This current Cincinnati Bengals team doesn’t need any reminders of how things have gone against the Baltimore Ravens over the last few years.
Just ask wide receiver Tyler Boyd who is one of the few players on the team that was on the roster the last time the Bengals delivered a win over the Ravens in September of 2018.
“Time to flip the script,” Boyd said of the matchup. “It’s time to take over the throne. Just like when we went and beat the Steelers. “
Cincinnati Bengals:Three keys to how the Bengals beat the Ravens on Sunday and take control of the AFC North
Bengals vs. Ravens:‘We’re not treating it like a normal game’: Bengals ready to prove themselves against Ravens
USA TODAY NFL roundtable:Bengals among NFL's biggest surprises heading into Week 7
Since drafting quarterback Lamar Jackson in 2018, the Bengals have struggled to find ways to defend him. Cincinnati’s inability to limit Jackson’s production is a key reason for why the team has yet to win a game since Jackson took over as the starting quarterback.
In fact, his 442 rushing yards against the Bengals are the most he has against any other NFL team.
The Bengals believe they have the talent in place this year on defense to ensure Jackson doesn’t wreck the game. Jackson is completing 67.5 percent of this passes this season showing his capabilities don’t end with his ability to run. He’s improved as a passer and the Ravens’ offense is reaping the benefits of it.
Tight end Mark Andrews is Jackson’s favorite target and Cincinnati’s defense will have to account for the 6-foot-5, 256-pound weapon. Andrews has 34 catches for 468 yards and three touchdowns so far this season.
Ja'Marr Chase:‘He’s made the NFL look easy’: Ravens' Marlon Humphrey impressed with Ja’Marr Chase
“He’s a tough guy,” Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. “He’s big, he’s strong. He runs routes like a wideout. He’s a good blocker. He’s very savvy in getting off his releases and how he uses his hands. To me, he’s the full package of a tight end.”
The Bengals are more equipped to cover Andrews and Jackson this year because of the additions the team made in free agency. The acquisitions of defensive end Trey Hendrickson, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton have helped take this defense to new heights. Cincinnati ranks No. 8 in yards allowed per game (331.0) and No. 5 in points per game (18.5).
Cincinnati Bengals:Bengals notes: How Ravens will test Bengals right guard Jackson Carman
Linebacker Logan Wilson has been a highlight of the season as well. The second-year player has four interceptions so far and if he’s able to record one against Jackson, it could be a game-changer. Jackson has thrown five interceptions and fumbled the ball four times as well.
Veteran safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell will be in the center of all of it for the Ravens, though.
Bates and Bell are largely responsible for the communication of the entire defense and they know what will be needed from them on Sunday.
“Me and Vonn are watching some extra film together because a lot of the communication is coming from me and Vonn,” Bates said. “Just like any other week but it’s a little bit more extreme this week.
Bengals offense:How Chris Evans' persistent approach could increase his role in Bengals' offense
"But just watching film and watching last year’s game, me and Vonn are like, why are we reacting like that? Why are we doing those things? We have a better feel for just the coverages we are running. Just the offense itself. Of what they are trying to do and how they are trying to hit us.
Source link
