Tight Ends:
For the year, both of these tight end groups have slaked off compared to what expectations would be. Bengals tight ends have caught one touchdown pass and only four catches a game. Drew Sample leads the Bengals as a former second-rounder in this group. He has 12 receptions for 100-yards this season and has shown skill as a blocker. Behind Sample is C.J Uzomah who caught two passes for 26-yards.
The Ravens have a dynamic duo in blocker Nick Boyle and receiver Mark Andrews. These two have paired together to score five touchdowns but on only 17 receptions. Both of the Ravens tight ends have been active members of the passing game in the past and with a weak linebacker and safety group for the Bengals, the Ravens must take advantage. With Jackson being banged up he will look for the easy throws to his most reliable targets, those being his big tight ends.
Burrow will have his hands full and may rely on dumping it off to his tight ends. The Ravens have a good group of linebackers, safeties, and Jimmy Smith who all can guard the Bengals tight ends and eliminate them from the game. That would take out some of Burrow’s security blanket and force him to throw it outside. That occurred last season when Ryan Finley played QB for the Bengals in week 10’s match-up.
Although these tight ends haven’t had the most production this season, both teams’ tight ends play huge roles in the offenses. They all can block and will be essential in Sunday’s matchup. If one defense forgets to match-up with a tight end, expect big plays. But, if they guard them well, the tight ends could play a very small role in this game.
Prediction:
- Mark Andrews- Four receptions, 55 receiving yards, one touchdown
- Nick Boyle– Two receptions, 15 receiving yards, one pancake block
- Drew Sample– Three receptions, 30 receiving yards
- C.J Uzomah- One reception, five receiving yards
Game Prediction- Ravens 34, Bengals 17