The Baltimore Ravens are set to take on their division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, on Thanksgiving night. Each game is vital down the stretch for a 6-5 Ravens team that is fighting for a playoff spot. Despite the Bengals' 3-8 record, with Joe Burrow primed to return, Cincinnati poses a real challenge. Of course, one of the most dangerous parts of Burrow returning is his connection with elite wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
Baltimore narrowly beat Cincinnati last season, but Chase dominated them. Notably, the LSU product recorded 193 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the first game and 264 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the second game. With the Ravens' offense not being as explosive as last year, it will be paramount that their defense steps up this time around.
Containing Chase will be no easy task, but it's worth noting that the Ravens' secondary has improved a lot since last season. Additionally, Tee Higgins will be out, so the Ravens defense can focus on more of Chase. One surprise player who could play a role in containing the four-time Pro Bowler is Chidobe Awuzie.
The 30-year-old cornerback has been a revelation since the Ravens signed him in the offseason. Crucially, Awuzie also spent three years with the Bengals, so his familiarity with Chase could be a big factor.
Containing Chase will be difficult but Awuzie will play a role
Listen, you can't give Chase one consistent matchup or coverage; he's too good, especially with Burrow back in the fold. It will be necessary for the Ravens to throw different looks at him. This will involve double teams and creative zone coverages. However, Awuzie can certainly play a big role in defending him.
Awuzie has quietly been having an impressive season. He has held his opponents to 6.1 yards per target. While Nate Wiggins has slightly fewer yards per target (5.9), it's unlikely the second-year cornerback will have as significant a role. Marlon Humphrey has given up some big plays; his opponents average 9.2 yards per target, so it wouldn't be ideal for him to pick up Chase.
On the season, Awuzie has played 67 percent of the team's snaps, and when the Ravens' full cornerback room is healthy, he's often deployed on nickel packages. Nevertheless, expect the Ravens to utilize these packages more often against an explosive Bengals offensive attack.
Again, there's no singular solution to containing Chase, but Awuzie will certainly play a big role. Each week, unexpected players step up and play hero, and the stars are aligning for Awuzie to have a big role on Thanksgiving night.