BALTIMORE — If the Ravens were following Patriots beat reporters this week, they would have known to take better care of the football.
During the portion of Thursday’s practice open to reporters, the Patriots practiced punch-out drills directly in front of reporters.
Patriots defense working drills to force turnovers today. pic.twitter.com/UICHbELwDD
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) December 18, 2025
The increased reps paid off in Sunday’s 28-24 win over the Ravens with two takeaways generated from forced fumbles.
The first came late in the first quarter when Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins jarred the ball loose on a carry by Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Rookie safety Craig Woodson recovered it, which led to a Patriots touchdown.
“We did punch outs every day at practice,” Hawkins said. “That was the biggest thing. Coach put emphasis on takeaways. It was like, ‘All right, let’s go out there and just try to get takeaways, man.’ That’s the biggest thing. And we knew punching was one of the ways we can get takeaways. And seeing that opportunity, I spun off a block, and I just, I swung like Mike (Tyson).”
Outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson later had the game-clinching takeaway late in the fourth quarter after the Patriots had taken the lead, punching out the ball after a catch by Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers that cornerback Marcus Jones recovered.
“We knew they had a couple of speed skaters on their side of the ball — ball getting a little loose from their body,” Chaisson said. “So obviously, that’s the time to make a play and see ball, get ball.”
The Patriots had just three takeaways in their previous six games. They might not have won without the two punch-outs Sunday night.
