Ray Rice expresses sympathies for Vince Wilfork

AP Phot

The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens have had a well documented rivalry, especially in the playoffs, in the past few years. That will continue this coming Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium with a lot on the line for both teams.

This season, the Patriots have had their injuries, most notably Vince Wilfork. And that is a prospect that should delight most teams in that you don't have to worry about him, but not so for running back Ray Rice, according to the Boston Herald. He will actually miss facing Vince Wilfork, the Herald reports.

“I mean, you respect a guy so much like Vince Wilfork that you kind of want him out there because it’s always a great game when he’s in there,” Rice said of the big tackle, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles. “I wish him health, I wish him a speedy recovery, because that’s a tough thing to come back from. You know, he’s definitely going to be missed out there because of the respect, number one, that I have for him. We’ve had pretty good battles against him over the years.”

Ray Rice will probably get back to the Ray Rice we've come to know in years past with the Patriots so depleted on the defensive side of the ball. He's only topped 100 yards once this season, but he'll most likely top 100 yards again this week. Rice still sees the Patriots as a tough test, despite the Pats defense being ranked 31st this year, according to the Herald.

“(I see) a lot of skill, man. The guys still play hard, play fast,” Rice said. “They’ve got that next man up mentality. I don’t look at stats anymore. I don’t look at things like that. Those guys are playing with a high motor, and it’s definitely going to be a challenge for us.”

Whatever the case may be, both teams will probably be extra motivated to win, given the rivalry and all that's on the line for both teams.

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