Patriots' defensive backs wary of speedy Torrey Smith

BY NICK ST. DENIS

New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib was asked Thursday about Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith's speed. According to Talib, few words -- or no words -- are needed.

"Man, you know that," Talib told reporters, via Patriots.com. "We don’t even have to talk about that. You know how fast he is. We all know how fast he is."

Smith is one of the NFL's elite burners, though Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco hasn't connected with Smith nearly as much as he would have liked to this season.

Pats expect plenty of downfield shots from Ravens

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots' defensive backs will earn their paychecks Sunday.

New England will be up against one of the NFL's most prolific downfield passing attacks in the Baltimore Ravens, who the Patriots will host in the AFC Championship game. (photo: Au Kirk, Flickr)

“It is a big job this week to try and prevent that deep ball," Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib said Wednesday, via Patriots.com. "They are on the same page right now with [quarterback Joe] Flacco. We have a lot of work to do this week.”