Momentum for the Baltimore Ravens has come from a defense that’s playing as fast and as violent as any front seven in football, and that identity becomes even more critical heading into a Thanksgiving matchup that could see Joe Burrow return to the Bengals’ lineup.
Cincinnati’s franchise talent has always been incredibly tough, poised, and efficient under pressure, but this particular version of the Ravens’ defense -- disruptive, deep, and opportunistic -- presents a challenge that cuts beyond physical hits.
It’s about clouding Burrow’s vision, compressing the pocket, and forcing him to process through muddied looks from the opening snap.
Ravens' front seven will play pivotal role on Thursday
Pressure has always been the equalizer against Burrow. He’s exceptional when protected, but when rushers collapse the interior and force him to throw with bodies in his lap, Cincinnati’s offense becomes far more fragile. And Baltimore has thrived there in recent weeks.
Their ability to generate pressure with four, scheme pressure with simulated looks, and send well-timed blitzes from second-level defenders gives defensive coordinator Zach Orr a fully loaded menu to work from.
Peeling back the layers, Travis Jones remains the centerpiece of that plan since Nnamdi Madubuike's season-ending injury. His explosion off the ball and rare ability to win with both power and finesse make him a constant mismatch for Cincinnati’s interior offensive line. And if he’s able to walk guards back into Burrow’s lap or force quick resets in the pocket, the entire structure of the Bengals’ passing game can unravel. Mike Green's speed and Kyle Van Noy's veteran presence around the edge complements that interior push, creating angles that squeeze Burrow’s escape routes and leave him taking hits even when the ball comes out.
In the middle, Roquan Smith and rookie Teddye Buchanan continue to function as the unit’s communicators and accelerators. Their ability to green-dog, spy Burrow, and time blitzes through the A-gaps adds a layer of unpredictability that is mentally taxing on quarterbacks -- not just physically. Buchanan in particular has blossomed into a heck of a disruptor when he triggers downhill, and matchups like this are where that skill set becomes invaluable.
All of this contributes to something Cincinnati has to worry about beyond Xs and Os: the mental strain on Burrow. Coming off injury and stepping back into an environment where bodies are constantly flashing into throwing lanes, where his feet never feel settled, and where Baltimore mixes coverages late in the down can force hesitation. Even a half-second pause opens the door for sacks, turnovers, stalled drives, and the obvious concern for Cincinnatti -- further injury for Burrow.
If Baltimore’s front seven dictates the terms of engagement early, they can shorten the field for their offense, control the tempo, and push their winning streak to six. Against a potentially rusty Burrow, who will be without Tee Higgins, the Ravens defensive identity -- fast, physical, and suffocating -- may be the most important unit on the field.