Nick Coit’s Patriots Preview: Baltimore Ravens, Week 9

The Patriots take their undefeated record down to Baltimore this weekend, where they'll be put to the test by the Ravens. Will the Ravens offer the Patriots their first true resistance this year?

"On the road in Baltimore, this is the first true challenge for the Patriots and the Patriots defense," said ABC6 Sports Director Nick Coit. "This is going to be a really good game."

It's going to be a game that is centered around Baltimore's dynamic Lamar Jackson, who, incredibly, is a top 10 rusher in the league as a quarterback.

"He can use his legs probably better than anybody in the NFL right now, maybe with the exception of Russell Wilson," Coit said. "That's going to present some unique challenges for the Patriots defense, and I'm interested to see what they do to keep an eye on Lamar. That's half the threat with him is that if he's not going to pass he's going to run. You better have somebody that can not only keep an eye on him but can keep up with him."

Bill Belichick is famous or taking the opposition's best weapon out of the game. His philosophy is to never let them beat you with their best guy. Watch Belichick take the Lamar Jackson out of this football game by having a dedicated linebacker keying on the quarterback.

Also, watch for the debut of Nick Folk as the Patriots new kicker. The Mike Nugent experiment is over now that the Patriots have brought in this veteran kicker. This season has really highlighted how spoiled we've become since Mr. Vinatieri and Mr. Gostkowski have come into our lives. It seems that every field goal (even every extra point) is an adventure. It never used to be.

Nick Coit is predicting that the Patriots defense will lead them to their ninth win.

NICK'S PICK: Patriots 24, Ravens 14