FOXBORO, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- The Baltimore Ravens have the NFL's top-ranked scoring defense. But the Ravens may be the ones having trouble moving the ball Sunday when they meet the New England Patriots.
The Ravens' improving offense should receive a stern test against the Patriots, who rank sixth in scoring defense, allowing 17.1 points per game. New England has surrendered a total of 13 points in its last two home contests.
Already without Pro Bowl tight end Todd Heap, the Ravens also will be without running back Jamal Lewis, who left last week's 30-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter with a sprained ankle.
Chester Taylor will start in Lewis' absence. Taylor started two games last month when Lewis was suspended for pleading guilty in a federal drug conspiracy case.
Second-year quarterback Kyle Boller has been showing steady improvement for the Ravens. A 2003 first-round pick, Boller has four touchdown passes without an interception in the last three games.
But the Ravens still are built around their defense. They have surrendered a league-low 140 points and have had four interceptions returned for touchdowns. Strong safety Ed Reed leads the way with six interceptions.
While the Ravens will be challenged to move the ball, the Patriots should have more success with Tom Brady spreading around the ball and with the running of Corey Dillon.
Brady passed for 315 yards and a touchdown and Dillon ran for 98 yards and a score as the Patriots posted a 27-19 victory at Kansas City last week. Dillon is two yards shy of his seventh 1,000-yard season.
New England has won 24 of its last 25 games, including playoffs. The Patriots also have won 16 straight at home, including playoffs since a loss to the New York Jets on December 14, 2002.
Matchup to watch: Ravens Pro Bowl left tackle Jonathan Ogden against right end Richard Seymour.
Series: New England leads, 2-0.
Next week: New England visits Cleveland on December 5. Baltimore hosts Cincinnati on December 5
usatoday.com
