2. The run game gets going:
The Bengals are without a win and stopping the run game isn’t their strength. The rushing attack has to be there for the Baltimore offense. The Bengals give up an unbelievable 167.6 yards per game on the ground. That’s laughable run defense to bring into Baltimore, to face the number one ranked rushing offense. The Ravens need to get right completely on offense. They don’t just need to see Jackson right the ship, they need to see Mark Ingram II and the running backs dominating. If Ingram doesn’t get 100 yards in this game it will lead to some serious head scratching at the end of this game. It’s there for the taking and Greg Roman’s offense better snatch it up.
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The Bengals’ defensive line is actually formidable. They have Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap who can certainly blow things up in the trenches. Linebacker isn’t their strength. The Ravens should be able to punish the Bengals’ linebackers in the run game (Mark Andrews should also have fun in the passing attack). This is the week the Ravens should strive to start bouncing big runs. The linemen have to do a better job of springing big runs open. There should be a couple of giant chunk plays on the ground in this game.
If the Ravens want to see what they actually have with Justice Hill, this is the week to find out. More carries for Hill could show that he has been under utilized. Hill has great speed and quickness and it would be nice to see him emerge as a real weapon in the offense. Last week, Hill had a lengthy kickoff return. It showed how much he could do when he picks up a full head of steam and is in the open field. The Ravens should make Ingram a huge part of the offensive game plan however they have to save room for Hill.