| The Patriots will need to be tougher on defense this week to stop the Ravens offense. (US Presswire) |
The New England Patriots say there is no added pressure after losing to the Arizona Cardinals last week. A loss against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night would send the team to a 1-2 record, but New England says that it's business as usual.
But push a little harder and the team admits that things become a little more intense when preparing for the Ravens.
"We're going to have to play almost a perfect game to walk on the road Sunday night with a victory," defensive tackle Vince Wilfork said. "This is a good Baltimore football team, we've seen that over the years, but I think this team now is stacked, probably one of the best teams that Baltimore's had."
That is still to be determined. Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco had one of the better games of his career in the opener by completing 21-of-29 passes for 299 yards in the opener, but he fell back to earth last week against Philadelphia (22 of 42, 232, one touchdown, one interception).
Baltimore's defense has also went through some struggles with linebacker Terrell Suggs on the shelf with an Achilles injury. The unit has allowed 808 yards, 27th in the league, though has still managed to keep points off the board (18.5 per game, sixth overall).
But if Wilfork was referring to Ray Rice, who is averaging 6.4 yards per carry, then, yes, Baltimore has never been better.
Still, he expects it to be tough environment Sunday and is getting ready for a battle.
"Defensively we have to be ready, they’re going to give us everything they have," Wilfork said. "They’re be very excited to finally get us in their place,on SundayNight Football. It’s going to be a good football game."
Injury report: The Patriots added guard Logan Mankins (hip) and DL Brandon Deaderick (ankle) to Thursday's injury report. Both were limited in practice.
DL Justin Francis (ankle) and tight end Aaron Hernandez (ankle) did not participate. Francis was limited Wednesday. Limited: OL Dan Connolly (concussion), OL Nick McDonald (shoulder) OL Sebastian Vollmer (back), CB Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring), TE Daniel Fells (shin), WR Brandon Lloyd (thigh), CB Sterling Moore (knee) RB Shane Vereen. Full: Safety Patrick Chung (shoulder).
Minor move: Wide receiver Greg Salas was added to the practice squad. Wide receiver Kerry Taylor was released in the corresponding move. Salas was released Wednesday to make room for Deion Branch.
Nick Underhill covers the Patriots for MassLive.com. Follow him on Twitter @CBSPats or @nick_underhill.