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Thomas Returns To Baltimore, Patriots Try To Remain Unbeaten

Danny Dabiri |Dec 02,2007

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Thomas Returns To Baltimore, Patriots Try To Remain Unbeaten

The New England Patriots quest for a perfect season continues on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. The Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 31-28 last week to improve to 11-0. It was their smallest margin of victory this season. It was also the first time this season that quarterback Tom Brady did not throw at least three touchdowns. New England heads to Baltimore a 20-point favorite. No road team has ever been favored that heavily in NFL history. The Patriots will be playing their fifth night game of the season.

The Monday night game also marks the return of former Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas . New England signed Thomas, an unrestricted free agent, to a five-year $35 million contract in March. Thomas spent seven seasons in Baltimore and has many close ties with some of his former teammates.

“It will be different to see the guys that you know and played with. Other than that, it will be business as usual,” said Thomas.

Thomas and former teammate Ray Lewis traded barbs through the media earlier in the year. Lewis was upset over some comments Thomas made to Sports Illustrated.

When comparing his new team to the Ravens, Thomas made this assessment.

“People in Baltimore wanted the limelight, people sought out the limelight, starting with the head coach. It was a star-studded system,” said Thomas. “Here (in New England) it’s about as different as you can get. Everybody shies away from being the star guy. Nobody on this team beats his chest. They just all go about their business. And win.”

Angered by the comments, Lewis called Thomas a “coward” and the war of words was on.

As the game approaches, both players have backed off their public feud and appear content to let their play on the field settle it. The recent season-ending injury to New England linebacker Roosevelt Colvin should only increase Thomas’ role in the Patriots defense.

Expect Thomas and the Patriots to hammer the Ravens in primetime.

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