’s 2025 class is a far cry from the 2024 group. Last season’s class lacked maturity, and playmaking abilities of NFL caliber. Most of the players who played before Vrabel are no longer on the team.
The Patriots’ draft class has produced over a half-dozen starters, as well as multiple key contributors. Belichick’s eye for kickers waned as he grew older. He failed to adequately address the offensive tackle and wide receiver towards the end of his career. This was not the case in the offseason. New England added Kyle Williams as a receiver and reshaped its entire left side with Will Campbell and Jared Wilson. They also selected Andy Borregales, a kicker who is remarkably consistent. TreVeyon’s home-run ability breaks the mold for traditional Belichick backs. The former Buckeye is a game changer since Week 10.
The team’s rapid turnaround has been largely due to this year’s focus on explosiveness, mental toughness and character.
3. TreyVeon Henderson has been tipped to win the Offensive Rookie Award. Do you think that they will win the award?
Drake Maye could be falling short because of his inconsistency during the last month of the season. He has had erratic accuracy at times and is coming off of his worst professional game. Maye has done a great job of kicking bad habits into the curb, but he is still capable of 3-5 WOW plays per game. It’s possible that he could surpass Matthew Stafford in the final stretch if he outperforms him. But my money is on Stafford.
Henderson is another story. He has been a hot back since November, producing like one of the best in the league. He ranks third among all qualified backs for yards per rush and yards before contact. Tetairoa McCmillan is also deserving, and could make a noise if Carolina made the playoffs. But Henderson may win the award if he continues his current pace.
4. Maye is virtually unstoppable in the air. What can the Ravens expect from Maye’s running ability and how can they slow him down?
Maye’s defense has relied on man coverage the most. This forces him to be on the same page with his receivers. That hasn’t been the case in recent times. They have also not proven that they can beat Cover 0, which requires quick throws from the short middle.
Maye’s scrambling is dangerous. He can even escape from the middle of the pocket. But good gap discipline will help. Josh McDaniels likes to use read-option concepts when scoring territory.
5. The Ravens’ rushing offense and Patriots’ run defence is a classic clash of two elite teams. Will the Ravens be able to break through and how much will they rely on the pass?
Since around Week 9, the Patriots’ run defence has been among the worst in all of the league. Milton Williams’ loss has affected their ability to disrupt, and Robert Spillane will miss his second consecutive game due to an injury. Even so, the inability of either player to consistently build a wall and set firm edges began creeping in before they went down. Josh Allen, Spencer Rattler and Justin Fields also have success with scrambles or quarterback runs. Christian Barmore, a DT, is also questionable for Sunday’s match.
On the basis of recent history and a big game by James Woolf, I would be surprised if New England has another explosive backfield, like Ravens’.