Tomorrow in Cincinnati should be an interesting game for the Ravens. For Baltimore to gain their second win of the young season, they have to beat a division rival on the road. We all know about that expectations that have been placed on the shoulders of the Ravens for this year. It is worth remembering that the Bengals have entered this year with plenty of aspirations of their own.

Cincinnati looked rather hapless in New England last Sunday, and due to that have been written off by many. I see a team with talent on both sides of the ball, that is likely to play with urgency to avoid an 0-2 start.

Here are some things and questions with the Bengals I will be looking at:

1) Against New England, the Bengals quickly fell behind and abandoned the run game. In Cincinnati’s two wins over Baltimore last year, they fed Cedric Benson the ball early and often. Benson responded with two 100 yard rushing games. Will there be a similar blue-print from the Bengals offense tomorrow? The back-up Bernard Scott has plenty of quickness. How will he be used?

2) The Bengals 2009 1st round pick Andre Smith has not been able to claim the starting position at RT. Will be interesting to see if he gets any action.

3) The addition of Terrell Owens understandably grabbed a lot of national headlines. Long-term the more interesting additions to the offense were the draft selections of TE Jermaine Gresham, and WR Jordan Shipley. Due to the other weapons in the offense, these two rookies could wind-up facing their share of single coverage especially on 3rd down.


4) Cincinnati’s Defensive End Antwan Odom was having a career year last season with 8 sacks in 6 games, prior to injuring his Achilles’. Is he ‘back’?


5) Last year the Bengals selected the physically dominating Michael Johnson out of Georgia Tech. A lineman in College, he has been an OLB for Cincinnati. I will be looking for him on expected passing downs.

6) Middle LB Dhani Jones has been known as the leader of the LB’s, but was exposed a bit last-week in pass-coverage against the Patriots. To his left and right he is surrounded by the talented youth of Mauluga (entering 2nd year), and Keith Rivers (entering his 3rd year). Will the former USC LB’s show some maturation to their games? (Though it appears Rivers might miss tomorrow with a foot injury)

7) In addition to Antwan Odom, another Bengals player coming back from an injury-riddled 2009 season is Safety Roy Williams. He has always been known as a hitter, the question will be does he still have the legs necessary to play the position?

8) Ravens fans remember that Marvin Lewis has always enjoyed being aggressive. One of the reasons he can bring pressure is that he is confident in his starting corners (and former 1st round picks) Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall. I want to see who gets the assignment of Boldin. The Bengals 2010 3rd round pick Brandon Ghee has been dealing with a concussion, is he ready to help Cincinnati in their Nickel coverage?

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

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.

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