PATRIOTS RUN OFFENSE VS. RAVENS RUN DEFENSE

For all of Brady's air exploits, the Patriots were 17th in the NFL in rushing attempts (438) during the regular season and 20th in yards on the ground per game (110.3). BenJarvus Green-Ellis (left) led the rushing attack with 667 yards on the ground and 11 touchdowns, but Danny Woodead and Stevan Ridley also got some work and the ever-evolving Patriots even used tight end Aaron Hernandez at running back last week. He rushed for 61 yards on five carries. It would be surprising if New England has much success running Sunday even though the Ravens will clearly be more focused on stopping the pass. The Ravens had the second best run defense in the NFL during the regular season, permitting just 92.6 yards per game. They were gouged for 132 yards rushing and a touchdown last week by Houston's All-Pro back Arian Foster, but only 37 of those yards came after halftime. Middle linebacker Ray Lewis (right), who will participate in his team-high 17th playoff game, had one of his best performances in weeks , making eight tackles against Houston. Ravens safety Bernard Pollard, who usually stays close to the line of scrimmage to help out against the run, will most likely be occupied by the Patriots' tight ends and receivers. EDGE: RAVENS