BALTIMORE — If the Ravens have been following Patriots beat reporters this week, they’d have identified to take higher care of the soccer.
Through the portion of Thursday’s apply open to reporters, the Patriots practiced punch-out drills immediately in entrance of reporters.
Patriots protection working drills to pressure turnovers at present. pic.twitter.com/UICHbELwDD
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) December 18, 2025
The elevated reps paid off in Sunday’s 28-24 win over the Ravens with two takeaways generated from compelled fumbles.
The primary got here late within the first quarter when Patriots security Jaylinn Hawkins jarred the ball free on a carry by Ravens operating again Derrick Henry. Rookie security Craig Woodson recovered it, which led to a Patriots landing.
“We did punch outs each day at apply,” Hawkins mentioned. “That was the largest factor. Coach put emphasis on takeaways. It was like, ‘All proper, let’s go on the market and simply attempt to get takeaways, man.’ That’s the largest factor. And we knew punching was one of many methods we are able to get takeaways. And seeing that chance, I spun off a block, and I simply, I swung like Mike (Tyson).”
Outdoors linebacker Okay’Lavon Chaisson later had the game-clinching takeaway late within the fourth quarter after the Patriots had taken the lead, punching out the ball after a catch by Ravens extensive receiver Zay Flowers that cornerback Marcus Jones recovered.
“We knew they’d a few pace skaters on their facet of the ball — ball getting a bit of free from their physique,” Chaisson mentioned. “So clearly, that’s the time to make a play and see ball, get ball.”
The Patriots had simply three takeaways of their earlier six video games. They won’t have received with out the 2 punch-outs Sunday night time.
