(
)
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — There will be many significant forces at work in tonight’s AFC Championship between the Patriots and Ravens at Gillette Stadium.
* There is the revenge factor for the Ravens, whose 2011 season ended in this game at this stadium a year ago — a 23-20 loss in which receiver Lee Evans failed to secure what appeared to be a game-winning touchdown pass, then moments later kicker Bill Cundiff missing a 32-yard field goal attempt to send the game to overtime.
* There is the Ray Lewis Farewell Tour factor. The Ravens’ retiring linebacker is, for the third consecutive week, facing his potential final NFL game after 17 seasons. Winning a Super Bowl for Lewis on his final ride has provided some serious inspiration for both Lewis and his teammates.
* There is the Patriots’ postseason dominance at home, where they are 10-2 since 2002, including 4-0 in AFC Championship games — though one of those two losses was a 33-14 drubbing by the Ravens following the 2009 season.
* There is the Patriots’ hunger to get to a second consecutive Super Bowl, and win it — considering they have not won an NFL championship since 2004, a serious drought around these parts.
Despite the factors heavily weighing in New England’s favor, which is an eight-point favorite, the Ravens got exactly what they have wanted since last year — another shot at the Patriots for a chance to go to the Super Bowl.
“I think we personally kind of wanted to play the Patriots again,” Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said. “If we go to the Super Bowl, it would be great to go through Foxborough.”
Being a heavy underdog also fuels the Ravens.
“My Super Bowl year in 2000, we were never picked one time the entire season to win a game — not one time,” Lewis said. “But at the end of the day, we held the Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl champs. That alone taught me a valuable lesson — that no one outside dictates how we play on the inside.”
A look inside the game:
MARQUEE MATCHUP
Ravens MLB Ray Lewis vs. Patriots RB Stevan Ridley. Lewis, who has 30 tackles (19 solo) in two postseason games, must spearhead the Ravens’ attempt to contain the New England running game, led by Ridley, or QB Tom Brady will have his way against the Baltimore defense.
JOE’S THE MAN
Ravens QB Joe Flacco is proving to be a clutch postseason performer as well as someone who plays well against the Patriots. Last week, he threw for 331 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers against the Broncos and now is tied with the Giants’ Eli Manning on the all-time list with five road playoff wins. Overall, he is 7-4 in the playoffs. In five career games against the Patriots, Flacco has thrown for 1,271 yards, nine TDs and four interceptions.
KICK IN PANTS
The Ravens failed to get last year’s title game into overtime when Cundiff missed that 32-yarder in the final seconds. Don’t expect a repeat of that for the Ravens today. Their rookie kicker, Justin Tucker, is consistent and clutch. His 47-yard field goal in the second OT won last week’s game. He also kicked the game-winning field goal against the Patriots as time expired in a 31-30 regular-season win in Week 3.
RUSH TO JUDGMENT
Though the New England offense is viewed as all about Brady, it has been the running game that has helped them be more prolific this season. The Patriots, led by Ridley’s 1,263 yards and 12 TDs, had the most rushing TDs in the NFL (25) this season. Ridley is complemented by Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen, who had three TDs (one rushing, two receiving) last week.
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Ravens special teams allowed a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 104-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in last week’s win over Denver. The Patriots special teams allowed Texans kick returner Danieal Manning to average 54 yards on four returns, including one for 94 yards. Of the two teams, the Patriots might be more vulnerable today because Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones (30.7 on kick returns with two TDs this season) is the best returner in this game.
Cannizzaro’s Call
The Ravens believe they are a team of destiny, and they just might be. The power of Ray Lewis’ last ride, along with their hunger to avenge last year’s loss at Gillette Stadium, will be too powerful for the Patriots to handle — even at home. Look for Ravens’ RB Ray Rice to be the difference.
RAVENS 24, PATRIOTS 23
mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com