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Baltimore Ravens: 5 things we learned against Bengals

By Jake McDonnell

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 10: C.J. Mosley
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 10: C.J. Mosley /
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CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 10: Brandon Carr #24 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball after intercepting a pass during the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 10: Brandon Carr #24 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball after intercepting a pass during the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

#3 – The defense is legit AND can make plays

Not only did the Ravens defense shutout an opponent for the first time since 2009, they forced five turnovers on the afternoon. Four different Ravens – C.J. Mosley, Jimmy Smith, Brandon Carr, and Lardarius Webb – intercepted Andy Dalton. The Ravens sacked Dalton five times, and one of Terrell Suggs’ two sacks caused a fumble that Michael Pierce recovered. In total, the Ravens sacked Dalton five times.

All of the turnovers gave the Ravens the ball at favorable spots. However, out of the five possessions that started off turnovers, Baltimore scored just 10 points. Against the Bengals, that’s okay. However, if the Ravens plan on winning against teams like Pittsburgh and Oakland, their offense needs to take advantage of the opportunities the defense gives them. They stalled (60%) more than they converted (40%) today.

I can’t remember the last time the Ravens’ defense dominated the way that it did today. There’s a reason to be excited about this unit, and they showed why against the Bengals.

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