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Tonight at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens will face off in what may be the toughest match of their respective seasons. The Patriots are 8-0 and sitting in 1st place in the AFC East. The Ravens are 1st in the AFC North at 5-2. Week 9 primetime football will be appointment television this week. 

During the team's Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Tom Brady finally seemed to be finding rhythm with his offense, who’ve played an otherwise shaky season. As they continue to move together, it’ll be crucial for the offense to continue finding harmony to move the chains. 

Running back Sony Michel has really stepped up this season, rushing like a machine through the defensive line, snagging passes out of the air, and using his footwork to his advantage to bring in touchdowns. Wide receivers Julian Edelman and Phillip Dorsett are also definitely falling in sync with Brady, but both have been sidelined with injuries, much like the rest of the offense at various points this season. 

The top priority for New England's offense though is to keep their 42-year-old quarterback protected and aim for no sacks tonight; Brady came out of last weeks game with a sore shoulder and had limited participation on Wednesday.

As the story goes, this season the Patriots defense has been on fire and shows no signs of cooling down. The "Boogeymen" should be out in full force tonight ready to take on the Ravens offense that may be the most electric in the league. 

What is New England's defenses biggest job tonight? Keep a close eye on quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s QB rating, 94.1, is on par with Brady’s 95.0 and is on the continual incline. Jackson has continued to work on his skills in the pocket to avoid fumbles and interceptions, and that’s where the Patriots will need to strike while the iron is hot. Safety Devin McCourty should have his hands up and eyes ready to catch Jackson making any mistakes.

Baltimore is a notoriously good team when it comes to running the ball and with players like McCourty ready to snag the ball out of the air, the defense needs to be ready, leave no holes open on the line, and try to keep the ball in possession as much as possible. 

On the heels of head coach Bill Belichick’s 300th career win, expect to see New England pull together to bring in win No. 301, keep their stats on a steady incline, and with some luck, break some more records.

Patriots' inactives vs. Ravens:

  • OL Korey Cunningham
  • WR Gunner Olszewski 
  • WR N'Keal Harry (!)
  • CB Joejuan Williams 
  • RB Damien Harris
  • QB Cody Kessler
  • TE Matt LaCosse 

Kickoff is at 8:20 EST on NBC. 

1st QUARTER

15:00 The Patriots kick off for a touchback, and we are underway.

12:58 Ingram picks up a first down with speed, giving the Patriots defense some work to do right up front. 

10:34 Van Noy makes the stop, bringing Jackson down; we're already seeing what a dynamic player Jackson is, and why his rushing numbers are so good.

8:14 Jackson takes the ball and dances his way into the end zone for a touchdown. 

PAT IS GOOD NE 0 - BAL 7

8:04 After an incomplete to Sanu, here's hoping the Patriots do what they do best on 3rd downs and go for a huge conversion.

8:00 Never mind... Bailey punts away.

3:18 Guy sacks Jackson for a solid loss in the backfield; finally.

2:29 39 yard field goal attempt by the Tucker.

FIELD GOAL IS GOOD NE 0 - BAL 10

2:01 I've said it before and I'll say it again; Michel is a complete machine. Picks up one set of downs and goes for it again.

1:19 Brady is sacked hard on a 3rd down, where the Patriots usually convert quickly and bring the chains down the field. Not yet, but I remain hopeful.

2nd QUARTER

14:50 Ingram takes the hand off and takes off down the field to the 12.

14:10 Edwards rushes the ball and does this little hop and skip into the end zone.

PAT IS GOOD NE 0 - BAL 17

12:41 Punt return fumbled by the Ravens, Patriots recover.

12:30 White catches a short toss and picks up a fresh set of downs, bringing the Patriots to 1st and goal.

12:02 Brady finds Sanu in the end zone and finally puts some points on the board with the first touchdown of the night.

PAT IS GOOD NE 7 - BAL 17

11:19 The defense is finally putting some pressure on Jackson.

10:21 With a quick flip to Sanu, we can see Brady is definitely connecting with the new WR.

