3 offseason moves by AFC North rivals that should scare the Ravens
By Kristen Wong
2. Cincinnati Bengals: Upgrading the offensive line
Bengals fans (and a certain cornerback) were quick to gloat after Cincinnati swept Baltimore in 2021, and the Ravens have every intention of seeking revenge this time around.
In 2022, it’s the Bengals’ offensive trio — Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins — who should be very afraid of the Ravens’ secondary: Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphrey, and newly minted Marcus Williams. Cincy had its fun tossing the ball around a practice squad last season, but let’s see how well Burrow can slice through two Pro Bowl cornerbacks and one very versatile free safety.
That all being said, Cincinnati did make crucial upgrades to its offensive line this offseason, signing three free agents of the “glass-eating” variety who can keep Burrow upright. One of those guys reportedly tried to play a game with a broken leg, so they definitely score high in the intimidation factor.
Heading into 2022, the Bengals will start four new faces on the O-line — in contrast to the Ravens who haven’t made any significant changes to their aging defensive line.
Hopefully, Baltimore re-signs Calais Campbell soon, and recently acquired tackle Michael Pierce should add depth to the interior defense. Still, the D-line remains a major position of need for the Ravens, and stopping Joe Burrow must be a team effort that starts at the line of scrimmage.
We’re 100 percent confident in the rejuvenated Ravens’ secondary to be able to lock down the Bengals’ weapons, but as the saying goes, games are won and lost in the trenches. Given any matchup, Burrow is by far the most dangerous threat to the Ravens, and those free agent O-line additions only make him a better player in 2022.