Ray Lewis: Key is preparation

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ray Lewis knows what kind of game the AFC championship is going to be Sunday. It’s the kind that really will be settled before the first ball is kicked off.

“It’s a film study game with him,’’ Lewis said of Patriots [team stats] quarterback Tom Brady [stats]. “He wants to ID everything that’s coming out and know what you’re in. Your job is to disguise and not show him all of that. It’s a chess match, almost.

“When you speak about Tom you’re talking about arguably one of the best quarterbacks of all time. You’ve got your hands full from day one, before you even step on the field with him.’’

What makes the Patriots offense so difficult to prepare for is not only the presence of Brady but the design of so many of their pass routes, which leave defenses’ heads spinning.

“They do a lot of clever things,’’ Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “The more you study it, the more respect you have for what they’re doing. (Brady’s) got total control of what they’re doing.’’


(boston.com)