FOXBORO — The positive for the New England offense — if it can be considered a positive — is that it has already faced a defense remarkably similar to the Baltimore Ravens', two weeks ago against the Jets.

But Rex Ryan, Baltimore's former defensive coordinator, calls for blitzes more often than any other team in the NFL to this point, and that includes the Ravens' new coordinator, Greg Mattison.

So, in theory, with the Patriots players having had some action against a defense that parallels that of Baltimore, they should take the lessons learned from the Jets game and improve, right?

Well, maybe.

"It's not the Jets; it's definitely the Ravens," Tom Brady said this week. "They have their own personality, their own style. They have playmakers and really instinctive players. I think that's what sets them apart."

From an overall talent standpoint, Baltimore's defense may have the edge on New York's, particularly on the line, at middle linebacker in Ray Lewis, and at safety with Ed Reed. But the Ravens' corners aren't as strong as those the Jets have. Former Bronco Domonique Foxworth and fellow fifth-year man Fabian Washington are easier to pick on than Darelle Revis and Lito Sheppard.

"I think there's some carryover from a scheme standpoint, (but) the biggest difference between the Jets and the Ravens is the players," head coach Bill Belichick said. "You're playing against a different set of players … and they're very good. Not that the Jets don't have good players, but they're different. It's just different: different matchups, different guys."

Remarkably, while Brady attempted 47 passes against New York, he wasn't sacked once. He was, however, hit at least seven times, and also completed less than half of those passes, a number that came in part because of the pressure the Jets brought, some iffy throws by Brady and a few drops by his receivers.

Overall this season, Brady has dropped back to pass a league-leading 142 times, yet has been sacked just once, in the season-opener against Buffalo.

It is a credit to his offensive line, and it also shows he still has much of that in-the-pocket agility that has been a trademark in his career, even post-knee surgery.

"They're doing great," Brady said. "They've been together a long time, so they know the calls, they know the schemes. They're very well-coached and they all play well together. We've played some challenging defenses, as well, with a guy like (the Bills' Aaron) Schobel the first week, then the Jets defense in the second week, and then (Atlanta's John) Abraham this last week. Our guys always step up for the challenge and I know they're always prepared.

"It's pretty awesome to have one sack through the first three weeks this year."

Not surprisingly, when left tackle Matt Light is asked how best to counter Baltimore's blitzes, he uses the Patriots' motto: do your job.

"You pretty much just have to block 'em. They're going to come after you, and it just comes down to doing your job," Light said. "I think they have a really good team. It's vital for us to finish off a good week of practice. They have a good scheme. They'll come at you with everything they have."

The Ravens, who have been one of the top-six units in terms of total defense for seven of the last eight seasons, are currently ranked seventh in the NFL.

They have seven sacks and six interceptions, and are allowing just 51 yards rushing per game.

That final number may be a bit misleading, however, as they beat the Browns by 31 points last week and had a 28-16 lead against San Diego midway through the third quarter, so both teams were throwing the ball a lot.

Light will frequently have outside linebacker Terrell Suggs to fend off, and when asked how he's sleeping knowing the three-time Pro Bowl selection is on the horizon, Light, who has made two trips to the Pro Bowl, said: "I sleep like a baby."

He and the rest of the New England offense will need to be well-rested when they take on the Ravens on Sunday.

smanza@projo.com