Week 5: Bengals vs Ravens Preview
By Joe Barnes
Opening Thoughts
The Ravens will be coming out pumped up and seeking a win today, after last week’s embarrassing loss to the Patriots and the death of former teammate Tony Fein. The Bengals have been rolling on all cylinders this season while doing it quietly, which has made them 3-1. This game will be very important not just for this week, but also for the division race. If Pittsburgh continues to lose, and lose division games, then this game could determine who becomes the frontrunner in the AFC North. Each team plays 6 division games, and that is the first tiebreaker when determining playoff qualification. With both of these teams winning, this game is doubly important.
Key Matchups
Bengals Pass Rush vs Ravens Offensive Line: Since Jared Gaither is more than likely to not play, Michael Oher will probably take over the left side. The Bengals’ right end, who Oher will be put up against is Antwan Odom, who is tied for the league in sacks with 8. Also, if Gaither is out, there will be an open spot on the line and if a quarterback and his line aren’t on the same page, the pass protection could get ugly. Hopefully if he doesn’t play, Gaither will be amply replaced.
Bengals Receivers vs Ravens Cornerbacks: I’ll continue to say that the only weakness of this team right now is their pass defense. Last week, Wes Welker carved up Chris Carr while being injured, and in previous weeks, Fabian Washington, Domonique Foxworth and Frank Walker have all been torched for big plays. This week, they go up against Chad Ochocinco and Chris Henry who have been having solid seasons. If they hope to contain the Bengals offense, the cornerbacks need to shut these guys down.
Injury Report
Ravens
OUT: None.
DOUBTFUL: None
QUESTIONABLE: T Jared Gaither
PROBABLE: CB Chris Carr, LB Tavares Gooden, LB Jarrett Johnson, WR Derrick Mason, DT Haloti Ngata, S Ed Reed, WR Demetrius Williams
Bengals
OUT: LB Rashad Jeanty, T Andre Smith
DOUBTFUL: None.
QUESTIONABLE: S Kyries Hebert, DT Tank Johnson, S Chinedum Ndukwe
PROBABLE: RB Cedric Benson, CB David Jones, LB Rey Maualauga, DT Domata Peko, S Roy Williams
Prediction
The Ravens will be playing with multiple chips on their shoulders, and especially with a division game, they will be pumped up. I see them getting constant pressure on Carson Palmer, but giving up some points.
Ravens win 23-17 with Terrell Suggs as the player of the game, with 2 sacks and a few big defensive plays.