Check out some great Next-Level statistics below on the changing roles on Patriots' offense and a couple of potential vulnerabilities on the New England defense. Also, be sure to check out Jeremy Lundblad's stats-based piece on the evolution of the Patriots' offense.
With or without Moss, Patriots spread it around
NEXT-LEVEL: Ninety-nine of Tom Brady's 122 pass attempts have come from two personnel groups. Both have used use a single running back, either with three wide receivers and a tight end or two tight ends and two receivers. It has worked because Brady has spread around the action -- no receiver has accounted for more than 36.6 percent of the yards in either offensive set. Former Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss, while effectively drawing coverage through four weeks, was not a major producer in either grouping.
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A first-rate collision on third down
NEXT-LEVEL: Tom Brady leads all quarterbacks in passer rating, completion percentage and touchdowns per attempt on third down this season. The Ravens, Brady’s opponents on Sunday, lead the NFL on third downs in sack yardage and net passing yards allowed. Only the Jets blitz a defensive back on third down more often than the Ravens, who use a defensive back rusher on 39 percent of opponent drop-backs.
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Bigger roles for Patriots’ rookie TEs
NEXT-LEVEL: With Randy Moss out of the picture, the Patriots are likely to feature more prominently their two rookie tight ends, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. In 2008, the Patriots used two or fewer wide receivers on only 20 percent of their dropbacks. This season, that figure is up to more than 40 percent.
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NEXT-LEVEL: The Patriots have gone through a dramatic change in offensive philosophy this season. The percentage of plays featuring two wide receivers has increased, which signals a change in how the Patriots are moving the ball through the air.
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Go wide to gain ground on New England
NEXT-LEVEL: The Patriots’ run defense has been vulnerable on the edges this season. Opposing offenses have gained 64.6 of their total rushing yards against the Patriots and 66.7 percent of their total rushing first downs to the right or left side.
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Ravens found key in playoffs: Less pressure on QB
NEXT-LEVEL: The Ravens rushed five or more players on 60 percent of Tom Brady’s drop-backs in their regular-season loss to the Patriots last season. Brady completed 70 percent of his passes with a touchdown against the added pressure. The Ravens toned down the pressure in the Wild Card matchup and were rewarded with three interceptions and the win.