The New England Patriots are heading into Sunday night’s primetime showdown with the Baltimore Ravens facing a potential crisis on defense. As many as six starters could be sidelined, and for a team that’s already struggled to stop the run, that’s not exactly the matchup you want against a Ravens offense that’s found its rhythm on the ground.
Let’s start in the middle of the defense, where inside linebacker Robert Spillane has already been ruled out. That’s a big blow for a unit that relies on his physical presence and leadership in the run game.
Christian Elliss, his partner in the middle, is questionable, which could leave the Patriots without both of their top inside backers. If Elliss can’t go, Jack Gibbens will step in to replace Spillane, while Jahlani Tavai is expected to handle early-down duties.
Marte Mapu, who’s been carving out a role in passing situations, will likely see more snaps as well.
And it doesn’t stop there.
The Patriots could also be missing two key pieces in the front seven: defensive tackle Christian Barmore and outside linebacker Harold Landry are both listed as questionable. Barmore’s situation is particularly concerning.
While he was initially on the injury report for non-injury-related reasons-managing his workload after dealing with blood clot issues last year-he missed Friday’s practice with a knee injury. That’s a red flag, especially considering how important he is to the interior defensive line.
With Milton Williams still on injured reserve, the Patriots are thin inside, and Barmore’s absence would leave a gaping hole against a Ravens offense that thrives on running between the tackles.
Landry, meanwhile, has been battling a knee issue all season but has managed to suit up every week. This time, though, he’s practiced significantly less, and there’s a real chance he won’t be available.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a pass rush that already lacks depth. Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson are the only Patriots edge defenders with more than 45 pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
The next closest? No one else has cracked double digits.
If both Barmore and Landry are out, New England won’t have a single defender with more than 13 pressures heading into this game. That’s a dangerous place to be against a mobile quarterback like Lamar Jackson, who can exploit a defense that can’t collapse the pocket or set the edge.
The Ravens’ offensive line hasn’t exactly been dominant this year, but they won’t need to be if the Patriots can’t generate pressure. That said, don’t count out a surprise performance from someone like Khryis Tonga or Anfernee Jennings-both of whom have posted pass rush win rates north of 11%. They may not be household names, but they’ve quietly made the most of their opportunities.
There is some good news for New England in the secondary. Cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones both expressed confidence that they’ll be able to suit up in Baltimore.
They’re officially listed as questionable after only practicing in a limited capacity on Friday, so it’s still a wait-and-see situation. But if they do play, it’ll be a huge boost to a secondary that could be leaned on heavily if the front seven can’t hold its ground.
The bottom line? The Ravens should be licking their chops at the chance to run the ball early and often.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has leaned into the ground game more in recent weeks, and with the Patriots potentially missing key run defenders, that trend is likely to continue. If Davis or Jones can’t go, Baltimore may also look to exploit matchups through the air, but make no mistake-this game will be won or lost in the trenches.
For the Patriots, it’s about weathering the storm. With so many defensive question marks, they’ll need a few unsung heroes to step up and keep this one from getting away early.