The Patriots didn’t file an injury report on Wednesday, because they don’t play until Monday. But they practice they did, and quarterback Tom Brady was able to participate despite a knee injury that has been limiting his practice time in recent weeks.
“I’m feeling good, so it was good to be out there,” Brady told reporters on Thursday. “I always enjoy being out there at practice. I’d much rather be practicing than getting treatment. It was good to be out there. It was a productive day and we’ve got to have a productive week, too.”
They need to have a productive week because they face the Ravens, and Brady agrees with the assessment that they currently have the best defense in the NFL.
“They’re the first-rated defense in the league so no one has done a better job over the course of the season than them,” Brady said. “I think they do things really well in a lot of areas, so they’re good in first-down defense, good in third-down defense, third-and-short, good on the goal line, good in the red area. They contest every yard, so I think that’s the mark of a good defense. They don’t give you anything easy. You have to earn it. I think they do a good mix with their scheme and also with their personnel, so we’re prepared for a 60-minute game. That’s what we’re practicing for.”
The Patriots have struggled at times with the Ravens in the playoffs, but New England holds an all-time edge of 7-1 in the regular season. To lock down the No. 1 seed in the postseason (which could entail a return visit from the Ravens with higher stakes), the Patriots need a Monday night win.