9:12 Edelman picks up a first down with a nice spin/flip move, adding a little spice to an already great play.

7:19 Bailey punts after Burkheads fumble is reviewed and overturned. I'm surprised, I think the offense had it in them to convert.

6:29 Patriots recover the ball as Ingram fumbles on his way to a first down, Guy with the recovery and the Patriots have possession after review.

4:24 Grace under pressure, Brady finds Edelman just in time, for what could have been a huge sack on the 42-year-old.

3:44 Folk with the field goal attempt.

FIELD GOAL IS GOOD NE 10 - BAL 17

2:13 Hightower across the line of scrimmage to bring Jackson down in a sack that drives him into the ground.

1:51 Butler came in clutch and almost had an interception. Nevertheless, the ball was knocked down and the Ravens are forced to punt to Sanu.

1:07 Brady finds Edelman for a 35 yard reception to hopefully finish this drive with more points on the board.

:38 White with a huge catch to bring the ball within striking distance for a 1st and goal; Brady found White deep and connected. Come on offense, play like we know you can.

:10 White is stopped at the 1 yard line. Play under review; there's a chance of a touchdown depending on the outcome. No touchdown.

:08 Folk with the field goal attempt.

FIELD GOAL IS GOOD NE 13 - BAL 17

HALFTIME NE 13 - BAL 17

3rd QUARTER

15:00 The Patriots receive the ball to start the second half of this electric game, hopefully prepared to turn this around.

14:42 Edelman makes a short gain to bring us to 3rd and 7 for a conversion.

14:00 Sanu grabs the ball out of the air for a new set of downs, moving the chains down the field.

13:40 Successful flea-flicker. Always fun to watch.

12:55 Another great 3rd down conversion between Edelman and Brady. That's the New England energy we like to see.

12:21 Ball knocked out of Edelman's hands for a turnover; Humphrey on a breakaway recovery and is down the field for a touchdown.

PAT IS GOOD NE 13 - BAL 24

10:55 Watson picks up a new set of downs with some real finesse. First thing this half that's looked easy for the offense.

8:44 Brady literally dancing in the pocket with all the time he needs, great job by blockers to give him a little breathing room.

8:03 White rushes the ball through the line for a touchdown finally answering the Ravens and closing the gap little by little.

PAT IS GOOD NE 20 - BAL 24

7:57 Ravens kick return gave us a fumble, but was quickly recovered by the receiving team. Jaw dropper though.

7:03 Jackson has a huge completion to Andrews, moving the chains substantially down the field.

5:03 Hill gets thrown backwards, things are starting to look a little hostile on the field, there's a bit of animosity. 

:25 Jackson is really fast. Really, really fast.

4th QUARTER

15:00 Jackson finds Boyle in the end zone for a touchdown.

PAT IS NO GOOD NE 20 - BAL 30

14:20 Brady finds Edelman again to get another set of downs, here's hoping we keep that momentum.

13:01 Hope is only taking me so far.

12:50 Intending for Sanu, Brady airs the ball out downfield right into the arms of Thomas for a big pick.

12:38 Ingram brought down quickly by Bentley, that head of steam hopefully coming back.

9:39 An 18 yard pickup by Ingram, keeping his toes inside the entire time, even though there was maybe in inch between his feet and the sideline.

6:45 I believe the shot of Brady and Edelman looking frustrated sums up collective emotion of New England fans.

4:01 The Patriots defense is pulling out all the tricks in the bag to trip up the Ravens offense any way they can.

3:12 Through the line, Jackson pushes his way through for a touchdown.

PAT IS GOOD NE 20 - BAL 37

3:04 Thank you Michel for recovering a kick return fumble and what would have been an awful turn of events.

1:54 Brady throws a wobbly pass away downfield.

1:49 Brady sacked for a loss bringing it to 4th and 13; the upcoming bye week is definitely needed by New England.

1:00 Kneeling left and right now.

END OF GAME NE 20 - BAL 37