Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium December 3, 2007 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) " src="http://newengland.comcastsportsnet.com/wp-content/image/wgs/scott/prior-years/78237163-moss-ravens-600.jpg" class="imgcaption" />

Patriots – Ravens Preview

Thursday night the New England Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.

Reliving the Great Escape

The last time these two teams met was in during the regular season last year on December 3, 2007. The Patriots needed a miraculous comeback to overcome a 24-17 fourth quarter deficit/ A key interception by James Sanders coupled with two critical drives orchestrated by Tom Brady, the first to cut the lead to 24-20, and the final last gasp drive to secure the victory on a Brady to Gaffney touchdown.

Ravens players, and their fans, haven’t forgotten the game. While this is just a preseason contest, and the debut of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, there’s plenty of bad blood between the franchises – specifically between Ray Lewis and former Raven Adalius Thomas who called out Lewis for being selfish. From here, Thomas was right, I’ve had to endure Lewis’ me first persona covering the AFC North and to be honest, it gets old quickly. He’s a great linebacker, but really has issues when the defensive line doesn’t keep blockers off him.

Historical Trends

New England has owned the series 4-0

10/06/96 Patriots 46-38 @ Baltimore
01/02/00 Patriots 20-3 @ Foxboro
11/28/04 Patriots 24-3 @ Foxboro
12/03/07 Patriots 27-24 @ Baltimore

Before 1996, the Ravens didn’t exist. The former team, the Cleveland Browns, kept the historical records and team colors in Cleveland.

Things You May Not Know
(Courtesy Patriots Media Relations)

Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi scored his first career touchdown at Baltimore (10/6/96) during his rookie season when he picked up a loose ball after a blocked punt by Larry Whigham and returned it four yards for a touchdown. It was his first touchdown scored at any level of competition.

The Ravens are one of three teams the Patriots face in the preseason that have won the Super Bowl this decade. Following the Ravens (2000), the Patriots will battle the Buccaneers (2002) and close out the preseason against the Giants (2007).

Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi and Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister were teammates at the University of Arizona during the 1995 season.

Patriots Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli was the Ravens’ director of pro personnel in the team’s inaugural season of 1996. Prior to that, he was with the franchise in Cleveland as the Browns’ pro personnel assistant from 1992-95, where he worked with head coach Bill Belichick

What To Watch

Probably the most interesting portion of a preseason game to watch, if you want to watch for something more than scores, is the position groupings and which players are in which positions.

For example: With Matt Light missing so much practice time, the question of who replaces him at right tackle has already been addressed this past week in camp. Nick Kaczur is expected to play left tackle, while Wesley Britt plays right tackle. Ryan O’Callaghan has competed with Britt at right tackle, but O’Callaghan has missed nearly a week of practice so Pete McMahon or one of the new free agents will be filling in.

There are three main things to watch for Pats fans

The Secondary
Who plays, who starts, and who looks good at either corner spot, or especially the slot (3rd CB) position.

Ellis Hobbs still isn’t healthy, so he won’t be out there much — if at all.

The Linebackers
Does Jerod Mayo start next to Tedy Bruschi.
How does Tank Williams fit in
When does Victor Hobson enter the game
Does Pierre Woods take Mike Vrabel’s position
Which LB plays with the second unit and which ones play with the third.

The Receivers
Moss, Welker and Gaffney are locks, but what about the other guys?
Chad Jackson or Kelley Washington (slot or on the outside)
Where do CJ Jones and Chris Dunlap fit?
Can Ray Ventrone catch passes against competition?
Is Matt Slater on offense or defense?

Other interesting positions to keep an eye on

Quarterbacks — Roster cuts loom on the horizon, so every snap counts for Cassel and Gutierrez. (assuming O’Connell will make the roster)

Tight Ends — Will David Thomas finally break out of his injury curse? How does Marcus Pollard look?

Offensive line — Left Tackle (Will Matt Light return) Right Tackle — who plays behind Britt (O’Callaghan?) and Billy Yates or Russ Hochstein at guard?

Safety — Has Brandon Meriweather moved up enough to play James Sanders role? Tank Williams or Rodney? Where does Lewis Sanders play, CB or S.