ExtremeRavens Posted October 4 Posted October 4 Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 5 game between the Ravens (2-2) and Cincinnati Bengals (1-3) at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati: Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 27, Bengals 20: Baltimore has rediscovered its identity by turning back the clock and leaning on its running attack. Don’t be surprised if they do the same against the Bengals, who are 25th in rushing yards allowed per game (145.5) and 18th in yards per carry allowed (4.4). Cincinnati is also 27th in points allowed per game (26). But with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they also have enough firepower to put up points on the Ravens. Running back Zack Moss also tormented Baltimore’s defense when he was with the Colts last season. But it won’t be enough to keep up with a Ravens team that is hitting its stride offensively. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 30, Bengals 24: As long as the Bengals have Joe Burrow throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they’ll be a threat. They’re better than their 0-3 start, especially on offense. The Ravens don’t want to spot Cincinnati a lead and have the game turn into a throwing contest. The good news for the Ravens is they have the right playmakers to punish a Cincinnati defense that has lost a lot of talent over the last few years. Led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, they’ll try to follow the same script that worked against the Cowboys and Bills. The Bengals won’t be the team to stop them. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 33, Bengals 28: For the third straight week, the Ravens will play a defense that can’t stop the run. The Bengals are tied for 25th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 145.5 yards per game, and that bodes well for running back Derrick Henry (480 yards, averaging 6 yards per carry) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (380, 7.5). Cincinnati is ranked 11th in pass defense, but the Bengals have given up big plays over the top in previous years. That should work in the Ravens’ favor because this game has the potential to be a shootout. Cincinnati has Joe Burrow at quarterback and his receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, can make big plays against a Ravens secondary that has struggled in coverage. The Ravens, though, finally have a speedy cornerback in rookie Nate Wiggins, even though he still struggles in man coverage and uses his hands too much at the line of scrimmage. Regardless, the Ravens have a more complete team and should win. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 31, Bengals 20: The Bengals’ offense sure looks scary when Ja’Marr Chase is playing at full speed, but their defense might be one of the worst in the league, especially against the run. Here comes Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, who bulldozed the Bills last week to push Baltimore’s league-best average to a staggering 220.3 rushing yards per game. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken should lean on that punishing ground game to sustain long drives and keep Joe Burrow and Cincinnati’s offense off the field. If the Ravens stick to that script, this should be a comfortable division win on the road, a rarity in the AFC North. Don’t rule out another head-scratching Baltimore turnover or a defensive mistake making it closer than it should be, though. Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 28, Bengals 21: The Ravens have found their stride on offense and defense, looking much like the team that finished with the best record in the NFL during Sunday night’s thrashing of the Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have proved to be as dynamic together as we thought they might on paper, and the Bengals’ defense has allowed 16, 26, 38 and 24 points in their four games this season (and that 16 came against the Patriots, who have one of the NFL’s worst offenses). Baltimore should have no problem moving the ball in Cincinnati. Slowing down Joe Burrow, who looked much better in Week 3 (albeit against the lowly Panthers), is a taller task. Ja’Marr Chase looks as explosive as ever, and Tee Higgins should look better as he puts a hamstring injury behind him. We’ve seen the Bengals’ offense put up some big numbers against Baltimore, but consider me a believer in the Ravens’ defense being able to match up well against those star wide receivers this time. Bennett Conlin, editor Ravens 35, Bengals 24: The Bengals have struggled defensively this season, but they’ve also faced high-powered offenses led by star quarterbacks (Patrick Mahomes and Jayden Daniels) in two of their three losses. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, Lamar Jackson doesn’t offer a reprieve. It’s hard to see how a defense ranking last in the NFL in pass rush grade and ninth-worst in tackling (Pro Football Focus) will stop Jackson and a Ravens offense seemingly hitting its stride. Look for Baltimore to find success in both the running and passing game Sunday against Cincinnati. The Bengals will need to keep up on the scoreboard, but I’m not sure they can. View the full article Quote
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