Today in Baltimore, the Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC North Division clash.
Both teams are 3-1, but the Bengals already have two division wins.
Coming into this morning, the Ravens have been established as a 7.5 point favorite by Las Vegas. While I see Baltimore winning, I would not want to touch that line. This is a division game, and Cincinnati comes into today playing with pride. It would not surprise me at-all to see the Ravens be pushed today.
Here are things I am watching for:
1) If Gaither can not play, what type of protection does Flacco get? Oher should be ok at LT, but he has spent all of camp, and the current season at RT. It might be like riding a bike, but he will still need to remember his footwork. Stepping in, and playing on the left-side last week helps. If Oher is moved to the LT for today, that leaves a hole at RT. You would expect Yanda to get the opportunity. Is he ready to play an entire game? Bengal DE Antwan Odom already has 8 sacks for the season. You know he is licking his chops with the prospects of going against either a Rookie, or a player coming off of injury that is inexperienced at Tackle.
2) Cedric Benson comes into today, averaging 21 carries per game. I am very interested to see if the Bengals attempt to give him that many carries against the Ravens defense. Benson has a running-style that reminds you of Jamal Lewis. He is going to try and smash it up the middle, and make you tire of tackling him by the end of the game, in hopes of breaking a longer run. Ngata, Gregg, and Lewis should be excited about having a chance to play against a traditional power-running game. Gooden should be back as well, and this should give him an opportunity to step-up and make some plays.
3) The last-time Baltimore saw Cincinnati, Ryan Fitzpatrick under center for the Bengals. Carson Palmer being back, obviously makes them a different team. Chad Johnson, Chris Henry, and L.Coles gives Palmer the weapons necessary to make plays down the field. If Palmer and the Bengals spread the field, you have to have a pass-rush that gets to Palmer. If you are defending in single-coverage against 3 talented receivers, you need a 3rd CB to step-up. The Ravens are going to continue to face offenses that try and spread them out, and attack through the air. It is imperative to see week to week growth out of L.Webb as this season progresses. I think you could see Reed make a pick today, if Palmer continually goes for the homerun.
4) Another area where I will be looking at intensively is the Ravens return game. Last-year, Chris Carr averaged 28.1 yards per Kick Return, and 10.1 yards per Punt Return with Tennessee. This year, Carr is averaging 24.5 yards per Kick Return, and 7 yards per Punt Return. Perhaps some of the difference, relates to the NFL Rule Change on using the Wedge? Or maybe he playing more Nickleback for the Ravens, and is tired? Beyond his pure stats, Carr has not looked confident back there. I would love to see him gain some real positive yardage today, and start to become a weapon. If he looks iffy early, I think this is another area where you have to expand the role for Webb, who is averaging 26.5 yards per Kick Return.
5) Flacco has thrown for over 300 yards in both of his 2009 home-games. If he can do that again, against a talented Bengal Secondary (Williams, Joseph, and Hall) that would say a lot. After the drop last-week, I would love to see the Ravens consciously try and get Clayton involved early. You need him as a weapon in this offense. Clayton is averaging slightly more yards per game than he produced in 2008, but his yards per reception has decreased from 17 to 12.6. I would like to see him get something down the field today.
Heap has not touched the end-zone since Week 2, and I would like to see that changed. Will be interesting to see if Rivers covers Heap in the passing-game. Will also be interesting to see if Heap is chained to the line today, doing more blocking if Gaither is out.
6) I am hoping to see 3 Missing-in-Action offensive weapons contribute something today. It is Week 5, and LJ Smith enters today with 1 catch. If he is now healthy, you have to get him involved. Le’Ron McClain had 9 games with at-least 60 yards rushing last-year. I understand he is now the lead-blocking FB, and will not be getting the majority of carries in-front of McGahee, and Rice. That does not mean he should be ignored, or utilized. If there are short-yardage situations, he should get that opportunity. Besides, with 8 receptions so far, McClain has shown he can also catch the ball out of the backfield if necessary. The 3rd M.I.A. player is Demetrius Williams. Williams was sick as the week ended, and might be deactivated. If he is on the active-roster, the Ravens should try and use him. Obviously K.Washington has exceeded expectations with 16 receptions, and has really helped. That is not reason enough, to not attempt to get Williams involved at-all.
There is no pressure on the Cincinnati. Nobody is picking them to come into Baltimore and win. While they are only a fluke-play away from a 4-0 start, people also point out they are only a couple of plays away from 1-3.
I believe in what Parcells said years ago, you are what your record says you are. Right-now, the Bengals record says they come into today, tied on-top of the AFC North. The Ravens need to defend their home-field. That starts with controlling the game early, and not letting the Bengals feel like they can steal a game.
I do not care if this game comes down to the end, as long as the Ravens leave with the win. It is vitally important that the Ravens do not lose today. Playing a team that is familiar with you, has weapons, and has a chip on their shoulder; are all ingredients of an upset in the making.
If the Ravens offense is introduced today, the crowd should give Clayton a large ovation, and attempt to build him up.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.